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IN FOCUS... NISSAN ATLEON
Page 45
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The Atleon is Nissan's 3.5to 15-tonne GVW chassis, currently available in left-hand-drive versions only. We expect a face-lifted RHO Euro-6 version of the Atleon to arrive in 2010, when it will be based on the Cabstar vehicle platform using the same lightweight chassis and componentry, but with a bigger, wider cab. The current Atleon is a rugged, uncompromising machine which although rudimentary-has won many friends throughout Europe, particularly in the south of the Continent. Registrations for 2007 numbered 4,728.
On start-up, the engine is noisy, and while those tones drop when you put the machine to work, in-cab noise levels are not this vehicle's strong point. Performance is fine, however; we had a 150hp 3.5-tonner for trial and the 3.0-litre engine proved nippy enough about town. This motor pushes out 360Nm of torque, which is plenty for operations up to 7.5 tonnes. For heavier weight or operations where performance is critical, Nissan also offers the Cummins ISBe engine up to 247hp. The Atleon's decent-sized cab has a light, airy feel, but not many other positives. Cheap plastic is over-used, the dash is old-fashioned and the steering wheel is very big.
All in all, Nissan has been doing the UK a favour by not bringing this machine to these shores and we await the new model with interest.