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Renault places a Premium on class
Page 20
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by John Kendall • "Just right"...“Workmanlike and nothing fancy" were among the comments made by UK hauliers at the Renault Premium launch last week. Since then we've had a chance to drive a Long Distance Privilege in Normandy.
Renault has made a great deal of the ease of access to the Premium cab. The first step is some 500mm above the ground and the steps are angled away from the driver like a step ladder; a feature shared with the Scania 4-Series. Combined with a steering column which can be easily tilted forward and the usual deflation button for the air-suspended driver's seat, entry is easier than in many rival cabs.
Air-operated
The steering column adjusts in the same way as the Volvo A touch on a foot-operated button by the driver's seat releases the air-operated lock and enables the steering wheel to be tilted or raised to the required position. All the usual seat adjustments are there too and we found it easy to find a coinfortable driving position.
The instruments are clearly laid out directly in front of the driver, but the same arrange
ment is used for left and righthand-drive models which means the tacho is offset to the left, out of the driver's immediate sightline. Otherwise the layout is hard to fault. The switchgear is similarly logical and simple, while using car switchgear and fittings helps to reduce that bigtruck feel and reduce the controls to a human
Our LHD demonstrator offered adequate space for the driver, but the offset engine means that the right-hand footwell is narrower by a couple of inches. We shall have to wait until we drive a right-hooker to see if it makes any difference.
Unfortunately the test trailer was unladen so it was difficult to draw conclusions about the new II-litre 380hp engine's abilities. Not surprisingly, it performed briskly when running empty, rendering the 18-speed splitter box unnecessary.
We were impressed with wind-noise suppression—noise from around the front corners of the cab never became noticeable on the mixed route we drove. The engine is generally well muffled but we found the turbowhistle intrusive. Like other Euro-2 engines combustion noise is greater than for Euro-I engines and the engine is the greatest source of noise inside the cab.
The Privilege cab has four point air-suspension and, like the Magnum, this helps deliver a very impressive ride. Considering that we were running unladen, bounce and roll were very well controlled.
Impressed
Overall, we were impressed. Rivals who have not seen Renault as a force to be reckoned with should think again— the signs are that the Premium could finally put Renault on the UK map.
It looks good enough to compete in the tough fleet tractor market on an equal footing with the best; we look forward to bringing you a full test in the near future.