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Scania R Series While the R Series launch hasn't met
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with universal praise the Scania brand still commands a premium price and high driver acceptability in the UK market. With the R Series focus firmly on in-cab comfort and vehicle driveability. the new model has answered manyformer critics. Better seating comfort, reduced engine hump and improvements to the cab layout all combine to put the R Series back among the top tractor contenders.
Three engine choices available 11.12 and 15litre —giving power outputs from 340 up to 580hp, the 12-litre at 420hp is our pick of the bunch for UK operations. Opticruise manual transmission is effective enough, but lacks the functionality of others and still requires the clutch pedal. Safety and security are a high priority of both Swedish builders and Scania is now making ground with its electronic stability package.
Excellent brand perception Focus on driver comfort Auto box is a market also-ran Pricey VERDICT Leading contender in the sector
Volvo FM
FH's baby brother, the FM tractor, is aimed squarely at the fleet sector, though high-roof Globetrotter version combined with high payload potential makes FM an interesting long-haul proposition. With the cab lower mounted than in the FH the FM seems more workman-like and manoeuvrability is improved due to a sense of being amongstthe action. In-cab comfort is not up to FH levels.
Power comes from 09, 9-litre unit in the FM9 and 012, 12-litre in the predictably named FM12, with ratings from 260 to 460hp. Volvo's manual transmission has always been rather heavy in the shift, though the new easy-shift VT transmission has improved things—the I-Shift auto offering takes away all the strain.
Good build quality
Globetrotter cab improves living space Not lightest on market Standard cab short on space VERDICT Needs to be considered as fleet purchase