Fleeting Glances

In-Transit has run Mercedes-Benz and Ivecos side by side for over 10 years. We throw two of its latest 480 bhp Actros and Stralis into a head-to-head shoot-out

- Dougie Rankine

We visited In-Transit at the start of the year to photograph its head-turning new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed Arocs (Trucking, Summer). While we were there, we also took the opportunity to test a couple of its general haulage fleet in a head-to-head. The company has run many Iveco and Mercedes-Benz trucks over the last decade and enjoys reliable service from both makes. The MP4 Actros has been with us for five years now. It was introduced right at the end of Euro 5 and immediately made a huge impact. Its modern looks, spacious cabs and strong fuel economy figures saw the Actros quickly appear in large numbers on UK roads. While the old version was a capable truck, the new one was better packaged, better to drive and realised its full potential. It looks as fresh now as it did in 2012 and has been a resounding success for the German manufacturer.

The current Stralis appeared in 2013. The old Stralis launched in 2002 and brought with it a number of innovations including powerful 10- and 13-litre engines, an auto ’box as standard and a cleverly designed cab with fold-down table and rotating passenger seat.

Spacious and comfortable, but known for developing electrical gremlins and a ponderous gearshift, the Stralis gained a mixed reputation and the truck continues to suffer a bit of an image problem in the UK. This is changing, however, and once drivers spend time with a new Stralis they often don’t want to give them back.

In mainland Europe you’ll often find top-end versions of the Stralis adorned with the same level of equipment and customising as a Scania or DAF. It must be frustrating for Iveco here, as the current model is an extremely capable vehicle. It’ll be interesting to see how the new top-spec XP helps move the Stralis away from being mostly a fleet truck.