The Nik of time

The big Renault Range T-High continues to impress drivers with its blend of space, style and performance

- Lucy Radley

At a glance

Make & Model: Range T-High 520

Engine: DTi 13 12.9-litre Euro 6d

Power: 520hp @ 1400-1800rpm

Torque: 2550Nm @ 1000-1450rpm

Gearbox: Renault Opti-Driver 12-speed auto

Operator: BM Transport, County Monoghan, Ireland

‘‘I was just wondering if you’d be interested in showcasing my new Renault T-High 520 that I drive for BM Transport of Ireland...” Nik Bagnall’s email began. “I have the only Renault on the fleet at the moment with many additional lights and it’s started to turn some heads.” A quick flick through the pictures that were attached and we were hooked!

Think of BM Transport and most people will conjure up an image of their distinctive blue and white Scania and Volvo tractors, mainly seen pulling curtain side or flatbed trailers. In fact, it turns out they have eight Renault T-Highs these days, all based in the UK, in Coventry.

Nik Bagnall is just the first of many drivers to be impressed by the model. He’s one of the lucky ones, in that the chaos Covid inflicted on his life and work has turned out for the best. “I was on car transporters originally, doing 4-on-4-off, and there was a bit of concern as to whether we could get back to sharing the truck, if ever,” Nik explains. “I had a little boy, Zac, born in the middle of lockdown, so I’ve a six-month-old and Oscar, a four-year-old now, and I needed something to pay the bills.”