New Vehicles Man Moves Up A Gear

MAN has showed off the new refreshed interiors for its heavy trucks range for next year. At a ride and drive event in Spain in early October, the media was given the opportunity to experience some of the new models.

At a ride and drive event in Spainto show off its updates to its heavy truck range, MAN laid on several vehicles for the media to drive.

TSN took an 18.460 out for a loaded run. Grossing at 40 tonnes GVW on a 2+3 combination, this model is likely to be one of the most popular variants that appeals to UK hauliers, so we were keen to see how the truck coped.

Powered by the 12.4-litre, 460hp engine, the truck delivers 2,300Nm of torque in the 930-1,350rpm range. The terrain we took the vehicle over from the start at Monserrat was demanding, and the fact it was sedate, but surefooted, as the 18.460 tackled the climbs, will give fuel to the fire for those demanding bigger power engines. In fairness, MAN most definitely does that – with 500, 560 and 640hp alternatives, but, for those who – across the typical spectrum of UK terrain - feel that a 440/460hp truck is fine, then there is nothing to say the MAN is not up to the job.

The arguments over big power will rage of for eternity – a bigger engine theoretically puts less stress on key components and requires less use of the boot to get the acceleration needed to get the load rolling – and so uses less fuel. Smaller engines are lighter and cheaper and while overall journey times will be longer, overall cost is often reduced, hence more profit.

The truck’s cruise control and exhaust brake were both excellent – you can set the speed to what you require to meet traffic and road conditions and the truck will not run away when it meets any downhill sections. It makes driving effortless and very enjoyable. The responsive steering, and a steering wheel which is a sensible size, also make driving these new trucks very pleasurable indeed.

Inside