international awards

THE BEST OF
THE YEAR
And the nominees are...

The state of the economy and a general lull between Euro-5 and
Euro-6 have conspired to ensure that this won’t go down in history as
a classic year for CV launches. However, those new trucks and vans that
have arrived can still fight to be the best, and this year they are joined
by an experimental category for pickups. UK jury members Andy Salter
and Brian Weatherley report on the contenders.

32 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 09/09/10 For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com

 For further information: www.roadtransport.com

shortlist: International Truck of the Year

New truck launches haven’t
exactly been thick on the
ground this year…however,
the shortlist for the 2011
International Truck of the Year
has thrown up an intriguing
choice for the judges.
It hasn’t been a vintage year for truck
launches. Rather, for recession-hit
manufacturers, it’s been a time to push those
grandiose plans onto the back-burner. When
customers aren’t buying, why launch trucks
they can’t afford? Decades of consolidation in
the industry have also left us with fewer
manufacturers, which in turn reduces the
number of launches each year. Moreover, as
vehicles become ever-more reliable and
durable, renewal cycles have inevitably been
stretched to reflect that fact. Indeed, the
top-of-the-range model from the market leader
in tractors in Europe – DAF – has a cab that’s
been around in one form or another since
1987. So the contenders for the 2011
International Truck of the Year (IToY) is a ‘short
list’ indeed, as there are just three. However, it’s
a diverse trio. And here they are, with CM’s tips
for any punter looking to lay-on a bet…

M-b Atego (including hybrid)

If Truck of the Year was decided on potential sales volumes, then the
Atego’s odds would be considerably shortened – but it isn’t. Yet the latest
Euro-5 versions of Merc’s six-to-16-tonne middleweight should still interest
the judges. On the outside, its front-end has gained the same ‘family-look’
as the Axor and Actros. Inside, trim options and fittings have been
tweaked with improved all-round storage too. The Atego’s steering wheel
has also gained control buttons as standard, so you interrogate the
on-board computer or adjust the radio without taking your eyes off the
road. The Atego can be specced with Merc’s engine stop/start system to
save fuel in urban distribution applications by up to 2.8%, which should
appeal to any operator looking to hold their fuel-bill in check. Moreover,
when it’s running as a drawbar, the latest Atego can be fitted with Merc’s

VOLVO FMX
newly developed permanent integral magnet retarder, which can reduce
a driver’s reliance on his service brakes by up to 60%. The pneumatically
activated unit weighs just 39kg, but provides a maximum braking power
While housebuilding and capital projects aren’t exactly thick on the of up to 180kW. Throw in new support packages for repair and break-
ground, Volvo clearly sees a market for its beefy, ‘built for purpose’ FMX. down services, recovery and accident assistance, right through to driver
But how relevant is it to the average operator? If you need a bullet-proof services, legal assistance and logistics services and an additional
tipper for tough muckaway work, the FMX certainly looks the part, thanks chassis guarantee, valid throughout Europe for three years/one-million km,
to its revised front-end cab styling with a three-part steel bumper, rugged and the Atego’s overall attractions shine through.
skid plate and protective bull bar. Throw in headlamp mesh protectors, a
higher-mounted fuel tank, new anti-slip steps, more practical wing
mirrors and a ladder that allows you to climb up and look into the body,
and its off-road credentials look impressive. Changes to I-Shift ensure
that Volvo’s popular two-pedal auto can handle the rigours of site work
– thanks to a new Power+ mode delivering more revs when hill-climbing,
a ‘hold-gear’ function to stop unwanted up-shifts, and a ‘rocking’ mode to
get you out of the sticky stuff. Should you ever need pulling out of the
clag, the 25-tonne-capacity tow hitch will be a welcome addition too. The
latest D11 engine (available from 330hp-450hp) is an attractive lighter-
weight alternative to Volvo’s 13-litre lump. Life has been made easier for
bodybuilders too, with pre-installed wiring for lights, etc, and the option of
50mm increments on the rear overhang, negating the need to ‘trim’ the
chassis back when fitting the rear tipping hinge and body.

Volvo’s new tipper is 100% mission-matched. And there

CM’S
TIP are elements in the overall FMX package that ‘regular’
FM multi-wheeler buyers will also want – like its off-road
I-Shift. Only we can’t help feeling the FMX is over-specced for the
average British tipperman. But it is International Truck of the Year
after all, so put the FMX down as a 12:1 possible that could sneak
through on the rails.
CM’S The Mercedes-Benz Atego is the dark horse for IToY 2011.
TIP It’s not as glamorous as the Scania, or as rugged as the
Volvo, but for sheer fleet-friendliness, it has a lot going for it.
The last middleweight rigid to win IToY was in 2006 when the award
went to the MAN TGL. So could the timing be right for the Mercedes
Atego? Definitely worth a long-odds punt.

For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com 09/09/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 33

2011 awards the best of the year

scania v8
When you’ve just launched ‘The World’s Most Powerful
Series Production Truck’, you can expect the world to sit up
and take notice. With its latest 16.4-litre, 730hp ‘Big Banger’
topping off its revised V8 line-up, Scania will clearly attract the
IToY jury’s attention.
But is that reason enough to make it Truck of the Year? The
real users of the R 730 will be the handful of STGO operators
regularly moving 200-tonnes-plus (and Scandinavian timber
hauliers). Engineering-wise, the R 730’s all-new compacted
graphite iron (CGI) block looks interesting, sharing many of
the features of Scania’s smaller 13-litre in-line sixes, including
its XPI common-rail fuelling system (developed jointly with
Cummins), as well as pistons, cylinder heads and liners.
The 730hp V8 also gets its own special trim package
befitting a fire-breathing flagship, including leather seats,
special badging, xenon headlights, etc. Behind the 730hp
vee sits a beefed-up 14-speed GRSO925 synchro box with the latest IToY judges aren’t emotionless automatons. So expect
CM’S
two-pedal Opticruise gear-changing system (launched last year) fitted
as standard – doubtless to help prevent driveline abuse. TIP ‘The World’s Most Powerful Series Production Truck’ to
deliver the goods if the jury votes with its collective
Meanwhile, if you don’t need 730hp and 3,500Nm of torque, the ‘trucking’ heart, rather than an accountant’s head. Yes, it’s a niche
previous range of 15.6-litre V8s at 500hp, 560hp and 620hp is carried product. Yes, it’s irrelevant to fleet operators. Yes, we shouldn’t
over for Euro-5. The real question with the new Scania V8 range is will the believe all the hype. But be prepared for the bookies to make it
judges be swayed by the R730’s power-play? odds-on favourite. There’s no replacement for displacement.

shortlist: International Van of the Year

The International Van of the Year
shortlist may be very short this
year, but that shouldn’t detract
from the quality. UK jury member
Andy Salter assesses the chances
of the three protagonists.
m-b Vito
The Vito gets a mild styling makeover making it the most powerful van when
this autumn to coincide with the launch it goes on sale in the UK at the end of
of the new Euro-5 engine line-up. On this year.
the outside, the facelift features new
headlights, grille, bumpers and
CM’S They say you should always

The nominations have closed for the 2011

tail-lights, while the interior benefits
from an improved dashboard layout, TIP back the outsider in a
three-horse race, but maybe
International Van of the Year and the 23-strong with what the manufacturer calls not this time. We like the Vito as a product,
jury of leading commercial vehicle journalists ‘simpler controls’, and a new colour but it doesn’t have the credentials for 2011
must now decide which of the vehicles is deemed scheme throughout. Van of the Year glory.
to have made the greatest contribution to the Under the bonnet
efficient carriage of goods by road. The judges, sits Mercedes’ latest
representing countries throughout Europe, will range of four- and
hand over the prestigious accolade to the winner six-cylinder diesel
at the Hannover commercial vehicle exhibition engines that are
on 21 September. This year’s prize fighters take cleaner and more
the form of the new Fiat Doblò Cargo, economical than the
Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Renault/Vauxhall outgoing units, and
Master/Movano. While the Mercedes is a mild the entire range meets
refresh and has yet to make its UK market debut, the Euro-5 emissions
the other two vehicles were launched to the standard. There’s now
UK public at the CV Operator Show in a broader spectrum of
Birmingham and enter the ring with strong power outputs raging
credentials for a good clean fight. from 95hp up to a
colossal 258hp –

34 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 09/09/10 For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com

 For further information: www.roadtransport.com

SHORTLIST
Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano
We know it’s not the cleanest of fights when you have two
products ganging up on the opposition, but hey, if it’s good enough
for the government… There’s been plenty of debate among jury
members about whether these two vehicles should be treated
separately, but when the only difference between the two products
is in the grille design, you can see the logic.
It will be interesting to see if the Nissan version makes it onto the
shortlist for 2012.
You have to go all the way back to 1998 for the last time the
Master/Movano picked up the top prize, and we’re pleased to
report the new incarnation is a substantially improved machine.
This is the culmination of a four-year development plan between
Renault and Vauxhall, giving both companies an offering in the van
sector up to 4.5 tonnes GVW.
For the first time, a rear-wheel-drive version is on offer at
3.5 tonnes with decent payload, and a significant rethink of the
interior ensures the van has plenty of versatility for a variety of uses. The space between the wheelarches ensures the ubiquitous
Maintenance costs are reduced by 40% through an improvement Europallet can be accommodated with relative ease, while sliding
in service intervals, as well as a number of durability measures, doors both sides are available to suit all access requirements.
including the shift from a timing belt to a chain in the 2.3-litre engine Load-lashing points are built into the floor, and the sides of the van
and a 20% improvement in brake durability. are pre-drilled for racking or other accessories.
In-cab, there’s storage aplenty, with a number of nice touches.
For instance, the fold-out clipboard from the dashboard will be Whether the new Master/Movano substantially takes
CM’S
welcome by multi-drop drivers who need somewhere handy to
keep their notes, while the laptop housing in the centre seat will suit TIP Renault and Vauxhall clear of the pack in the panel van
sector, and thus really demonstrates its credentials for an
service engineers. Deep door pockets and umpteen other award such as this, is open to discussion. However, we suspect
cubbyholes and bins ensure there’s space to put all your kit. the judges will be wooed by the new Renault-Vauxhall tag team
At the business end, the van is available with a maximum 17m3 and, after a long hard slog, will give it the points decision – but it will
loading space in high-roof, long-wheelbase format. be close.

Fiat Doblò Cargo

While the styling might not suit everyone’s
tastes, the Doblò Cargo comes with a very
strong list of credentials that should attract the
judges’ interest. The outgoing model was
crowned top van in 2006, and with 97% of the
componentry changed in the new one, there’s
only the name and a few other bits and bobs
that carry on the original’s tradition. But things
have only got better, as the new Doblò Cargo
(as we’ve reported on previously) is a major
step forward.
Maximum payload is an unrivalled 1,000kg
in the long-wheelbase Maxi Van version,
which is more than the high-volume versions
of the Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy
Maxi offer, while the 4.2m3 of loadspace also
puts it towards the top of the league among its
contemporaries – VW offers the same 4.2m3,
while Ford claims 4.4m3, although the Connect
needs its passenger seat folded flat to hit that
figure.
The interior dimensions of the Doblò Cargo
are also impressive, with a width between the
wheelarches of 1,230mm and a rear door
aperture to match – you’d be surprised how
often that’s not the case. The wheelarches
give minimal loadspace intrusion and the
sliding side door has an impressive 700mm-
wide aperture to aid loading.
Under the bonnet, the van is powered by a
choice of petrol or diesel motors, although the
former is rarely seen in UK specs these days.
The entry diesel model comes with the 90hp
1.25-litre diesel, packing 200Nm of torque.
Next comes the 105hp, 290Nm 1.6-litre diesel,
while the range is topped off by the new
135hp 2.0-litre motor giving 320Nm of torque.
The latter is only available in emissions-
beating Euro-5 standard, while the other
motors are also available at Euro-4. At Euro-5,
all Doblò Cargos now get Start&Stop auto
shut-off and restart technology as standard.
This cuts the engine when the vehicle is
stationary, restarting again automatically when
the driver asks for power, and can cut fuel
consumption by up to 15%, claims Fiat, as
well as giving a 4% CO2 reduction.
The Fiat Doblò Cargo is bidding
CM’S
TIP for a quick-fire follow-up to its 2006
success in this contest, but
when up against the 3.5-tonne panel van,
lightweight vans don’t have a good hit rate
in the Van of the Year contest. That said,
pound-for-pound, it’s got the credentials to
tackle its more muscular competitor, but may
get floored by a sucker punch.

For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com 09/09/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 35

2011 awards the best of the year

shortlist: International Pickup Award

The inaugural International
Pickup Award will be
handed over at the IAA
Hannover Show later this
month. Andy Salter casts his
eye over the contestants.

While the van and truck sector may have

been bereft of new launches over the past
12 months, many pickup manufacturers
have taken the opportunity to update their
ranges. Recognising this, several members
of the International Van of the Year jury
organised a group test of the major players in the pickup sector to elect usual operational efficiency attributes that contribute to the selection of
a winner of the first Pickup Award; this too will be handed over at the the Van and Truck of the Year. Seven contenders lined up for the battle,
Hannover Show on 21 September. with representatives from Ford, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota
Thanks to the team at Mondello Park in Kildare, Ireland, for the loan of and Volkswagen. All the products gave an excellent account of
their demanding off-road circuit for the day, the jury was able to put all themselves and to say this contest is wide open would be an
the products through their paces. The criteria for selection was a understatement, with all the judges we spoke to at the test giving a
combination of good off-road manners, durable design, as well as the different view of their top three selection.

Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50

Revamped in 2009 with a freshen up of the interior and some
performance enhancements, the Ford Ranger is manufactured in
Malaysia and is also offered with a Mazda badge, where it takes the
name BT50. Ranger has a great reputation as a hard-working,
durable product, but it’s low on thrills and doesn’t offer the comfort of
some of the others on trial.
That said, the engine performance is excellent and very responsive
under the right boot when asked to get you out of trouble.

In a competitive field, power of the brand might push it into

CM’S
TIP the top three.

Isuzu d-max
A minor tart-up for the Isuzu D-Max keeps the product fresh. A very
impressive machine, high on driver comfort without losing touch with the
underfoot conditions.
It’s a lovely assured vehicle when taken into the deep mud and the
engine performance allows you to make fast progress when the whips
are up. However, it feels like a big heavy machine and not the most
nimble vehicle of those on the shortlist. The slick auto shift did not
handicap off-road performance, and the ability to switch between
4x2 and 4x4 at speeds up to 100kph is a plus.

One of our favourites to make the podium in this group,

CM’S
TIP but might not be fashionable enough to gather votes for
gold.

36 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 09/09/10 For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com

 For further information: www.roadtransport.com

SHORTLIST
Mitsubishi L200 Toyota hilux
Had we held this test and election at any point in the past 10 years, the
Hilux would have been odds-on to have scooped the top award, such
has been the product’s position at the head of the market in our
opinion. Things have moved on in the past couple of years and the
Toyota pickup’s success is no longer assured. Indeed, while it remains
a thoroughly competent machine, it was one of the only vehicles that
struggled to do our ‘easy’ off-road track in two-wheel drive, proving a
real handful. Off-road tyres may have helped the cause, although there
were others wearing
the same rubber
without having the
same problems.

It will be a
CM’S
The Mitsubishi best off-road comfort of all these on trial, flattening
out the ruts and potholes with ease on the fast off-road conditions. TIP shock if the
Toyota’s past
At 175hp and 400Nm, it is the most powerful of the vehicles on trial, glories see it across the
which saw it come into its own for on-road performance. Not our line ahead of this
favourite for off-road driving, but like the Isuzu, the L200 was not competitive field.
disadvantaged by having it on the spec sheet. Mitsubishi’s version

Volkswagen Amarok
of ESP is not as sensitive as the Navara, and off-road this paid
dividends.

We’ll be surprised if the L200 isn’t fighting for honours in All the testers were eagerly awaiting their turn in the new Volkswagen
CM’S
TIP the final shake-up. Amarok, and going into the contest we’d have marked it up as favourite
to scoop gold. That may still be the case, but the Amarok isn’t so far
ahead of the competition as we’d been led to believe. Indeed, the

Nissan Navara
gearshift is distinctly notchy and there was unexpected feedback
through the steering over the ruts, which we never felt in the other
front-runners. The interior layout is a delight, though, with a very
spacious interior, good seats and bags of room for the second row
of seats in the double-cab version.

The seating comfort and seating position of the updated Nissan

Navara means you immediately feel at ease behind the wheel,
allowing you to take full advantage of a pickup that oozes assurance
when put to work off-road. Of the vehicles on trial, the Navara was the Still the favourite to scoop the first International Pickup of the
CM’S
only machine to bottom out in the deep off-road conditions, mainly
because of the brackets holding running boards along the side of the TIP Year award, but by no means a shoe-in.

vehicle, but a ‘best on test’ interior and layout allows the product to
claw some points back.
RBI Road Transport Group publisher Andy Salter and Biglorry-
Towards the top of this tester’s shortlist due to strong styling blog editor Brian Weatherley are the UK judges for International
CM’S Van of the Year and International Truck of the Year respectively.
TIP and good seating support. Will other judges share this
view? For more information on IToY go to www.truck-of-the-year.com

For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com 09/09/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 37