Road Tests & Reviews: Dennis Eagle Elite 2 Euro 4

Britain’s longest-established motor manufacturer, now well into its second century, the Dennis brand moves into 2007 and Euro-4 with a new owner (Spanish firm Ros Roca) and a new engine supplier. Its long relationship with Cummins has been put aside in favour of a deal with Volvo. The longer, taller and 190kg heavier MD7 engine has created the need for significant engineering changes beneath the skin, but apart from minor body modifications and a new AdBlue tank, the buyer should never notice.

The six-wheel chassis has the full gamut of permutations, 6x4 and 6x2s with mid-lift, mid-steer and rear-steer. These permutations are effectively doubled by wide and narrow track options.

As you’d expect from a niche specialist, the Elite demonstrates great attention to detail, such as the integrated beacons.

With Dennis, of course, you do have the opportunity to buy your chassis and body from the same maker, and around half the buyers of each component do so.