Road Tests:
MERCEDES-BENZ ATEGO LIGHT TRUCK
A smart restyle and some subtle modifications a few years ago, including a new engine, raised the Atego's status considerably. And this updating process included a serious reshaping of the range, offering plenty of variety.
Like the rest of the Benz family you can expect solid construction and proven mechanicals, but this is also to the detriment of kerb weight when compared to its closest rivals - GVWs range from 6.5 to 15 tonnes.
The decent cab comes with plenty of variety, allowing you to customise it to your requirements. For instance, there's a sleeper cab with medium or high roof and a day cab with optional extended rear wall.
These can be matched to four engines, with power ratings of 110 and 130hp from the four-cylinder, while the six-cylinder version produces 170 and 205hp.
MERCEDES-BENZ ATEGO DISTRIBUTION:
Mercedes' rationalised light and middleweight naming structure means Atego provides the offering up to 16 tonnes GVW.
The Atego has an air of solidity, which is a mixed blessing, although the weight issues that afflict it at 7.5 tonnes become less of a problem higher up the weight range. On the positive side, it's as tough as old boots. No fewer than four cab options should provide a permutation for every operation.
Despite its last revamp, which brightened up the appearance, the interior is still a relatively austere environment, but everything is there and will probably be working for a long time hence.
Unusually for this category of truck, there are three different levels of dashboard specificiation on the options list, providing the best solution for various operating conditions. Four and six-cylinder engines and three different manual gearboxes provide even more choice.
MERCEDES-BENZ ATEGO TRACTOR:
Another AdBlue Euro-4 player, Merc's entry-level model is the urban Atego with three driveline options and two gearboxes. It is designed for 28 tonnes gross. More familiar is the Axor, which starts with a 36-tonne GVW 4x2 and spreads out to a 6x2 for 44 tonnes.
The 2543LS is arguably the most familiar on Britain's roads and it was designed with our roads in mind. The Euro-5 is proving popular among environmentally aware operators. Market demands have moved the Axor away from its original role as a no-frills concept, but the public gets what the public wants.
M-B's Powershift automated transmission has crossed over from the Actros in slightly cut-down form, and will aid its appeal. Day, sleeper and high-roof cabs are on offer.
ENGINE OPTIONS:
LIGHT TRUCK:
4.25-lit, 156hp/610Nm, 177hp/675Nm; 4.8-lit, 218hp/810Nm;
6.37-lit, 238hp/850Nm.
DISTRIBUTION:
6.9-litre 6cyl, 236hp/925Nm, 276hp/1,100Nm;
7.2-lit, 6cyl 322hp/1,250Nm.
TRACTOR:
4.8-lit, 6cyl, 220hp/810Nm; 6.7-lit, 6cyl, 240hp/850Nm, 290hp/1,120Nm;
12.0-lit, 6cyl, 360hp/1,860Nm, 400hp/2,000Nm, 430hp/2,100Nm
