Road Tests & Reviews: Renault Trucks Midlum (2000 - )

Road Tests:

• Renault Trucks, Renault Midlum, 22 Apr 2004

RENAULT MIDLUM LIGHT TRUCK:
With last year's makeover attending to all those points that we raised previously the Midlum is starting to take on contender status in this tightly staggered sector. Ranging from 7.7 to 18-tonne GVW, the DXi5 produces 160, 190 and 220hp while the DXi7 is rated at 240 and 280hp.

Renault reckons fuel consumption has been cut by 5% and maintenance costs by up to 15%. It claims to have the narrowest cab on the market at 2.1m wide.

The cab interior update included a dash-mounted gearshift, park brake and more overall organisation in its layout. However, the Midlum's traditional qualities have remained intact.

It's still one of the best drives in the class and the payload remains competitive.

RENAULT MIDLUM DISTRIBUTION:
Renault has rationalised its distribution models into the Distribution range - which seems fair enough - running from 7.5 to 26 tonnes. The all-new Midlum covers the lower end with the heavily modified Premium at the top - the ranges overlap between 16 and 18 tonnes.

The Midlum is the model of choice where payload and nimbleness are at a premium. It certainly represents the nearest we've seen to a clean-sheet design for a few years - just about the only components carried over are the gearboxes, and they've all gained new dash-mounted shifts.
There's a big choice of drivelines, including engines developed in collaboration with Deutz and Allison automatics.

Inside, Renault's traditionally well considered cab design makes life easy for the driver with options to suit varying needs. Air compressor management and longer service intervals will reduce running costs.