On The Road
This test once again challenges the theory that trucks offering less than 10hp/tonne can offer decent fuel economy and comfortable running. But the more we do on A-roads with this type of truck, the more we admire the way in which they cope with adversity.
The Premium 420 dCi bears this out, even though its time around the A-road section did hurt the overall fuel figure. If you work in the Highlands, across mid-Wales or anywhere else that requires a truck to dig deep, then fuel economy is going to suffer.
However, that is not to say that WU52 YLC let us down. It dug deep every time and delivered, offering a comfortable ride under duress coming up Dolfor Hill out of Newton and up the short, sharp Dinmore hill. With the peaks in sight you can run down to 900, even 850 rpm, to get over the top, and by taking half gears you can pull yourself up even quicker.
The bare facts show that with 9.22hp/tonne it has to work hard, and that comes at a cost. Its best environment is dual carriageways and motorways; here we matched bigger, more powerful trucks mile for mile and the figure proved its worth as a fleet truck.
The 1,000 – 1,500rpm green band is accurate, so unless you meet something unusual on the road its parameters are fine. At 40mph on A-roads it will cope with the flat and slight gradients at 1,050rpm. Any noticeable rises in gradient require a change, so do It early and you’ll be fine. It is your call on whether a half or full gear change is required – but ether way it keeps momentum.
Arguably a 16-speed transmission offers too many choices low-down, but the top end provides the right ratio for all circumstances; on the flat we found 2H, 4H and then 6L to 7L ideal. The gearbox was still tight but the synchros seemed a little worn.
The slap-over pattern means you have to take that extra second to allow it to settle back into formation, but on the one time we did this (5H down to 3H coming off the roundabout at A44 towards Leominster) it delivered. The clutch had a high biting point and the transmission – even after a cold night in Llandrindod Wells – wasn’t tight or sticky in the morning.
Cab Comfort
WU52 YLC’s Privilege cab follows the ‘spacious but Spartan’ school of cab design. It has a low, flat engine tunnel, one bunk, a hammock and two seats, with a high roof for the lanky among us. The analogue tachograph is by the driver’s right knee and the radio cassette is overhead. There are two storage panels above the windscreen, and extra storage under the bunk.
However, there is little provision for drinks other than a slot by the bunk. The door pocket is slender and around the dash only pens, phones and sweets can be stored without fear of popping out – even the Renault laptop and clipboards had to sit on the engine cover. If thing are needed to hand, there is nowhere to place them without risk of them slipping down to the footwells.
Overall the condition of this cab reflected its age. The dark colours on the bunk, floor, engine cover and dash covered up any damage at first glance. Closer inspection showed no more than minor wear and tear for its four years’ service affecting items like the silver badge above the driver’s steps.
The bottom bunk looked clean; functional ergonomics and that dark interior really enhanced the cab's appearance.
