Road Tests: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2543LS

We met Steward Sievwright at the Crick BP Truck Stop in the Scania 113 Drawbar rig he drives for Westerman Transport out of Perth. “The engine is torquey at low revs and it’s comfortable to drive,” he said. “The way it pulls and handles, I wouldn’t have believed it is loaded to 41 tonnes. Once you get used to the gearbox it is very nice to use. Auto block changes take all the guesswork out of which gear to select in a roundabout, and I like the way you can change gear in cruise control. The brakes are positive and the foot controls light." Derek McIntyre from Essex jumped out of his MAN.403 into the M-B 2543. “What a lot of electrics,” he said jumping behind the wheel. “The seat is very comfortable and I like the arm rest. There is a nice amount of room. The full width of the cab could be used for lockers above the screen. The two-stage engine brake works well and is easy to use with the control of the steering column; the brakes are brilliant; they respond instantly and the noise level is not too bad either. The front screen is nice and big, but the mirrors are a little small now." Darren Hubbard drives a Scania 420 for HC Wilson out of Bury St Edmonds. “The wide door makes for easy access. I don’t like the steering wheel – it’s too upright for my tastes, but the driving position Is good. The power is certainly there when you need it. The way the engine pulls right down the rev range and back up again is very impressive. The gear change is not much slower than on the Scania. It’s lazy, but it’s good. Ride is softer and the trim is a bit plasticky, but having the same seats fitted both sides makes it ideal for double manning."