Published: Commercial Motor, 14 Nov 2002
No More Excusesby: Colin Barnett
The Mercedes-Benz Axor is obviously a product of the German truck industry, but it is also very much a product for the UK transport industry. Created to plug a large gap in M-B's tractive unit like-up, the Axor draws on both ends of the range and both sides of the Atlantic for its content. So what's the result: fish, fowl, or just a feathered flounder? We've got the answer.
Verdict
The Axor was either going to be the best of both worlds, or neither one thing or another. Fortunately for DaimlerChrysler's UK ambitions it falls more into the former camp. Its productivity and performance results are in there with the best of the sector, while its fleet-biased specification proves that simple doesn't have to mean Spartan.
With a genuine identity of its own, the Axor knows where it's going, and in doing so leaves the way clear for the Actros to go its own, more glamorous way too.
It's not often that we reach the end of a test and suggest you don't buy the subject, but in this case we will. Don't by an Axor 1840 - buy an Axor 1843 instead and cheat the residual value system.
And even if you're leasing, the figures will probably talk for themselves anyway. So now what's your excuse?
Vehicle Specifications
Mercedes-Benz Axor 1840LS
| Fuel Consumption: | 7.9mpg(35.6lit/100km) |
| Average speed: | 72.6km/h |
| Gross weight as tested: | 40,000kg |
| Net payload: | 31,100kg |
| Price as tested: | £48,266(ex-VAT) |
