On The Road
We initially felt that when the going got tough, the extra ratios of the optional 16-speeder would have been beneficial, but the policy of letting the torquey engine lug down paid dividends in fuel consumption. If the view ahead showed a downshift to be advisable the Axor would willingly do its stuff from 850rpm. In fact the engine displayed remarkable pulling power throughout our time behind the wheel.
The “power-away” system works well up to a point, but once any significant slope is involved the electronics benefit from a judicious boot on the accelerator pedal. Getting the right balance between stalling and kangarooing takes a bit of familiarity.
The nine-speed gearbox is precise but takes a firm effort to move (getting reverse needs a hefty shove on occasion too)p; the ‘slap-across’ range-change is positive with no tendency to bounce back.
Testing the Axor’s hill restart and park brake abilities was restricted by the trailer’s rear under-run bar grounding on the approach to the test hills, so its actual performance will be better than recorded. The two-strange engine brake system (constant throttle brake initially, then joined by an exhaust butterfly) is quiet in operation but doesn’t really make a huge contribution on serious descents, even at higher revs.
The brake pedal displayed a disconcerting amount of travel during the test track emergency stop tests but the end results were impressive – and in normal use the pedal travel assumed more normal proportions. Even under normal braking cab nod is quite noticeable, becoming pretty dramatic in a panic stop.
The ride is definitely towards the firmer end of the scale, but only the worst road imperfections are transmitted to the driver. The up-side of that firm suspension is excellent handling and responsive steering.
Cab Comfort
Because of the cooling requirements of the upright six-cylinder engine the cab sits one step higher than it does in the Atego, but as the three steps sit proud of the cab side, access is easy. The Axor cab certainly contains elements of both Actros and Atego, but there are enough unique features to give it a suitably distinctive identity of its own.
The cab might be narrow on the outside but it’s still plenty wide enough on the inside. A well-specced air-suspended Isringhausen driver’s seat has integral belts and includes adjustment of the cushion and backrest angle, height and cushion length; it also takers account of the driver’s weight. With its grey/blue cloth trim, the seating would be fine in any comfortable car.
If the Axor’s soft furnishings are a little on the plush side for a fleet truck, at floor level things are more utilitarian, with a hose-clean floor covering that is commendably free of corners to trap dirt. The engine hump houses a plinth for the park brake, a 12V DIN socket and electric adjustment of the thermostatically controlled heated mirrors, next to a useful multi-compartment oddments tray which is also easy to clean (but allows hard objects to rattle annoyingly).
The instrument panel displays engine and road speed, brake and suspension air pressure and fuel tank contents. Coolant temperature, among many other functions, is integrated into the multi-function information display system. The instruments are generally a model of clarity but if you drive at night, you’ll have to think metric, as the speedometer’s mph markings are invisible in the dark.
The steering column has a self-locking tilt-and-reach mechanism. The right stalk accommodates the two-position engine brake and cruise control; lights, wipers and horn are on the busy left stalk.
A panel on top of the central dash forms a document/clipboard slot and hinges back to create a useful table top, while a pair of shallow shelves and spare DIN audio housings live above the screen. The secondary switch panel on the dash includes controls for the electric windows, diff-lock, work light and 12/24V power socket selection. Kienzle made the interim model tachograph but the RDS radio-cassette player is pure Mercedes.
Oddment storage on the front of the cab is provided by a small glove box, ashtray and cupholder, with a device which could be used as a small bin or flower vase, depending on your personal tastes and habits.
The single bunk has a pleasantly firm mattress and folding safety rail, with a net hammock above to hold bulky items. There’s plenty of space for one, although it can be a bit claustrophobic if the hammock is full, and the curtains are a little on the thin side.
Equipment includes a swivelling reading light and a remote switch for the standard Webasto night heater. There is plenty of storage space in four compartments beneath the bunk, with a further small externally accessed locker in the left wheelarch for wet or dirty kit.
