Road Tests: Renault Magnum 440.19

Any operator looking for the type of truck that makes a statement already has a Magnum (or a bonneted import). The bgiger they are the more livery space is at your disposal - and objectively the Magnum 440's results make this a justifiable purchase on hard business grounds. The price is competetive and this level of space and comfort can only help driver loyalty - not to be sneezed at, considering the current shortage. The biggest debate could centre not on the Magnum's virtues, which are beyond doubt, but on which type of operator will buy it. The rising success of the 420 Premium dCi tractors will hardly improve the Magnum's penetration of the fleet sector and the 44-tonne question, while not dominating the issue, is still something to consider. But in terms of day-to-day operation the Magnum 330 is far more than an indulgence for owner-drivers. It managed a very good performance despite the wind and rain; there is no doubt that it is capable of a much better overall fuel figure in easier conditions. Now in its 11th year of production the Magnum is still going very strong. After setting the big-truck standard for more than a decade no newcomer has stolen its thunder - and it still packs as big a punch as Dirty Harry's .44.