BigLorryBlog

Given that the Black Beauty was only over here for a fortnight, and had a long list of engagements, I guess it was hardly surprising that the good people of Milton Keynes didn't want me to do some serious mud-plugging in it so my morning out was normal, over-the-road driving. But it's still great fun---a bit like driving an Atego 7.5-tonner (its GVW is 11.9-tonnes but with nowt on the back it tips the scales at seven) only with a Actros MegaSpace cab--you're that far off the ground and the view is terrific.

Here's a shot of its suspension (coil springs and dampers). With a short wheelbase, big tyres (Michelin XZL 445/ 65R22.5s pictured below) and no load it was (unsurprisingly) a tad bouncy but not unpleasant, not least as the leather clad suspension seat is very easy on the bum. Along with a terrific turning circle it's also very stable, the steering wheel is somewhat smaller than your average truck but the feedback is well above average. Being a left hooker you just need to remember to drive it well into the kerb so you can stop worrying about the offside.

The Euro-3 engine proved lively although the automated Telligent box was a bit lumpy when changing down coming to a halt. No doubt putting a Powershift auto behind a Euro-4 diesel would make for a touch smoother driveline. What did surprise me, however, was how quiet it was and how well behaved on-the-road too.

And here's the back end complete with chequer plate pick-up bed and monster roll bar (I didn't try it). Not surprisingly it caught the eye of everyone who saw it. Indeed two delivery drivers within the space of two hours of each other called out: 'I want one!' And who could blame them?

And here's a video walk-around of the Black Edition Unimog.