Just because it doesn’t have the imposing profiles and impressive specifications of the Mercedes-Benz Actros models, the Mercedes-Benz Atego shouldn’t described as the “overlooked” member of the Daimler truck family.
The updated and expanded Atego range is now available in Australia with the line-up including trucks ranging from 12,000kg GVM to 16,000kg GVM and includes an all-new model rated at 14,800kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and 34,000kg Gross Combination Mass (GCM). Dubbed the ‘1427’, this new model has 272hp of power and 1,100Nm of torque and an eight-speed automated transmission.
Although it features expected Mercedes-Benz levels of comfort, technology, reliability and fuel efficiency, the Atego has been positioned to keenly compete with its rivals in an Australian market sector mostly populated by Japanese brands.
After spending a few hours behind the wheel of an Atego driving around some of Melbourne’s ever-expanding industrial areas, the conclusion is that this is a versatile and well-thought through truck which exudes the latest in safety and driver assistance systems and has been put together with class-defining Daimler build quality.
The Atego now features the S-Cab ClassicSpace Extended 2.3 metre wide cab, which compared to the previous models, provides a more spacious environment for the driver and passengers as well as additional room behind the seats which, although not of sleeper dimensions is adequate for items such as tools, wet weather gear or lunch box coolers.
There is a window in the back wall of the cab. In keeping with Daimler Trucks’ global quality standards, during the manufacturing process the cabs are double zinc coated and undergo cathodic dip priming prior to receiving their factory paint for optimal corrosion protection.
An impressive feature of the new Atego cab-chassis range is its versatility, with available wheelbases ranging between 3,010mm and 6,660mm, accommodating a wide variety of applications including tippers, metropolitan goods deliveries, flat beds, tilt trays and elevated work platforms.
Specifications
The Atego is powered by the OM936 7.7 litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with available outputs between 230hp and 300hp and meets Euro VI emission standards through the use of the familiar AdBlue Supplementary Catalytic Reduction system.
The road test truck is an Atego 1224 model fitted with the 240hp/1,000Nm version of the engine, backed with the Daimler PowerShift3 six-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
The test weight is just under 10 tonnes, which is around 80 per cent of the 12 tonne GVM for this model, and a realistic example of what this truck would weigh when it sets out on the beginning of an urban delivery route. This unit has a GCM of 34 tonnes, so a pup or even a small dog trailer can be hitched to enable the transport of additional freight.
Despite the weight we have onboard, the transmission’s shifting is impressively smooth, even performing the occasional skip upshift where the engine’s torque is capable of handling it, such as on the flat. A short run along a freeway as part of our route shows 100km/hr can be maintained in top gear with engine ticking over at just 1,800rpm, which should result in good overall fuel economy.
Daimler Trucks has partnered with Melbourne body builder, Alltruck Bodies, to create a ready for work solution for buyers and to enable a ‘single invoice’ transaction between the dealer and the customer for a complete unit rather than simply a cab-chassis. The evaluation unit is equipped with one of Alltruck’s typical urban delivery curtain-siders.
Interior fit-out
The Atego’s cabin interior is refreshingly sophisticated ergonomically. The driver’s seat is air suspended with wide cushions and a cloth finish which is ideal for metropolitan delivery situations where the driver may be getting in and out of the cab numerous times each shift, often after unloading various articles of freight by hand. It’s nice to settle into a comfortable seat which can be easily adjusted along with the steering wheel to suit the physical requirements of every driver.
The centre seat has a proper three-point seatbelt which is an improvement over the sash belts found in other three-seater trucks. The seat flips to provide a handy work space for writing or using a laptop. There’s a driver’s airbag and other safety and convenience features including automatic wipers and headlights. The Driver Attention Assist system has been refined to nullify the incidence of false alarms and the Lane Keeping Assist feature is subtle yet firm in its operation.
Electronically adjustable dual airbag rear suspension manages the load and provides an excellent ride in conjunction with the parabolic leaf set up at the front. The rear axle has a diff lock if things become slippery and traction is not ideal.
The Atego has as standard equipment an extensive suite of safety features including all-wheel disc brakes controlled by the Active Brake Assist 6 system incorporating Advanced Emergency Braking System which has the capability to autonomously brake the truck to a complete standstill if the driver doesn’t respond to the audible and visual alerts of a potential impact. This is an impressive feature which would only come into play in the event of extreme fatigue or a driver’s ‘medical episode’ but it’s reassuring to know it’s there.
Efficiency
The Atego’s braking system also incorporates Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist and Traction Control.
Thanks to the Active SideGuard Assist 2 system, the Atego can also autonomously brake when it senses vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, especially if they are in the areas at the front and left side of the cab and may be obscured to the driver when the truck is starting off or turning left.
This latest generation of Active Sideguard Assist provides even better support when changing lanes, overtaking and turning in complex situations as often can be encountered performing urban deliveries and high traffic volume.
The front wheel cut angle on the Atego provides a very tight turning circle relative to the truck’s wheelbase which helps make full use of the radars monitoring both sides and the front when manoeuvring in tight situations.
The reversing camera also comes in handy when every metre of space when turning counts.
In the current political and economic climate fuel efficiency and capacity have taken on a new importance. The Atego is fitted with a 325 litre fuel tank and a 35 litre AdBlue tank, with the option of an additional 325 litre diesel tank.
The extensive list of optional wheelbase and driveline specifications makes the Atego range extremely customisable to perfectly suit the range of applications envisaged any purchaser.
