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A bigger, better box
Page 12
Page 13
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Next month's CV Show will, feature a 'new' Magnum. CM explores how much has changed
Words / Images: Brian Weatherley
OK, SO WE MIGHT be drifting close to falling foul of the Trades Description Act by describing this as a "first" drive of the Magnum. This, after all, is a truck which started life 17 years ago. But since Renault breathed life into the old dog back in 2005 with major chassis tweaks and a new Volvo-derived drivetrain, the Gallic giant has gained a fresh impetus. Yet we understand not all of Renaults European truck dealers felt the changes were sufficiently "visible" to call it new. Apart from gaining a new cab, it's difficult to see how you could make the Magnum look any different!
Raising the roof
However, at next month's Birmingham truck show there is a "new" Magnum, which should satisfy even the most demanding distributors, not to say longhaul drivers. What hasn't changed are the current engine options. Beneath the cab sits the same DXi13 six-pot at either 460 or 500hp with the choice of an Optidriver+ auto box. What has changed, ironically, is the Magnum's cab, although from the outside, it's still instantly recognisable.
For starters, its roof height has gone up 200mm — there's now 2m of unrestricted headroom throughout the cab. Next, the Magnum's in-cab storage space has been given a boost with new front overhead lockers that are three overhead unit is divided into three distinct "blocks", which together provide more than 200 litres of cupboard space, backed up by open shelves and trays that bring the total closer to 260 litres.
In the middle of the overhead unit is a massive cupboard with a lockable roller-shutter on it that's big enough for a microwave, coffee-maker or TV/DVD player (look out for this on the upcoming new Volvo FH). Underneath the lockers, the deep shelves are tailor-made for maps and a clipboard.
Amazing space
In addition to keeping the Magnum's trademark hanging wardrobe at the side of the cab, there's now an extra full-width 95-litre-capacity aircraft-style locker on the rear wall — a useful holdall for clothes. Below the locker are nets for night-time stuff or magazines. We've always rated the Magnum's stowage space, but we were constantly reminded of just how much there is in the new model, as we uncovered hidden drawers and trays we'd forgotten about or didn't even know existed.
Magnum buyers retain the choice of either a "Classiccab layout with a conventional bottom bunk, or the Multipass configuration, which has a bottom bunk that can be converted into an area with a table and two chairs for eating and relaxing. While the UK hasn't always had the same cab options as the rest of Europe. we're pleased to see this time around that whatever they get, we get including the Multipass, now specced in 40% of all Magnums.
Fine fit and finish
The latest interior colour scheme is less likely to show the dirt. Above all, CM is impressed by the new Magnum's fit and finish. The overhead lockers are solid in their mounting, and attention to detail includes backing plates for the locker lids that stop them flexing and rattling.
Yet all the changes are very much additional. For example. the useful locker, which is built into the top of the left-side wheel-arch is retained (in fact, you can get one on either side), is ideal for stowing a fire extinguisher, warning triangle and diesel gloves, while the previous model's exterior locker remains in place by the steps and is just right for straps and an oil can. At the front there's also an improved, fullwidth grab bar, making it easier to clean the big screen, and a wider bottom step to climb up. •
FRI., FOR THE LATEST NEWS MIT: www.roadtransport.comicm