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Look out Renault is back with a brand new Premium
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— but is it ready to tackle Des CF and the Merc Axor?
Andy Salter went to find out.
Things have been a bit quiet at Renault of late. Since the launch of the new Magnum at the CV Show in April we've not heard much from the French truck manufacturer. Despite the arrival of a new MD late last year, its UK market share has been reluctant to rise and many operators have crossed the diamond logo off their shortlist of must-try marques.
Rest assured, that's all about to change. If your local Renault dealer invites you to try a new Premium in the next few months take them up on it because. this truck is worth some serious attention.
The key changes to the new Premium revolve around the cab and driveline,but there are also enough modifications to the chassis, braking and suspension combine to ensure that virtually every element of the Premium has been altered in its latest incarnation.
Driveline Kicking off with the driveline, the Premium now features a new 10.8-litre engine, the DXi 11. It's based on the 9.0-litre Volvo lump, with increases to bore, stroke and power. Continental operators can choose from 330.380 and 440hp options, but the weakest of the three won't be available in the power-hungry UK. The 380 comes with peak torque of 1,800Nm; the 400 gets you 2,000Nm.
For now, at least, the DXi 11 will only be offered in Euro-3 guise. Don't expect Euro-4 versions much ahead of the October 2006 F,uro-4 deadline; like its Volvo cousins, the Euro-4 DXi 11 will rely on SCR aftertreatment. It's also likely to get a power boost, perhaps to 480hp.
Sat behind the new 24-valve engine is a choice of manual or automated transmissions.The manual ZFEcosplit transmission is the standard fare; the Optidriver 2 can be yours for an extra 13,900.
Possibly in an attempt to justify that startling cost. Renault has bundled Optidriver with its new, and highly efficient, engine brake Optibrake, which offers 275kW of braking effort at 2,300rpm. Renault says it will make Optidriver standard when uptake reaches 60%.The Optidriver is very nearly at those levels in the Magnum and we expect it to become standard soon.
The old double-H gear pattern for the Premium's manual transmission has been abandoned in favour of a single-H affair, svith Renault claiming improvements to the shift.
Two new axles—a single reduction and a double reduction —complete the driveline and are available in a multitude of ratios.
Cab comfort
The other major change is to the cab, which has been treated to a thorough going over, inside and ourlbe cab frame is unchanged, but exterior mods include a new grille, bumper, wind deflectors and headlamps. giving the Premium a stronger presence on the road.The old model always looked a bit insipid, but that criticism can't be levelled at the new one.
Inside the changes are more extensive, with the instrument panel, dash, seats, trim and bunk all receiving attention.The instrument binnacle has a definite car look and feel to it apparently the look of the dash is down to the designers at Renault's car division— and it has been simplified.
The rev counter takes pride of place and the speedo is now a digital read-out.There's the obligatory scroll-through menu for driving and operational information, and the radio display is also housed in the instrument cluster.
As our pictures show, the dash gets a curve, as is the current fashion, to bring all switch gear and heater controls within easy reach.
The uncluttered engine tunnel gives adequate standing room, in high-roof models at least, and the bunk has been improved.
The car influence extends to the interior trim colour and material, which is a very bold move by Renault and one we think it will need to review soon.
Chassis and suspension Elsewhere, the mechanical front suspension (air is an option) has been redesigned to save 20kg; two-bag air is standard at the rear.
Braking is by electronically controlled discs all-round supplemented, as mentioned, by the Optibrake. A conventional exhaust brake offering 135kW of braking power comes as standard.
In addition the new Premium is equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) anti-rollover technology.
On the road Surely some mistake...a Renault engine that cheerfully lugs down to I ,000rpm on the hills without recourse to a gearchange? In Renaults of old we'd be hovering over the clutch pedal as the revs drained away to 1,200rpm, but the torquey DXi 11 engine has the character to dig in its heels and keep puffing.
Match this motor to the impressive Optidriver 2 transmission and not only do you not need to worry about gearshifting, but when the system does decide to go for a change it's smooth, fast and, on our drive, intuitive.
We had a couple of hours in the saddle of the new Premium at the recent press launch and, based on the evidence of a 100km run over mixed going, the French manufacturer has developed a decent truck for its market. On tickover the noise levels aren't the quietest on the market, but once rolling the engine noise recedes to a low growl and you're treated to an extremely comfortable drive.
Our test truck developed a lot of wind noise around the exterior sun visor, which was probably down to sloppy preparation rather than inconsistent build quality, though it is something you need to watch out for.
The steering is light yet controlled and the suspension set-up is more assured than its predecessor. Equipped with Optibrake and retarder, braking was never going Lobe an issue.The service brakes have plenty of feel to them and with the combined braking function engaged via a switch on the dash we were able to bring in service brakes, engine brake and retarder through the foot pedal.
It's a strategy already employed by Scania, among others, and it works well here.
While the gear control is a simple-toope rate column-mounted stalk, we fear Renault has overdone the stalk-control theme. If you go for Optidriver and the retarder there are no less than five of them clustered round the steering wheel. In fact it's so crowded that there's no room for the cruise control, which has to be housed at arm's length on the dash.
Evidently there are plans to mount the cruise on the steering wheel itself, a la Scania. and we would suggest moving the radio controls there too.
And while we're in critical mode, we'd prefer the dash switches to be a bit bigger too.
Although the interior colour scheme may not be to all tastes, the makeover of the cab, despite our grumbles, will suit most drivers, The seating is comfortable and Renault has finally built in enough adjustment to suit users over 5ft Min, along with bags of adjustment on the steering wheel.
The dash incorporates plenty of storage opportunities for big and small items. In the high roof versions there's extensive overhead locker space and all models get deep underbunk storage bins.
The bottom bunk itself is a one-piece affair with a thi cker, n ow internally sprung, mattress promising a decent night's sleep. •