Bedford TL
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Light turbocharging for Bedford's 5.4-litre engine gives it a maximum power rating of 80kW (107bhp). This is the optional engine variant used to power the TL 860 4x2 rigid with a gvw of 7.49 tonnes.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional five-speed Spicer gearbox, which costs £500 more than the standard Bedford four-speed unit, but gives better flexibility.
A 7.08 to 1 ratio permitted a restart on a 1 in 4 gradient, and direct-drive top gave a maximum speed of 58mph.
Fitted with a box body and aerodynamic aids, the TL returned 16.63 lit/ 100 km (16.99mpg), which allowing for its low overall gearing might have been worse.
The specification is better suited to local work than the medium vehicle route, but no delivery driver will like the TL's heavy clutch.
In relation to the other main contenders at the weight, it offers less power, has a smaller payload and costs more. But it is quiet (with the optional noise pack installed) and is very manoeuvrable.