Truck Reviews

Truck Reviews

Hino’s Hi-Rise

Genuine off-roaders may not be big sellers in the mainstream trucking business, but that doesn’t dilute their importance or sometimes critical impact on the lives and livelihoods of people and businesses across the nation. With a heavier carrying capacity than its predecessor and a heap more muscle to go with it, Hino’s new GT 1528 4x4 shows a rare ability to be equally capable on long country runs or clawing through the rough stuff
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 Truck Reviews

End of the Line

The imminent demise of International ProStar from the Australian market puts the final nail in the coffin of a disjointed and altogether dismal attempt to build a new future for an iconic brand. Despite the faith and effort of capable individuals who saw the potential of ProStar and its Cat predecessor, corporate commitment was never equal to the task. Not even close
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 Truck Reviews

New Freightliner Cascadia: safe and sound

After the most comprehensive test program ever undertaken by Freightliner for a market outside North America, it’s now ‘game time’ for the new Cascadia. Australia’s safest conventional truck, much will also depend on build quality out of the US and, while it’s early days, recent drives in two distinctly different examples suggest the fundamentals are on a firm footing. Time and toil will soon enough reveal just how firm.
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 Truck Reviews

Mercedes Magic

While Covid-19 has shackled new product plans for some truck suppliers and excused others to cut staff and chop budgets to the bone, Daimler Trucks Australia appears determined to maintain the momentum of a vastly upgraded product portfolio. Among several offerings in recent times was a Mercedes-Benz 2663 SoloStar demonstrator housing a heap of hi-tech wizardry and a bunk with a big difference, in more ways than one.
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 Truck Reviews

Hino’s shifting focus

Hino’s long wheelbase addition to its long-serving 700-series heavy-duty range certainly packs plenty of punch for a truck essentially designed for three-axle rigid work. It also packs enough extras to soften the view – at least for now – that time is starting to catch up with this stalwart of the Hino stable. Best of all, however, is the way ZF’s Traxon transmission adds new vim and vigour to a true toiler, uphill and down.
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 Truck Reviews

NEW DEALS: Electric Avenue

While contemptuous politicians might think it clever to carry a lump of coal into parliament, the raw reality is that fossil fuels are increasingly on the nose with urban society. Fortunately, some of the world’s leading automotive corporations are taking great strides in development of clean energy, not least the giant Daimler Corporation with potential game-changers like Fuso’s electric eCanter
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 Truck Reviews

Dash of difference

It was obvious to anyone at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show that even after three years of solid growth in the wake of its new model range, Mercedes-Benz has not let the grass grow under its feet. Not for a moment. Right now, for instance, Benz is up to its beak in a detailed validation program of new and enhanced technologies which, if all goes to plan, will make the star shine even brighter
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 Truck Reviews

STANDARD SETTERS

With the latest safety technology as standard, great performance, improved fuel economy, free servicing for half a million kilometres and an entry price of $240,000, what’s not to like about the all-new Euro 6 Scania B-double haulers? Steve Skinner goes for a spin.
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