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Post Number: 87
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 10:10 am: |       |
New All-Wheel-Drive Atego in Australia
The fully updated Mercedes-Benz Atego range is now available in Australia, and it has arrived with a new 4x4 variant.
To be known as the 1628 AF, the 280hp all-wheel-drive model with a GVM of 16-tonnes will be particularly suited to a multitude of municipal tasks that call for a mixture of on and off-road ability.
The new Atego range, which includes trucks from 11,990kg to 23 tonnes GVM, sees major improvements in power, comfort and economy, while retaining all the features which have made Atego a leader in its class.
“When the Mercedes-Benz Atego was first launched it set new standards and now these technical enhancements lift the bar even higher,” said Ken Matthews, Managing Director, DaimlerChrysler Commercial Vehicles.
“The new range also has greater diversity and flexibility, so we can provide a vehicle that has been fine-tuned to deliver maximum performance for an owner’s specific needs.”
Cabins and Interiors - The new Atego range now comes with a choice of three ultra-comfortable cabin configurations – the Day Cab, ‘Super’ Cab or the Sleeper Cab which, in itself, can be specced in either low or high-roof variants. New Atego comes standard with Grammar seat and electric windows and mirrors. There are also new cockpit variations. The sleeper also has a number of options, including single bunk, two bunks or two bunks that convert into a bench seat capable of carrying passengers.
This configuration offers significant advantages in industries such as tow operations, allowing the driver to pick up a broken down car and rescue the stranded family at the same time.
Engines – A four-cylinder engine is under strong consideration to join the 230 and 280hp six-cylinder engines in the Australian Atego range.
The 4.80-litre OM 924 LA develops 220 hp and 810 Nm – all-but matching the 230hp six-cylinder engine – but is some 100 kg lighter.
“The four-cylinder engine offers us a significant reduction in tare. It’s a close relative of the six-cylinder and therefore has a lot of component compatibility and inherent reliability, so it’s something we’re actively considering bringing to Australia,” Mr Matthews said.
Lighting – The Atego’s headlight configuration allows the main headlight beam and the dipped beam to be switched on simultaneously, increasing safety and reducing eye-strain. New Atego platform trucks also have the option of floodlights situated in front of the rear axle to improve manoeuvrability in tight or dark areas.
Telligent - In a first for a medium-duty, short-radius distribution truck, the new Atego is available with the Telligent automatic gearshift for an automated six-speed transmission. Available on 230hp engines, the Telligent automatic gearshift combines supreme ease of operation with maximum economic efficiency due to less wear on clutch and power train components.
The new Atego range will be on display for the first time in Australia at the Brisbane Truck Show before going on sale nationally throughout the DaimlerChrysler dealer network. |
