How’s the driving?
Our short mixed test route took us around the Milton Keynes hinterland with the ubiquitous roundabouts, some twisting country roads as well as a short spin on the motorway. That gave us plenty of opportunity to get a feel for the new machine.

From the moment you fire up the new R-series you know you’re in for a special experience. Access is simple thanks to well placed grab-handles and a decent step arrangement and, once aboard, you’re faced with an environment which oozes quality. The door shuts with a reassuring thud and as a driver you quickly feel at home in the new R-series. There’s bags of adjustment on the seat, plenty of leg room and, most importantly, good room around the pedals to stretch out.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the 470hp turbo-compound engine. In the 4-series this engine was very quiet, but under the new cab it’s barely audible. Out on the road at an all-up weight of 44 tonnes it proves a willing worker, combining well with the Opticruise transmission to make good progress.  Opticruise is now operated via a stalk on the steering column and is very simple to use. Indeed the intelligence of the system is such that for most situations you can just select automatic and let it get on with it, though you do have to remember to use the clutch for take-off and finish.

Drivers will very quickly feel comfortable driving the new R-series and after only 30 minutes or so at the wheel we were breezing along without trouble. Thankfully the M1 was flowing freely on the day of our test and the big Scania was soon up to cruising speed, the engine purring along as we cruised at 56mph in top. The cruise control buttons are now logically located on the steering wheel and setting is a simple affair.

The steering set up is superb with excellent weight and feel, offering very assured control. On the twisting country A-roads and through the umpteen Milton Keynes roundabouts we were able to push along without hesitation. Likewise, the chassis set-up contributes to a very confident drive. Scania’s highly effective braking system blends in the Scania Retarder, (if fitted), engine brake and service brakes simply by pressing the centre pedal and continues to impress. Indeed, I’m pleased to report that driving a Scania remains one of the best trucking experiences in the business.

Head to head
Any new top of the range truck from Scania is going to be a contender for top honours and it’s clear from our experience so far that the new Topline is all set to retain its regal status. The competition, however, is now much tougher these days and while pedigree will only take you so far, the Scania definitely has the blue blood and the new R-series gives it the marginal edge over the competition in most of the important areas. The combination of flatter floor, together with a decent three-step entry, means it has the drop on two out of three of its nearest rivals and the roomy interior means it gets the nod over the third. In virtually every respect the R-series moves the bar up another notch.

So roll out the red carpet – the new king is here!

Quotes
“Drivers will very quickly feel comfortable driving the new R-series and after only 30 minutes
or so at the wheel we were breezing along without trouble”