Trucking Magazine – July 2019

http://www.truckingmag.co.uk Summer 2019 TRUCKING 31

I

f we are totally honest, the days of

getting our hands on diesel-

powered 4x2 and 6x2 inner-city

distribution rigids may well be

dwindling. Why? Because they are

used mostly for work that’s tailor-made

to pass over to trucks running on

alternative fuels, especially electric

power. All manufacturers are

experimenting with electric drivelines

for vehicles which have a typically low

daily range from base, mostly work in

built-up areas and are in closer

interaction with the general public. This

makes models such as these rigids prime

candidates for a propulsion switch.

As more low (and ultra-low) emission

zones come into force across the country,

diesel-powered distribution trucks are

simply going to be squeezed out of the

market. Even gas trucks may fail to

really make their mark, especially if the

manufacturers can progress with

affordable and productive electric trucks

quickly enough.

Renault’s Range D rigids are competent no-frills trucks

for inner-city distribution, but they could be the last of

their kind. Trucking took out 4x2 and 6x2 versions to

see how they stack up

In recent times, we’ve seen electric

trucks enter real-world trials from all

the manufacturers, and that trend is

only going to increase. So it should come

as no surprise the two Renault models

under the microscope of this Trucking

road test are definitely in the firing line

to be replaced by cleaner drivelines. The

good news is, Renault is already on the

case with its ZE range.

But while this may be one of the last

times we drive Range D 4x2 and 6x2

rigids on test, let’s keep our focus on the

present. Currently both these models are

in the Renault product offering, and

both have quite a lot going for them.

The trucks

Renault revamped much of its

commercial vehicle line-up with the

launch of the Range T in the summer of

2013. A wholly new cab replaced the
      trusty, but generally uncharismatic
      Premium, and the Range T High
      stablemate displaced the Marmite (and

D320 six-wheeler has a

high-roof sleeper cab for

those doing nights out

D280 4x2 has

plenty of power

STA N D &

D-eliver

By Pip Dunn

PHOTOGRAPHY PIP DUNN