The NEW Scania: First impressions and thoughts..

Yesterday Scania Group unveiled their new S and R models to a packed crowd of roughly 1500 in Paris and the online community worldwide . 10 years in the making and an investment cost of SEK 20 billion, it's been highly anticipated by truck drivers throughout Europe. Scania anticipates at least 40,000 customers and prospective customers to have test driven the new vehicles themselves in connection with the launch. Launching in both 4x2 & 6x2 they will be perfect for both European and UK Spec work.

Thanks to further developed powertrains and advanced aerodynamic solutions, the new models boast a 5% increase in fuel efficiently compared to their competitors, which should prove popular with transport companies throughout. Engines will range from 410hp to 730hp, with redeveloped powertrains to which have been tested over more than 10 million km during the development process. The great news for hardcore Scania fans is they will continue with their 15.6-litre V8s ranging from 520bhp - 730bhp. Scania Promise customers will be able to “carry out their work in the most sustainable and profitable way, regardless of industry and area of application”.

As the truck is revealed my first thoughts were; "Great they haven't completely ruined it".. When you've already got a brilliant product, it can be hard to improve it and not ruin it. Thankfully, i feel Scania have on the most part showcased a brilliant new truck, even better than the latest model they released in 2013. 

On the outside the look is great. Similar to the MAN Tgx but with a more sleeker and meaner look. With daylight running lights as standard, a large windscreen and deep U shaped grille it looks ready for business. With 4 Sets of lights, some may feel they are a bit excessive, but you'll certainly know theres a new Scania behind you on the motorway! The new aerodynamically designed cab looks great with its sharper roof design and flush fitted windscreen. The mirrors have all been redesigned with an aim of improving its aerodynamics .

Moving inside the truck I'm pleased to say Scania have finally moved away from their dated and old fashioned dashboard, with a brand new sleek and fresh version perfectly fitting in the 21st century. The boring grey plastic is gone, replaced by a darker coloured more expensive look. Long gone are the old cockpit style switches and box like feel and along come the brand new dash design including speedometer cluster and trip computer, F 1 style flat bottomed steering wheel and flat floor. Again taking part of its design for the MAN Tgx, Scania have expanded the design to bring it right into 2016. A new safety feature is side curtain air bags in which Scania expect them to cut the chance of a fatality after a roll over by 25%.

Time will tell what it's actually like to use and live in and the drivers will be the real judge, but its clear Scania have listened to their customers and built a brilliant modern truck based around efficiency and comfortability. With Scania focused on sustainability and reliability,  it will be interesting to see Tgx developments they have planned for the future.

Thanks for Reading.