PROMISING DEBUT OF THE YEAR
Nominees: a) MAN CLA 49.300 EVO b) Maruti Suzuki Super Carry c) Force Traveller T2 3350 d)BharatBenz 1623 Bus Platform e) Tata Starbus Hybrid f) Ashok Leyland Captain 2518.
The year 2017 saw some interesting debuts. Indicative of the future direction of some of the key segments of the CV sector, the promising debuts also reflected upon the changes taking place in the Indian CV industry. Pointing at a burning desire to grow and address the exacting requirements of the operators as well as the end users, the promising debuts this year turned out to be two CVs. One was the MAN 49.300 EVO prime mover in the 49-tonne segment. A part of the EVO range that marked some design and functional improvements to the CLA range that MAN has been offering in India for roughly a decade and half, the MAN CLA 49.300 EVO is powered by a 300 hp, BSIV 6.9-litre MAN D-0836 six-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine. Transmission is a nine-speed unit. Equipped with a SCR-based exhaust aftertreatment system, the tractor, featuring a bell-crank rear suspension, is equipped with an aerodynamic fully-built safety cabin, EVB, ABS, high gradeability, strong rigid front axle and a hypoid rear axle.
The other promising debut of the year was the Force Traveller T2 3350. Marking an addition to the company’s Traveller range, the T2 3350 is aimed at the last mile urban transportation market. It is based on the wider of the two platforms the Traveller could be had. Termed as T2 therefore, the vehicle is a monocoque construction, and weighs 3810 kg. It can seat 12 or 13 people, and is powered by a 91 hp, 2.6-litre BSIV common-rail turbo-diesel engine that is mated to a five-speed transmission. Featuring leaf springs suspension with anti-roll bar at the front and rear, the T2 3350 is efficient, versatile and offers among the lowest TCO. Flaunting a modern dash and a clear stand up height of six-feet in the passenger area, the T2 3350 makes a promising people-mover.