Prior to winning the International Truck of the Year (IToY) award for 2011, in March 2010, Commercial Motor tested a Mercedes-Benz Atego, in which recognition was given to the 7.5-tonner’s ability to simply get on with the job in an efficient manner, and referencing the model’s strong market position on in the UK – routenely being amongst the top three best sellers in the weight range.
However, Atego was drawn to the ageing design, which last received a face-lift in 2004, and although modern technology had continued to be incorporated, it was recognised that this version of the Atego was reaching the end of its product cycle. The 2010 Atego rigid range spanned the 6.5- to 16-tonne sector with a “densely-graduated” range of outputs from its 4.25- and 4.8-litre 4-cylinder and 6.37-litre 6-cylnder engines. The smaller 4-cylinder had 129hp, 156hp and 177hp ratings, with the larger one rated at 218hp.
The 6-cylinder was available with 238hp, 256hp and 286hp. All the engines were part of the Mercedes-Benz BlueTec programme employing SCR for Euro-5, and the 177hp version was also capable of meeting the EEV standard. Environmental and fuel-saving credentials were enhanced with an optional engine stop/start system.
Three 6-speed manual transmissions were offered and these were available with Telligent automated gearshift as special equipment, whilst the 256hp+ models had 9-speed manual gearboxes. In mid-2010 the face-lifted Atego was introduced with a prominently revised grille in the Actros MP3 style, and a new interior which was said to bring big-truck levels of comfort to the distribution truck driver. With three cab trim variants – distribution, long-distance and luxury, there was certainly something for everyone, and the high-roof version of the L-cab was available with twin bunks. The new steering wheel was pneumatically adjustable and incorporated multifunction controls.
The clever two-piece chassis design which caught the judge’s eye for the Atego’s first IToY back in 1999 was retained on models up to 11.99-tonnes GVW meaning that the heaviest models in this part of the range fell beneath the 12-tonne German threshold for road tolls. An optional magnetic retarder was also offered for vehicles in drawbar operation.
Of particular technological interest was the introduction of the first hybrid truck to be put into series-production. The Atego 1222 L EV featured a 218hp, 4.8-litre diesel engine with a water-cooled 44kW electric motor mounted behind the clutch and in front of the 6-speed automated transmission. The electric motor could supply power from its lithium-ion batteries when pulling away or during rapid acceleration and was re-charged with recuperated energy.
Although the hybrid technology was cited in the IToY chairman’s citation, its overall cost and weight penal9es limited its market potential and with the introduction of Euro-6 standards it was pretty much redundant in goods vehicle development. Nevertheless, the Atego enjoyed a slightly unexpected second IToY in 2011 with a total of 127 votes before being replaced with the new version in 2013. The win was also notable considering the heavyweight Swedish competition the little German had to contend with – Volvo’s new FM range, with the tough FMX included, scored 82 votes, with the mighty Scania R730 in third position on 45 votes.
Words & Pics supplied by Richard Stanier. Credit: IToY