Have MAN got their timing right?

In life, timing is everything, right? Well, maybe this is the time when MAN Trucks in Australia get it just right, at just the right time.

The new-generation MAN Trucks medium and heavy-duty range has been launched, and I was invited along to check them out.

Imported and distributed by Penske Australia, the new MAN trucks have been designed to offer ‘excellent driver fit’, basically, that means the comfort and safety of the driver were the starting point of this vehicle’s development.

Climb up the new cascading steps into the cab of the new MAN prime movers and you’ll see a layout and feel reminiscent of a German SUV.

There’s a giant split screen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay compatibility and a smart new rotary control stalk.

Comfort is enhanced with a high-end Recaro driver’s seat and in the wide-cab models a bunk that stretches a full 2100mm.

Speaking of seats, the passenger seat swivels and folds into a table. That’s really handy and quite clever.

Safety is boosted with a standard driver’s air-bag and a system that allows for the cab to shift backward in a collision, helping absorb any impact and protecting the occupants.

Cabin insulation has been beefed up with MAN claiming to now have the quietest cab on the market at highway speeds.

What else is new in the next-gen MAN trucks?

There are quite a number of changes, including improved aerodynamics and a cab that sits around 75mm higher than the superseded versions. 

The side mirrors now tilt back at a slight angle and there’s increased visibility between the mirrors and the A-pillars.

There’s also a new switch panel located on the lower section of the driver’s door which allows the operator to control features and functions from ground level, minimizing the number of times a driver might climb into and out of the cab during their shift.

Underneath the cab, powertrain changes are minimal.

There are still 13-litre and 15-litre MAN engines, the range starts down at 250hp in the medium-duty offerings, while the heavy-duty range comes with a selection of outputs ranging from 360hp to 640hp (Euro 6).

The MAN Tipmatic gearbox shift features across the range, working in conjunction with Traxion automated transmissions.

MAN is confident the new-gen trucks will better the superseded model’s fuel consumption figures, though testing is only now being completed.

It’s not all about forward propulsion. MAN has also rejigged the Exhaust Valve Brake (EVB) system for more engine braking power.

If you want to maintain speed on a downhill run, simply take your foot off the brake pedal at the speed you are traveling and the truck will maintain that speed for as long as you want (within about a 5km/h range) using the EVB first, then service brakes as required.

If you need more stopping/slowing power, there’s also the optional Turbo EVBec that produces up to 840hp of engine braking.

Other safety and driver assist features include Electronic Stability Program, Brake Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and emergency braking activates the hazard lights automatically.

Automatic high-beam, auto wipers, and a low-speed cornering light system also feature.

While you have the choice between utilizing full Adaptive Cruise Control, or just regular cruise control.

The right truck at the right time?

With the driver shortage being a major headache for transporters, this new MAN Truck range might be an attraction to prospective candidates, and that could be a big selling point.

Timing is everything, MAN looks to have the right vehicle for contemporary fleet requirements.