The new EU vehicle safety regulation that entered into force in July introduced a whole raft of new pedestrian safety enhancing equipment for all vehicle categories. On the wing of assistance and system upgrade, MAN is also lightly modernising its TGE van model inside and out
The MAN TGE is the latest addition to the manufacturer’s range. The Volkswagen Crafter commercial vehicle, which has been produced since 2017, is offered not only as a solid van, but also as a chassis model, in several different options. The model update, scheduled for this summer, can be described as outwardly quite conservative. The most visible new features are the glossy lacquered side mirror housings and the front mask with the same treatment. In addition, new trim strips were added to the corners of the front bumper and the NEXT text on the mask about the model update.
Even more comfortable
On the interior side, there is more. The new multifunction steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and large central display with touch switches have been copied almost as they are from the VW Golf. The same line is represented by the new automatic transmission drive lever, which, like the manufacturer’s cargo cars, is now, raised in connection with the steering wheel. As usual, the manual transmission is stirred by the stick. Also new are keyless start, an electric parking brake lever and an Auto Hold switch.
New in terms of comfort equipment are wireless mobile phone maintenance charging and steering wheel heating, which now has three different power positions. For the actual phone charging, the car has several USB-C plugs and they release power in the same way as fast chargers in current phones.
The most significant innovations in the TGE Next Level range include 11 completely new driver assistance systems, which means that the car is equipped with up to 27 different assistance systems. Of these, it is worth mentioning, for example, the so-called. Blind Spot Pedestrian or Cyclist Detection and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as Intelligent Speed Assist, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed when cruise control is engaged
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Some of the new assistants are a consequence of the GSR regulation and must therefore be found in all new cars. These include intelligent speed control linked to the traffic sign recognition system. The system, which can be temporarily activated, warns with audible and visual signals when the driving speed exceeds the set ceiling speed on the road.
Familiar with technology
On the powertrain side of the MAN TGE, the 102 hp diesel will be discontinued. In the future, the VW 2-liter commercial vehicle engine will be available in 140, 163 and 177 hp options. On the transmission side, there is a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic, which is always in conjunction with all-wheel drive.
In the test drive, the 140-horse, manual transmission and front-wheel drive van with a load space of approximately 14 cubic metres offers sufficient propagation capability for a large car, even when lightly loaded. The suspension works flawlessly and the long wheelbase of almost 4.5 metres gives the car extra stability on the highway.
Albeit at the expense of turnability. A look at the range of model options reveals that the wheelbase that is a notch shorter is as much as 85 cm less, or about 3.65 meters – so there are plenty of options!
The test car consumed about two litres of fuel per hundred, while the driving speed was less than 100 km/h. At motorway speeds, we were already well on top of nine litres. According to fuel consumption data conjured from the menus of the car’s MAN Media Van on-board computer, the long-term average consumption by several different drivers would settle at 9.2 litres per hundred, which is fully in line with the fuel consumption measured during the test drive.
(photo: The cockpit is now straight out of a VW Golf, although there is plenty more space. The new digital instrument cluster can be adapted by the driver. Today, even basic functions, such as heating system adjustments, have to be dug out of the depths of the MAN Media Van touchscreen system.)
Earlier in the summer, we quickly tested an all-wheel drive model with a 163 hp engine and automatic transmission in Austria with a similar body length. Its on-board computer showed similar consumption figures when driving on mountain roads.
As a van and truck
If the technology has remained the same, so have the body lengths and heights. The TGE is available in three different body lengths and ceiling heights. The maximum load capacity of the solid body models is 18.4 cubic metres, and the longest option of the chassis models is suitable for a superstructure with a length of 5.5 metres. The total weights range from 3.5 tonnes for vans to 5.5 tonnes for N2 trucks. Vans are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Shell cars over 5 tons have rear-wheel drive and twin wheels. The maximum towing weight is 3.5 tonnes.
Competitive price
The main differences between the MAN TGE and VW Crafter are in the standard equipment. Those who end up with a truck brand may get a little more comfort at the entry level. And, of course, flexible maintenance and comprehensive aftermarket services for professional transport. Most of the services required by carriers can be downloaded directly from the manufacturer’s Ringo application store.
Forest Machine Magazine is written and edited by a forest professional with over 40 years hands on experience. We are dedicated to keeping you informed with all the latest news, views and reviews from our industry.
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