TRUCK & TECH
LITTLE
BIG
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The new UD Croner has a certain beefiness to its presence that suggests it is, in essence, a scaled down version of its Quon big brother. This notion is confirmed by the specifications which show striking similarities between the two models.
U
D’s new Croner could be considered something of a crossover between mediumand heavy-duty. It comes in two distinct variants: A medium-duty PK 18 280 4x2 with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 17.5 tonnes; and the PD 25 280 6x2 with a GVM of 24.5 tonnes, the latter slotting into the light end of the heavyduty market. Both iterations have a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 32 tonnes. These Croners represent the latest phase of a marked step change in the UD lineup. It started with the larger Quon, overall displaying the fruits of a big investment by parent company Volvo Group to make these trucks as technologically advanced and bullet-proof as possible. As such the new Croner receives a number of key features that stem directly from the Volvo technology stable, not least the willing GH8E six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 7.7 litres, bore and stroke measurements of 110mm x 135mm and a compression ratio of 17.5:1. This is, in fact, the same powerplant that’s used in the 8.0 litre Quon range. 42
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UD Croner delivers torque that belies its stature.
Much like the rest of the truck, this engine has a ‘big truck’ feel about it and delivers 206kW (280hp) at 2,200 rpm and 1,050 Nm (774lbft) of peak torque from a super low 1,100 rpm. Importantly, maximum torque remains rock steady from 1,100 to 1,800rpm. Japanese OEMs have not been dubious about developing a heavy duty offering on a medium duty platform and UD has, in more recent years, made it clear they are comfortable with a shift of focus to what it describes as the bottom end of the heavy duty segment. The Croner’s power profile straddles these two categories boosted by a high pressure common-rail fuel injection engine. It achieves Euro 5 emissions standards using Selective
Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Fuel and Adblue tank capacities are 255 and 50 litres respectively. Coupled to the engine is a six-speed Allison 3000 Series torque converter automatic featuring push-button gear selection and Gen 5 Adaptive Shift Control. The decision to eschew Volvo Group’s Common Architecture and Shared Technology (CAST) has helped to reduce tare weight which will enhance its appeal in emerging markets like those in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, which were identified early on when the development of the Croner as a replacement program for the long-serving Condor medium-duty range commenced in 2013. The Croner has twin overdrive ratios
