I’ve driven three Scania prime mover models over the years – the P, G and R Series. I reckon P could easily stand for Perfect, G for Great and the R – well the R should probably be renamed the KR, because those models really are Kick Rs, especially the 770 with its humdinger V8 throbbing away beneath you.
The P cabs are the second smallest in the range, with only two steps up to enter a world of Scandinavian elegance. Interestingly, unless you place them against their two bigger brothers, I reckon they don’t look that small.
Inside it is more obvious as the engine hump protrudes more into the cab. A smaller hump is in the mid-range G models and of course the Papa Bear R model’s floor is flat.
I always look forward to an invitation from Scania to jump behind the wheel – even if it means leaving home at 6am after three hectic days at the Castlemaine Truck Show to get to Laverton for the drive.
This time around it was to do a back-to-back comparison of the latest P model – driving one way with a single trailer with a GCM of 36,560kg and the other with a B-double set up and a GCM of 56,160kg.
Like the other models in the Scania line up, the P Series comes in a range of configurations and engine sizes of varying power.
But now they’ve shoehorned the 500hp ‘Super’ engine into the truck, making it the most powerful in the range. And this is what I was to drive.
The 500 P Super, to give it the correct title, has a 12.7 litre inline DOHC 6 cylinder putting out 500 horses at 1800rpm and 2650Nm all the way from 900 through to 1320rpm.
It is mated to Scania’s latest Opticruise overdrive 14 speed fully automated gearbox, which you can change up and down manually if so desired.
The R4700D retarder incorporates an engine exhaust brake (200kW) and compression release brake (at 350kW), offers 5 stages of retardation – and it is the best in the business!
The trucks ride on steel leaf spring front suspension (air can be specified) and air suspended rears.
There are all the safety features including ESB, Traction Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Auto Hill Hold and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Bunk is ultra comfy and the slide-out fridge sits underneath. Image: Scania AustraliaThere’s also side-mounted short-range radar which looks both forward and backwards for vulnerable road users, so you shouldn’t collect the local pushbike club as you go about your work.
If you somehow manage to override all these safety features and roll the truck, it comes standard with rollover protecting side curtain airbags fitted above each door, so you should survive long enough for the boss to give you the sack.
Seriously though, these have saved a number of lives and reduced injury and should be mandatory on every truck on the market.
Scania don’t ‘build to a price’. By that I mean that, for example, the Opticruise ‘box is exactly the same as you’ll find in the much larger and heavier R Series.
Same goes for chassis strength and other components of the truck. So the P Series is effectively over-engineered, which can only lead to longevity of the product.
My first stint from Laverton to Torquay is behind the wheel of a B-double with the base model cab in the P Series line-up. Its low, two step entry point will find favour with those entering and exiting the vehicle multiple times per day.
“So, this is the Poverty Pack?” I quip as I climb in. My Scania companion scowled at me in return. “We prefer the word ‘base’ thank you.”
For a ‘base’ model this is still a very nice office in which to spend your days. The interior is Scania Scandie-inviting in its functional layout, with superb fit and finish.
The steering wheel, whilst not leather-bound is comfortable in the hands, the 800mm bunk bed is thick and very, very comfortable (Yes, I tried it) and there is a shallow slide out fridge beneath it.
The centre hump is covered in rubber to stop stuff sliding around, there is a heap of storage and enough headroom for most if not all.
With 56 tonnes GCM we head off down the Geelong Road and I’m yet again impressed with Scania’s ability to make leaf springs feel like air ride.
This is a beautifully riding truck which you simply point and go. I’ve driven just about every new truck on the market over the past 17 odd years, and this is as good as any for ride and handling.
I’m so impressed, I comment a couple of minutes after take-off that my Ford Territory requires more effort.
I find a pothole – not difficult – and aim a steer tyre over it. No kickback through the wheel, no getting out of shape in any way. The truck just keeps going straight and true. This is a wonderful setup.
Uphill and down dale, the 500P Super keeps pace with, and often passes other doubles and singles along the way, sitting at just under 1200rpm at 100km/h.
Our test driver didn’t feel any difference between pulling the single and the double. Image: Scania AustraliaGear changes are literally imperceptible, the balance between power and torque and the way the trucks electronics handle them is as good, if not better than any other truck brand I’ve driven – and there’ve been plenty.
Vision is superb and the mirrors with the convex ones on top are to my liking. Around suburban areas and through tight roundabouts the truck is a piece of cake to place. I’m forgetting that I have two trailers behind me.
On the run down, the B-dub returned a very creditable 2.3km/litre and I wasn’t being light-footed.
All too soon we’re at Torquay and after a lunch break it’s time to get into the single and head back to town.
This time I’m spoiled even more by Scania’s Premium Pack interior with its two-tone dash, more metallic highlights, flashier seat coverings and leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed wheel. There’s also a skylight/escape hatch in the roof so you can get out and face the boss should you do the unforgivable.
This time there’s 36.5 tonne GCM, so of course the truck is going to make even lighter work of its load, which was reflected in the excellent fuel consumption of 3.21km/litre.
Curiously, I didn’t feel any difference between pulling the single and the double. Now, I’ve no doubt that the single went up hills more quickly than the double as it’s a simple case of mass, but I couldn’t discern it. And this is where the Scania P500 Super shines. It just makes you feel loved whatever you are hauling.
Ben Nye, Scania’s Sales Director commented that the 500 P is like adding a GTI to the company’s regional and urban delivery truck line up.
I can’t disagree. Around town, intrastate or interstate – I’d happily drive this truck to anywhere in Australia. And I’d happily do it in their poverty…. sorry, base model. P really is pretty Perfect.
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