MAN's new TGX D38 put to the test

International journalists recently sampled MAN's new TGX D38 ahead of its public premiere at the IAA show in Hanover, Germany

German manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus recently invited 74 trucking journalists from 23 countries to trial its new TGX D38 flagship over a variety of challenging roads in Spain's mountainous Andalusia region.

The shake-down saw the assembled press cover a 450km route that took in a number of high mountain passes in temperatures of up to 35 degrees C, in five tippers and six long-haul versions of the truck.

Setting out from the coastal city of Granada, the fleet soon found itself climbing 1400 metres to the Puerto de la Mora Huetor pass – an arduous run that amply highlighted the hauling capability of the new 15.2-litre D38 straight-six turbo-diesel. Available in 520, 560 or 640hp formats, the new powerplant is said to have taken the inclines and the balmy conditions in its stride.

Upon returning to Granada the journalists were also given a display of the TGX D38 in a construction role, with a number of vehicles showcasing their abilities at a nearby gravel pit.

In the new TGX D38 MAN says it has foregone chasing record outputs in favour of a blend of performance and excellent fuel economy, the latter enhanced by the truck's EfficientCruise and EfficientRoll features.

According to MAN, its new flagship was met with round acclaim at its first media outing – a sentiment that it says was summed up by the comments of Fedor Lapshin of Russian title AutoRevue.

"It’s a great vehicle and a great engine," he said.

"It just works so well all round."

Now MAN says it is eagerly awaiting the public's feedback on the new truck, when the TGX D38 has its official unveiling at the IAA Commercial Vehicles expo in Hanover, Germany, on September 25.

MAN's new TGX D38 put to the test

Tags