Review: New UD Quon

UD Trucks Australia previewed the new model Quon in the lead up to the Brisbane Truck Show in May. On paper, and in the flesh, the New Quon looked the goods, but how does it drive?

A recent test drive of the UD Quon at an event in Brisbane gave us the chance to get behind the wheel of the various models available in the new Quon range, and see how each performed in their intended roles. With several different combinations available, from a 14 pallet rigid, to truck and dog, semi and B-double units, there was plenty of opportunity to get a feel for the new truck in a variety of roles.

As we reported back in May, the new Quon is the result of the model’s first full redevelopment in over 13 years. This means that we can finally see the full benefit of the adoption of Volvo Group technology in a heavy-duty UD. That technology covers engine, transmission and safety equipment, making the new Quon one of the most – if not the most – advanced Japanese trucks on the market today.

All models in the new Quon range are powered by the 11-litre GH11 engine, with three power ratings available depending on the application.

At the lower end of the scale is the GH11TB with 287kW (390hp) and 1750Nm (1290lb/ft) of torque, this is followed by the GH11TC at 309kW (420hp) and 1900Nm (1401lb/ft). The highest output comes from the GH11 TD, at 338kW (460hp) and 2200Nm (1623lb/ft).

As you might expect, this engine is not dissimilar to an 11-litre Volvo engine, and as such it offers plenty of low down torque, with the 390hp and 420hp versions offering peak torque output all the way from 900rpm to 1500rpm. The 460hp delivers peak torque at 1200rpm, but remains above 2000Nm from 1000rpm through to 1600rpm. All power outputs meet the tough Japanese pPNLT emissions standards, which exceed Euro6 requirements.

Sitting behind the GH11 is a 12sp Escot VI automated manual transmission. This is basically the same transmission you would find in any Volvo Group product (Volvo, Mack or UD) with a comparable power output and, when matched to the GH11 engine, provides smooth and predictable performance. It also offers a choice between Eco and power modes (with Eco as the default), and Escot Roll, a function that neutralises the transmission when there is no load on the driveline to maximise coasting and improve fuel economy.

The Quon is available in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 variants, with a choice of airbag or spring suspension across most models. An 8x4 model with load sharing front suspension is currently under development, and should be available to Australian customers some time in 2019.

In the cab

The Quon cab has also undergone a full overhaul, and now provides a very nice blend of Japanese functionality with European comfort and safety. The dash has been totally re-designed, and does a great job of bringing the Quon into the 21st century. Smooth lines, finishes and updated switch gear give the Quon a very refined feel, something that we don’t necessarily associate with Japanese trucks.

The main dash is set higher than most Japanese trucks, leaving more room for the driver’s knees, and the amount of adjustment in the steering column (height and tilt) makes it easy to get comfortable while still having good vision of the gauges.

Quon’s new instrument cluster features two large dials, which incorporate all of the important information including speed, engine RPM, air pressure and fuel/Ad-blue levels. All other information is available through the central information display which sits between the dials. A smaller screen at the bottom of the cluster displays the current gear selection, cruise control settings and engine braking information.

The steering wheel now incorporates controls for various functions, including the information display and cruise control. All new Quon models come with adaptive cruise control as standard, with all settings being adjustable from the steering wheel.

The entire wiring harness has also been upgraded, and is now manufactured to Volvo Group standards, which should return benefits in terms of longevity while also making life easier for body builders and accessory fitters.

Seating has also come in for a review, with the result being a comfortable, multi adjustable driver’s seat with adjustable dampening. In what would seem like a simple oversight, the seatbelt is still anchored to the wall, but given the quality of the ride this didn’t pose an issue over our day of driving around Brisbane. The combination of the adjustable seat and the four-point airbag suspension beneath the cab made for a smooth ride on all surfaces, including freeways and local roads.

Noise levels in the cab were also very good – a result of the quieter engine and good sound insulation. In saying that, there is enough noise to know that things are still working, and a nice rumble from beneath the cab when the engine is working at full power.

On the road

Throughout the day, we drove just about all of the variants on offer, with all returning the same verdict – the Quon is a capable and comfortable truck. With each individual unit loaded close to its maximum weight, including the B-double at 59.78t, the Quon proved itself over a variety of drive routes.

It’s fair to say that at 460hp the Quon may not make the ideal interstate B-double prime mover, but for the role around town it did an admirable job. On single-trailer semi work it performed brilliantly, but the pick of the combinations was definitely the GW 26 460 tipper and dog at 38-tonne gross weight. This unit provided great handling, manoeuvrability and performance over the combination of freeways and back roads.

The Volvo Group influence

One of the greatest benefits from the Volvo Group ownership of UD is the influence on safety. Volvo has an enviable reputation for building safe trucks, with the company unashamedly promoting safety as their most important design criteria.

For the Quon, this means a full suite of safety equipment as standard, including disc brakes all round, electronic stability control (ESC), lane departure warning (LDWS), Traffic Eye emergency braking system and front under-run protection (FUPS). Of course, the driver also gets the protection of an airbag and the cab is ECE-R29 cab strength compliant.

But is it any good?

The feeling from the driver’s seat was that UD had selected the right combination of European and Japanese components to maintain the “UD-ness” while still delivering in terms of European comfort and performance.

For the driver, the Quon cab provides a comfortable and safe workplace, with all the latest gadgets to make life easier. As far as operating costs go, UD is claiming a five per cent fuel economy advantage over previous models and, with more components shared with the group’s other brands, servicing and parts prices should also be more competitive.

The Quon is not simply an FM Volvo with a different shed on top – it is a hybrid of the best the two brands have to offer, and a very well executed one at that. It will also be about $30,000 cheaper than the Swedish-badged competitor, and while it may not be quite as refined as the Volvo, that discount should be enough to see the Quon rolling dealerships in good numbers.

UD Quon Specifications:

GW 26 460 6x4 prime mover/rigid

GVM/GCM: 26,000kg/60,000kg

Engine: GH11TD 10.837 litre, six-cylinder, turbocharged

Power: 338kW (460hp)

Torque: 2200Nm (1623lb/ft)

Transmission: Escot VI 12sp automated manual (AMT)

Suspension: Front: Parabolic leaf spring

Rear: Choice of eight-bag electronically controlled air suspension or parabolic leaf springs with rubber cushion

Safety: Disc brakes with ABS, traction control and ESC, Traffic Eye emergency braking system, lane departure warning, driver’s airbag and FUPS as standard

Fuel Capacity: 400-litre aluminium tank on LHS

Review: New UD Quon

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