Foden, what a terrible truck!

Alas, the clutch slave cylinder failing on my beloved Scania, as this job involves the removal of the gearbox (!) I've had the misfortune of a brand new Foden Alpha as a temporary replacement. 420 BHP (as is my Scania 124 420) plated at 44tonnes , but, instead of a 14 speed manual, this has a fully Automatic 12 speed box (clutchless) with semi-auto option.
It is hateful!! Extremely slow on pull off, alas, its computer controlled transmission seems hellbent on fuel consumption over driveability, the thing seems to either give far too little throttle in to high a gear or vice versa!
Its strange to think, a 2000 model truck with currently 450,000km under its wheels is far superior to a 2004 model with all the computer controlled gizmo's and a mere 7000km with its modern ultra "green" engine.
My Scania averages between 8.9 and 9.7 Miles per gallon, the Foden averages 8.0.
Its a fleet "demonstrator", I sincerely hope my employers don't decide on the far cheaper Foden!!!
If they do, I'll be after a different job, I've driven most makes of truck over the years, I live away most of the week, my "Home from Home" remains my Scania.

Roll on Monday when I get her back!!!!
http://www.scania.com/
http://www.foden.com/default.asp
It is hateful!! Extremely slow on pull off, alas, its computer controlled transmission seems hellbent on fuel consumption over driveability, the thing seems to either give far too little throttle in to high a gear or vice versa!
Its strange to think, a 2000 model truck with currently 450,000km under its wheels is far superior to a 2004 model with all the computer controlled gizmo's and a mere 7000km with its modern ultra "green" engine.
My Scania averages between 8.9 and 9.7 Miles per gallon, the Foden averages 8.0.
Its a fleet "demonstrator", I sincerely hope my employers don't decide on the far cheaper Foden!!!
If they do, I'll be after a different job, I've driven most makes of truck over the years, I live away most of the week, my "Home from Home" remains my Scania.

Roll on Monday when I get her back!!!!
http://www.scania.com/
http://www.foden.com/default.asp