Euro 4 MAN TGS & TGX (EGR Only) Review
EURO 4 MAN TGS & TGX Overview
Back in 2007, MAN launched both the TGS and TGX tractor units. They went on to win International Truck of the Year in 2008, so clearly the Munich boys got something right. Both are squarely now in prime used-truck territory, so do they come up to the mark? The initial success of these wagons was at least in part due to their compliance with Euro 4 regulations via EGR, negating the need for AdBlue. Their 'Add Nothing' marketing campaign rammed home the point and it seems the ad men did their job as market share jumped impressively. Known as an 'engineer's truck' these models added some more creature comforts to the mix to increase driver acceptance.
MAN TGS Euro 4
The TGS was intended mostly for the main distribution market. It was offered with three cab options: the M day cab, L standard-height sleeper and the LX raised-roof model. In the LX version the top bunk is a hammock-style berth and adjusts to operate as extra storage if the sleeping room is not required. That pared-down engineering mentality is still reflected in a clutter-free dash, with thoughtfully arranged switchgear complemented by a multi-function steering wheel. The interior is gimmick-free and hard-wearing and that bodes well for a truck of this vintage.MAN offered a choice of three engines: a 10.5 litre D20 rated at 400 and 430hp and the D26, with 12.4 litres and 480hp. All of the units are straight-six turbos with common rail electronic diesel control. These engines are married to a TipMatic gearbox, which does a good job of the cog selection and delivers fast gear changes. Although primarily intended for day distribution work, when teamed with the LX cab the TGS could easily cope with longer-distance work.
MAN TGX Euro 4
The TGX is the truck that MAN intended for this market, though and the three cabs on offer, the XL, XLX and XXL are all well set up for this kind of work. The XXL is the biggest and offers a whopping 10 square metres of space. This unit dispenses with the stripped-down cab approach and offers real refinement and comfort. Both TGS and TGX cabs feature four-point air suspension and the added comfort is noticeable. Some of these cabs also feature an optional soundproofing kit and that makes the XXL one of the quietest and most relaxing cabs around.
This truck also featured the rather controversial fleet programme version of the TipMatic box, which prevents any driver intervention. Not all drivers will like this, especially perhaps in the owner-operator segment, but the system is hard to fault, changing at precisely the right moment and carrying out its duties quickly and accurately at all times. Although the system cannot see the road ahead and take proactive action in the way a driver can, the operation is so slick that this does not seem to matter. Certainly, it is not a feature that should put off prospective buyers. With the TGS and TGX, MAN added driver comfort to its traditional strengths of build quality and reliability and that makes these wagons a very solid used choice indeed.