Archive, Truck Reviews

BTS 19: UD’s Smart Moves

UD's Quon and Croner models shape up in Brisbane

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Told ya so!

A few months back, and much to UD’s consternation, we predicted the brand’s new generation of medium-duty models would be based on a model built in Thailand called Croner, probably powered by Volvo Group’s lively 8.0 litre engine.

And sure enough, there it was in Brisbane.


Read more about those predictions for UD Trucks, here


Croner won’t be officially released here until later this year or perhaps even early 2020.

In the interim, UD will be busy putting the finishing touches to a model which marks an evolutionary change for the durable Japanese brand.

Yet while Croner is an exciting development, UD’s biggest news in Brisbane was the release of an 8.0-litre version of its highly acclaimed Quon.

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This is a particularly smart move by UD.

The engine is Volvo Group’s highly efficient GH8 8.0 litre in-line six delivering up to 263kW (353 hp) at 2200 rpm and peak torque of 1428Nm between 1200 and 1600rpm.

Offered in two forms – 6×2 and 6×4 – the 8.0-litre Quon joins its 11-litre counterpart which in our estimation remains the best heavy-duty Japanese truck on the market.

But don’t expect these two models to be the end of UD’s immediate product plans.

You can bet there’s more to come, and soon!

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Photography: Steve Brooks and Nathan Duff

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