Smooth Operator

     The problem is, we all think that

 in Europe the roads are better, and

 loads lighter, so their trucks

 wouldn’t hold up in Aussie

 conditions. This is not strictly true.

 Sure the autobahns and motorways

 are pretty good, but what about the

 icy Scottish backroads, the rutted

 goat tracks across countries like

 Turkey, and the long road to

 Romania? These trucks are built to

 contend with some tough conditions

 that most Australian highway

 runners will never face. And, let's

 not forget, the trophy for the highest

 on-road horsepower has been in

 Sweden for a few years now.

Sweden may only be a small country, but its export product is top quality. Ikea furniture, cute backpackers and high horsepower trucks, just to name a few. For years now, Scania has been the truck of choice in Europe. With a big following among owner drivers and fleets alike, the R series holds a place in the hearts of European truckers, and with the latest incarnation this looks set to continue. The updated models have been refined a little, but still retain the Scania essence…. the shape, comfort and, just as importantly for some, the sound of the big banger V8.