Mitsubishi Fuso Canter arrives in Europe

The arrival of a completely revised Fuso Canter marked the launch of the new generation of the truck series in October 2011. And now, for the first time, its all-wheel-drive variant is also coming to the European market. Production at the Tramagal plant in Portugal is in the end of February 2012.

The Canter 4x4 model in question is the 6C18 with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 6.5 tonnes, a 2-metre width Comfort cab and an output of 129 kW (175 hp). The all-wheel drive can be engaged and disengaged on the move and therefore offers good fuel efficiency.

A rear-axle differential lock is fitted as standard. The transmission is a 5-speed manual unit and the rear-axle ratio is 1:5.285.Customers have the choice of a comfortable single cab and crewcab (with 3 and 7 seats respectively) with wheelbases of 3415 mm and 3865 mm.

The chassis load capacity ranges from 3500 kg to 3735 kg. Thanks to the geometry of the all-wheel-drive system, the angle of attack is 35 degrees, as opposed to 18 degrees for the Canter 4x2 – while the angle of departure is 24 degrees as opposed to 11 degrees. Ground clearance is increased from 219 mm to as much as 320 mm.

The off-road capability of the Fuso Canter 4x4 makes it the ideal choice for all applications where operation away from surfaced roads is also required, that is to say on construction sites, in the energy supply sector or in service with the fire brigade.

For municipal authorities it lends itself to use as a winter service vehicle with a snowplough and salt spreader. Its two-metre width means that it can also negotiate narrow openings easily.

The efficiency of the Canter 4x4 is demonstrated effectively in the context of a construction site, for example, as its all-wheel drive can be engaged to allow it to cope with slippery conditions. Its high payload capacity, favourable maintenance costs and optionally available start/stop function make the Canter 4x4 a cost-effective workhorse.

The traditional, practical strengths of the Canter remain unchanged: good manoeuvrability (turning circle of the Canter 4x4: 13.5 m or 15.1 m, depending on version), the space-saving cab-over-engine layout, the rugged design, the unobtrusive positioning of the shift lever in the instrument panel, the enhanced safety thanks to the strong cab design and the lower brake wear as a result of the standard engine brake.

Worldwide, the Fuso Canter is the best-selling Daimler truck model. A dense European service network ensures high service quality.