UD Quester GDE

The interior cabin of the UD Quester GDE doesn’t possess the same levels of novelty and thoughtfulness which its exterior design has got. The cabin looks very basic and simple but impresses one with its well-positioned controls, which are in an easy reach of the driver every time. 

The two spoke steering wheel, as well as large and informative instrument console with MID, make up for a very boring looking combination of driver cockpit. However, the placement of the steering wheel is spot on, and so is the position of other bits in the wide looking center console. The center console looks drab with its dull grey finish and simple looking rectangular designs for the AC vents, 1-DIN audio system and panels of switches for various functions.

Apart from the music system and air conditioning system, the UD Quester GDE also gets power windows, which signal that the truck might have a basic looking appearance on the inside, but is decently equipped in terms of features. 

The overall design of the UD Quester GDE has been shared with other trucks in the Quester lineup, like the GKE and GWE. While the truck looks quite smart and appealing for a heavy-duty commercial vehicle, it would have been appreciable if it had a couple of distinctive design cues over other trucks with which it shares the lineup. 

Nevertheless, the UD Quester GDE has a sense of authority in its design, especially when it is viewed from the front. The major highlight of the frontal design of the UD Quester GDE has to be the huge front grille, which is made up of two trapezoidal units mounted one over the other. The upper trapezoidal part of the grille gets a UD logon positioned in the center above its upper surface and is flanked with vertical protrusions on its either sides.

On the other hand, the other trapezoidal half of the main grille is mounted in an inverted manner and gets sleek headlamps on its either ends. These headlamps are shaped in the form of arrowheads and come integrated with turn indicators and daytime running LEDs apart from the main headlamp. Apart from housing the main headlamp, the huge front bumper also sports rounded fog lamps on its lower corners, where it gets black plastic surrounds too.

The side profile of the UD Quester GDE too looks exactly the same as that of the GKE and GWE, with tapered window waistline, flared wheel arches with black plastic moulding and vertical rearview mirrors hinged on the door panels. 

The main highlights of the UD Quester GDE’s chassis are rubber springs between the leaf springs and rear axles and rubber journaled V-stays and reduction rods. These not only make the chassis capable enough to withstand heavy loads but also help in smooth operation across varying speeds. For bringing it to a halt, the UD Quester GDE has been armed with a full air brake system with an automatic slack adjuster and exhaust brake system.

The UD Quester GDE gets the same Volvo D8 engine-based 8-liter GH11E engine, which powers the flagship GWE. With a maximum power output of 440 bhp, it ranks as one of the most powerful engines out there. Transmission duties are fulfilled by a 12-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of safety features, the UD Quester GDE gets optional ABS as well as standard safety belts inside the cabin.

The UD Quester GDE impresses with its bold and unique design on the outside, which gives it an appeal of a freshly designed modern-day truck. However, we would have loved to see the same levels of effort on the inside of the truck as well.