UD Quester CDE

The cabin of the UD Quester CDE lacks the high level of the visual appeal of its exterior design. While the exterior design of the truck looks contemporary, the interior layout and design feels dated and needs a better layout and the addition of new features. The dull grey theme of the cabin doesn’t help matters as well.

The driver’s cockpit of the UD Quester CDE is a combination of a large two-spoke steering wheel as well as a big instrument console, the latter of which looks simple with its analog dials but at the same time also gets a big orange backlit MID unit. The center console is wide and covers a majority of the dashboard area, but has a boring layout for the placement of panels like AC vents, 1-DIN audio system and switches for AC and other functions. However, all of these controls are in an easy reach of the driver, making it a good design in terms of aerodynamics. 

The UD Quester CDE gets the same outer appearance as that of other trucks from the Quester range of heavy-duty trucks. Both the front as well as side profiles of the UD Quester CDE are exactly the same as that of the lower-spec CKE, however, this is a 6x2 truck.

At the front, the UD Quester CDE welcomes one with its tall and intimidating stance, and the main bits which make it look very appealing are the large two-part grille and the huge front bumper. Talking about the grille first, it is divided into two big horizontal parts – while the trapezoidal upper half of the grille is placed on the front apron, the lower trapezoidal grille is placed on the front bumper, and that too in an inverted manner.

The outer edges of the front apron do get vertical protrusions, making the front profile look even wider. Likewise, the outer edges of the front bumper do get arrowhead-shaped headlamp clusters, which flank either side of the lower grille. These headlamp units come integrated with turn indicators as well, in their upper halves. The front bumper is also adorned with round fog lamps on its lower corners, which are enclosed in triangular black plastic moulding panels. 

The side profile of the UD Quester CDE too is shared with that of the Quester CKE, with the tapering down window waistline, vertical garnish behind the window panels, hinged rearview mirrors and black door handles lifted off from the latter. Also common between the two trucks is the side body molding over the semi-rounded wheel arches, which extend below to the climbing steps as well.

With rubber journaled V-stays and reduction rods as well as rubber springs between leaf springs and rear axles, the chassis of the UD Quester CDE is well engineered for smooth operation even if it sounds basic. These suspension components are assisted with equally good braking unit, which consists of a full air brake system, which further have the assistance of automatic slack adjuster and exhaust brake system.

Powering the UD Quester CDE is an 8.0-litre GH8 series engine which has been engineered keeping the Volvo D8 engine as the central base. Coupled to a 9-speed manual gearbox, the engine is capable of putting up a maximum power output in the range of 250-330 bhp.

Apart from optional ABS as well as safety seat belts, there are no other safety features present in the UD Quester CDE, which makes it feel even more basic.

The UD Quester CDE fulfills its task as a decent work horse in carrying heavy loads and having a striking design to match its abilities. While it could have looked equally good on the inside as well, with more features on board, the truck’s mechanical capabilities do outshine its shortcomings.