UD Quester CWE

The interior cabin of the UD Quester CWE is the same as that in other Quester trucks. Here too, the drab looking layout of the dashboard, with its dull grey finish, make the overall cabin look pretty dated and very functional. However, the cabin impresses with the well-placement of each and every control and feature, which is within an easy reach of the driver.

The simple-looking driver cockpit of the UD Quester CWE is a combination of a staid two-spoke steering wheel and a large instrument console, the latter of which might look boring, but is extremely informative and also includes a large MID unit. All the controls and features, such as 1-DIN audio system, AC vents and switches for AC and other functions of the truck are laid out in rectangular consoles on the wide looking dashboard.

While the UD Quester CWE looks like any other offering in the Quester lineup of heavy-duty trucks, it certainly isn’t a bad thing, for the Quester range is one of the most modern and aggressive looking designs in the heavy-duty truck segment. However, to keep the costs in check, the UD Quester CWE comes with a few visible cost-cutting steps compared to other higher-spec trucks in the same lineup.

For example, the entire huge front bumper of the UD Quester CWE is not body colored as in more premium and bigger Quester versions. However, the entire design has been retained in the UD Quester CWE as well, including the intimidating-looking two-part grille. While the upper trapezoidal part is mounted on the front apron, the lower one is present there on the front bumper. Both the portions of the grille are completely finished in a black plastic theme with horizontal slats running across them.

In addition to the lower part of the grille, the huge front bumper also comes fitted with arrowhead-shaped headlamps on either sides of the grille. However, unlike the more premium Quester trucks, the UD Quester CWE misses out on fog lamps, and instead, it gets auxiliary lamps within the main headlamp units only, which stretch all the way down along with the grille here. 

The design of the side profile of the cabin has been retained here from the other Quester trucks. The tapering down window waistline, black door handles and black hinged rearview mirrors are some of the traditional design cues which the UD Quester CWE too gets. The side body molding over the flared wheel arches and side steps are finished in the same black plastic as that of the front bumper.

The presence of rubber springs between the leaf springs and rear axles in the chassis of the UD Quester CWE makes it capable of withstanding different load conditions. The chassis of the truck is also bestowed with rubber journaled V-stays and reduction rods for a smoother operation. For braking, the UD Quester CWE truck has been armed with a full air brake system with an automatic slack adjuster and exhaust brake system.

The UD Quester CWE shares its 8-litre GH11E engine with the flagship Quester GWE truck. Based on the Volvo D8 engine, this engine makes s peak power output of 440 bhp. Here, the engine comes coupled to a 9-speed manual gearbox.

While the safety features list isn’t too long in the UD Quester CWE, it is equipped with bare essentials like optional ABS and seat belts in the cabin.

The reliable diesel engine and the smooth operating controls and chassis of the UD Quester CWE make it one of the most reliable and peace-of-mind offerings in the segment, despite its limited popularity in the Philippines commercial vehicle market.