For the first in our new series of T&D Cab Kit tests, we've pampered ourselves with top tractors from Scania and Mercedes.

In the blue corner stands Scania's latest R470 with all-new Highline cab. As an intermediate step between standard sleeper and the flagship Topline, it offers two bunks and 210mm of extra headroom over a normal R-series sleeper, although that's still 320mm less than in the Topline. The Highline is aimed at owner- drivers and large fleets whose wheelmen spend some nights out every week, but a taller Highline cab will also boost the big Swede's residual value at disposal time. Although we offered Scania the chance to provide a Topline as a more direct competitor to Merc's MegaSpace, it was adamant that we tried the Highline. So we did, and were impressed.

In the red corner stands the 'new-generation' Actros, complete with a reworked cab which features a very driver-friendly interior. Thanks to its flat floor, the MegaSpace cab has 250mm more headroom than a standard Actros LS sleeper, and considerably more storage space (770 litres vs 318 litres) besides. Merc says it sells more Actros artics with the 460hp V6 lump than any other engine, while the voluminous MegaSpace clearly adds real driver appeal, even if our tractor stopped short of having the top-of-the-range Executive in-terior trim. We weren't complaining, though.

(For full story see April's edition of T&D)