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The big easy
Page 12
Page 13
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In the third of our 'First Drives' of Volvo's recently-revamped product line-up, we turn our attention to the FH, with its all-new interior.
Words: Brian Weatherley IT WAS THE worst-kept secret in the business. But when Volvo unveiled its long-awaited revised FH cab hack in the summer, it still managed to pull a few rabbits out of the hat. Artists' impressions of its revamped interior had already been leaked to the press by the Swedish truck-maker, so at first glance, it all seemed a bit of an anti-climax. Indeed, what caught CM's eye on that day in June was the new D11-engine and LXL cab for the FM (see First Drive, CM 23 October), which shared the launch spotlight with the new FH.
However, don't assume that we weren't impressed by the FH's new interior. After a drive in one at Volvo's Gothenburg test track, we proclaimed: "It sets new standards on cab comfort: And after recently reacquainting ourselves with the F1-1 in the form of a right-hand-drive Globetrotter 520, we've no reason to revise that view.
On the outside, it looks pretty much like the old FH apart from new split headlamps and a wider grille. However, the list of in-cab changes is impressive: new split-base "relax" bed (think adjustable sun-lounger); revised front lockers with a 'scalloped' centre section for easier cross-cab access; reworked under-bunk storage with a pull-out fridge, neat optional multi-position table and bottle holder; swivelling passenger seat: upgraded. dimmable interior lighting; and a few other gizmos, such as a USB port. It's as if the Swedes looked around at all the good cab ideas on the market—and combined them in the FH with their own inimitable build quality.
Having recently driven the fleet-focused 440hp FM LXL, our 13-litre 520hp FH Globetrotter was clearly in the more exclusive owner-driver/reward motor camp. Out on the road and fullyfreighted at 44 tonnes, it was the epitome of easy does it.
Even on full load, it's eerily quiet inside the new FH cabin. Technophobes can stop worrying, too. Euro-5 has made no difference whatsoever to the SCRequipped D13's driveability. Coupled to 1-Shift. 2.64:1 cliff and 315/70 boots, the FH 520 strolls along motorways at a sedate 56mph, with just 1250rpm on the rev counter—pretty much smack in the middle of the 1050-1450rpm maximum torque band. Put your foot on the gopedal and you've all-but-instant access to 2,500Nm of torque. The more we drive 1-Shift, the more we like it. And with 520hp on tap, we seldom needed manual mode, except to prompt an early up-shift in the interests of good fuel economy.
If we have any negatives about the FM it's that the tall Globetrotter cab sways a bit on tight corners.. .nothing worrying , hut enough to remind you to take it easy And if the 'new' Volvo mirror cluster is easier to see round we can't see it. The massive housings still create pretty much the same blind spots as the old ones as far as we're concerned. Last but not least we remain convinced that the FLI's trade-mark notably raked windscreen and sloping front doesn't help you when entering or exiting the cab. For the best step layout, Scania's R cab scoops the trophy.
Last but not least, with some 70% of all Volvo tractors now going out with I-Shift in them, surely it's time to make it standard fit on the FH?
Having finished our drive, we were able to look at the interior more closely. The 'Drive Plus' (formerly 'Prestige') top-of-the-range trim is impressive, but you've still got to pay extra for leather seats, fridge and a swivelling passenger seat — stuff other manufacturers throw in as standard on a flagship tractor.
The 'relax' bed is a perfect way to wind-down, whether you're settling in for the night and watching telly, or waiting for the RDC queue to move forward one. With all the main night-time controls in the centre of the rear wall, you won't have to leave it either. However, not for the first time, we found the release mechanism on our split bed a bit slow to work. We'll put it down to 'newness' for the moment. The slideout fridge is massive (all 27 litres of it) and the reworked front lockers with roller shutters are a noticeable improvement. The scalloped-out centre section means that even the broadest-shouldered driver can turn around much easier. The dimmer switch and lighting set-up is good and there are now decent reading lights, too.
Moreover, the absence of a second bunk in our FH also has us feeling optimistic that the "single-hunk with more storage" UK-spec for a top weight tractor might just have finally sunk in with Volvo, even if it hasn't with some other manufacturers.,, fingers crossed. •