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Volvo FI116 is heavy at heart
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Page 19
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CM is the first transport magazine to put Volvo's new right-hand drive F1-116 though its paces and it impressed. By Emma Penny m Volvo's new flagship truck, the ri116, finally broke cover in the UK this week, and Otis the first transport magazine to drive the right-hand drive version.
The manufacturer believes the truck—with a 16-litre engine available in 550hp and 610hp versions—will appeal to heavy haulage operations and power-hungry owner-operators on intercontinental work where speedy delivery is crucial. And It's certainly priced the truck at the top end of the market, with a £105,000 list price for the 610hp 6x4 Globetrotter XL version we drove.
So what do you get for your money? CM's first UK drive confirmed the truck's pulling power, with the engine delivering plenty of grunt over a twisty, hilly circuit. The D160 engine delivers bucketioads of torque-2,500N m in the 550hp version and 2,800Nm at 610hpwith 90% of that available within two seconds of pulling away, says Volvo. Chassis options are 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 tractors and 6x2 and 6x4 rigids.
At the moment, Volvo's I-Shift fullyautomated transmission can't handle the FH16's high torque outputs; operators can have any gearbox they want— as long as they're manual. The gearshift of the range-change and splitter V02814 14-speed overdrive gearbox is smooth and easy to use, requiring little force despite having done very few miles—and with only 48 tonnes to deal with on the test vehicle, it didn't take long to reach top.
The combination of exhaust brake and VEB engine brake gave equally impressive performance, delivering the equivalent of 515hp and making touching the service brakes on our test drive a rare occurrence; it also negates the need for a gearbox retarder, saving weight and money, although this is available as an option.
The 6x4 tractor, as driven by CM,
can be operated to 78 tonnes gross, but was only tested at 48 tonnes. With an uprated fifth wheel, the rH16 can operate at a gross weight of 150 tonnes. suiting heavy haulage operations.
Despite Its capacity to pull heavy loads, Volvo says It's an eco nomIc truck to run, with fuel consumption comparable to its most powerful 12-litre engine.
And despite its pulling power, the truck cab is very quiet, partly helped by the timing gears being located behind the engine. The cab is available as a sleeper cab, Globetrotter or Globetrotter XL; Volvo expects the latter to be the most popular option. Three living packages are available—a single sleeper in the two smallest models, and either a twin sleeper or single sleeper with office in the Globetrotter and Globetrotter XL The beds have new rollup mattresses, and the sleeping area can be fitted with a panel for lighting and night heater controls.
The cab trim is exclusive to the FH16, and is based on a smart terracotta and grey colour scheme. Seats are available as standard, comfort or deluxe options in textile, plush or leather, and electric windows are standard on all models.
Outside the cab, operators can choose from 42 paint options, and Volvo has looked at the FH16's appearance to the last detail—even the stainless steel door handles are exclusive— we just hope they don't become as popular with vandals as the VW badge!
The truck's security, though, Is taken seriously with a Thatcham category one immobiliser fitted as standard, and an alarm system available as an option.
Volvo says It has already sold 16 examples In the UK and Ireland, all to general haulage operators, with most opting for the 610hp engine. First deliveries are scheduled at the end of the year.
So would we buy this truckP Yes—if we had an operation that required It. It's unlikely to suit fleets, but if you're an owner-operator looking for something that's fast and efficient with plenty of driver comfort, or running a heavy haulage operation then this Is a well-specced, well-built and well-mannered truck to consider.