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MANUFACTURER: FH 12 Globetrotter XL 6x2
Page 53
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Tester's impression: When Volvo revamped its FH range in 2002 it had the good sense to retain some admirable features of the original 1993 design. The new smart and slippery exterior, dominated by its upstanding, futuristic headlights, masks a traditional interior which is finished in high quality materials. The dashboard doesn't take much of the interior space, but on the other hand the centre console doesn't appear to be very useful. It's a good thing you can fold the steering column away, to create more living space.
The raked windscreen restricts locker space up above, and the cab layout also restricts the space available for a driver who stands upright on the engine tunnel to get dressed.
These days truck manufacturers don't like too many knobs and switches — compare, for example, the centre console of the old and new model Mere Actros. Volvo never took the cluttered route, even with the current Globetrotter the Swedes have resisted the temptation to integrate the operation of the auxiliary heating system in some computer system. The operation remains mechanical, so there are no screen menus to run through. Just keep the ignition key in your pocket and hold the heater switch on the centre console a second or two, until a little light comes on. Then settle into your bunk and adjust the temperature on a little thermostat mounted in the panel on the back of the cab.
The Globetrotter isn't the widest of cabs, and the access to the bunk is a bit limited by the two seats. However the bunk itself is wide enough, long enough and thick enough. At the top end, which in this case is behind the passenger seat, there's just enough room to keep little valuables like your mobile phone.
Most of your gear has to find a place on the dashboard or on the seats while you're asleep. You could stash some of your luggage on the upper bunk but this means it won't fold out of the way, which will restrict your headroom. Volvo does offer a second row of storage bins on the back of the cab in place of the second bunkunless you're running double-manned that would be a better option.
The auxiliary heater was clearly audible but it was a constant sound so our tester soon nodded off, having opened the latch a little to let in some fresh air. The panel mounted on the back of the cab allows the driver to operate the interior lights, night heater and latch without getting out of bed.
In the morning the curtains let in just enough light to give the driver a hint of the situation outside, but they're thick enough to let him lie in (if only!). Getting dressed meant another confrontation with the lack of space around the driver's head and shoulders, but if you're breakfasting on board you'll appreciate the cool-box and small fold-out table. Most important. however, was that our tester felt rested and ready for another day's work.