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Automatically superior
Page 70
Page 71
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CM tests more CVs than anyone else; now we're using our extensive database to help you search for the right vehicle. Product Focus this week looks at one of the Swedish manufacturers: Volvo.
As you might expect from its Swedish background. Volvo is a quiet but efficient beast. It has many fingers in many pies, from standard fleet wagons to desirable owner-driver rigs.
Vehicle: Volvo FM12 380 6x2 sleeper cab Tested: CM 27 September 2001 Specifications Engine: Volvo DC12c380 Euro-2 chargecooled OHC turbo-diesel with four valves per cylinder and electronically controlled unit injectors Power: 374hp (279kW) at 1,700-1,800rpm Torque: 1,850Nm (1,3641bft) at 1,1001,300pm Transmission: VT2014 14-speed Geartronic automated transmission with manual override Terms of warranty: Two years, unlimited distance Weight tested: Tractor, 7,970kg; trailer, 7,000kg; payload, 26,030kg;
GVVV, 41 ,000kg
Operational trial results (Scottish three day route): Average speed: 74.3km/h (46.2mph) Fuel consumption: 7.61mpg (37.1lit/ 1 00km)
The lowdown
We've extolled the Volvo FM's core virtues often enough not to have to repeat them in full. The combination of driver appeal and productivity makes for a jack of all trades and a master of many. However, this test is all about what, if anything, has been lost along with the clutch pedal.
No-one would dare suggest that Geartronic can do a better job than a very good driver on peak form. But, unlike even the best driver, Geartronic never gets tired or angry, never falls out with the wife and never worries about the result of the 3:15 at Lingfield.
Modesty (oh, all right, reality) forces us to admit that we could never hope to improve on Geartronic's performance in the vast majority of circumstances, and in those few, clearly defined situations where manual control is preferable, it's happy to relinquish the reins.
It's not getting any easier out there. Anything that frees the driver's mind so he can give more attention to making the truck stop, go, point in the right direction and avoid all the idiots trying to walk, ride or drive under his wheels has to be worthwhile.Why make a human do what a microchip can do better, especially if you can save money at the same time?
Give us the choice between Geartronic or 80 extra horsepower and we'd dump the clutch every time. Enough said?
Vehicle: Volvo FH12 460 6x2 pusher axle Globetrotter Tested: CM27 February 2003 Specifications Engine: Volvo Dl 2D-460 Euro-3, OHC four-stroke, charge-cooled DI with electronic diesel control, four-valvesper-cylinder and unit injectors Power: 460hp (343kW) at 1,5001,80Orpm Torque: 2,200Nm (1,622Ibft) between 1,050-1,450rpm Transmission: Volvo I-Shift 12-speed, direct-drive fully automated V2412S Terms of warranty: Two years, unlimited distance with optional third year Weight tested: Tractor, 8,115kg; trailer, 7.000kg, payload, 28,885kg GVW, 44 000kg Operational trial results (Scottish threeday route): Average speed: 74 6km/h (46 3mph) Fuel consumption: 7.05mpg (40.71it/100km)
The lowdown
We admit that we've generally taken a pretty jaundiced view of automated heavy truck transmissions. But Volvo has finally produced the `point-and-shoot' auto that truck manufacturers have long threatened but, until now, never quite delivered.
I-Shift really can think for itself, and the speed with which it adjusts to the terrain is little short of astounding.The means it's more than just intelligent: it's idiot proof. Put it in a fleet and, thanks to its consistency, it has the potential to finally end the wild variations in fuel returns between your drivers.
But this isn't just a transmission test.With IShift sitting behind the latest Dl 2D 460 you've got a very driveable truck that's totally on top of the job thanks to the engine's excellent torque characteristics and good journe■,, times. Admittedly the big Swede's fuel consumption isn't record-breaking, but then neither was its Euro-2 predecessor. However, if you don't need 44 tonnes it can only get better, and we were also pleasantly surprised by the FH's kerbweight too.
And, at a time when driver retention is reaching crisis point, a Volvo FH12-460 Globetrotter with I-Shift is an extremely strong trump card. •