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THE 4X2 400HP Volvo FM400 was the only contender to
Page 51
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feature an air-suspended passenger seat, which made the ride an absolute joy, especially on the notorious A68. Also welcome on this demanding stretch of road was Volvo's 12.8 litre straight-six D13A400, producing 400hp and 2,000Nm of torque. It drove via a 12-speed I-Shift automated box.
Volvo has taken the SCR route to meeting Euro-4 in fact with the exception of the D13A360 its engines are all ready for Euro-5. The well matched driveline made light of the steep climbs on our test route, whether in manual, auto or cruise control.
The I-shift gear selector is sensibly sited to the left of the driver's seat, leaving the dash nice and clear, and the curved fascia puts all the controls in easy reach.
The cab retains an engine hump, but it's spacious and comfortable. Storage is no problem with six overhead compartments and a capacious drawer under the bunk. One of the overhead compartments had the optional fridge installed, which was very welcome as Red Bull is best taken chilled.
The bunk has flexible reading lights either end, which reach over the seats it need be. There is even a vanity mirror in the driver's sun-visor, a reminder that drivers nowadays are seen as ambassadors for their employers.
Sornewfiat less impressive are the centrally mounted cup-holders, which seemed rather flimsy and did not cater for a range of container sizes. The neutral blue-and-grey colour scheme is restful and well matched by the seat trim.
The air-suspended, low noise levels and lack of vibration made for a relaxing environment, even on difficult uphill sections where the engine was using every one of its 2.000Nm of torque.
It's all about fuel efficiency, and when running in manual a beeper will tell the driver when to change gear for best efficiency. I-Shift does this automatically, of course, and the exhaust brake is applied automatically. too. to control downhill speed. It works in conjunction with the automated box to select the best gear for maximum exhaust brake efficiency.
Steep and winding roads hold no fears for the Euro-4 Volvo FM. The I-Shift and automatic exhaust brake take a lot of the work away from the driver and allow him to concentrate fully on the road ahead. Its interior layout is comfortable for driver and passenger alike; there's plenty of space for single-manned trunking.