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IF THERE'S ONE AREA designed to show a truck's all-round
Page 55
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worth on our titanic test, its day three's hill section. And though fuel economy was a priority from start to finish, coming a close second on this section were the engine's power delivery and the automatic box's level of cunning
We'd heard a lot about Volvo's I-Shift automated box and its ability to take responsibility for changing gears, leaving the driver free to concentrate on keeping it rolling. And after a short time on the road we caift;to realise that this time at least, the claims were justified. Shifting, whether down or up, was handled with a smoothness that had previously been the stuff of dreams on auto boxes.
We also noted the cosseting nature of the cab. Wind noise was kept at bay while the engine, even when pushed, remained muted and stress free.
These attributes were complemented by well
controlled suspension, especially in the cabin, Which absorbed ripples and bumps admirably. From a passengers perspective it all added up to a relaxing journey, which was particularly welcome with some serious navigation duties to take care of.
And then it was time to climb. Cue the kettle drums from 2001: Space Odyssey as e approached the first serious gravitational hallenge. Dropping out of auto mode and into m nual "the box might be clever but it can't see th road ahead," our driver remarked, and he h d a point we started our ascent A suitable gear as found, the engine dug in, and we stayed cal . Over the brow and gravity became our friend a the load over our shoulders pushed us downstr am.
The Volvo remained stable at all tim s as it snaked through some pretty tight corn rs: and when speed crept a little too high the FH's anchors restrained us from speeding to keep in line with the competition.
Inside the cab CM's navigator remained calm and composed, and even had time to notice the surprising amount of space. There's only one bunk but this makes room for some serious overhead storage, complete with fridge.
There's a flat floor between driver and passenger but the dashboard had enough small storage cubbies to keep us happy so we didn't miss the traditional engine-hump knick-knack storage area After a mandatory rest we hopped back in, noting the easy access, and took on the remaining hills.
The Volvo is a competent performer that doesn't require the driver to exert himself, even when under pressure And as for passengers, well, our man had almost fallen asleep by the end