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With so many truck and van launches this year, we've
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been spoiled for choice and it would be easy to overlook some of the more modest launches of the past 12 months. But in the case of the latest Volvo FH480, that would be a big mistake. The arrival of a new 13-litre Volvo engine is a major addition to the FH's already impressive pedigree.
Volvo has dropped its convention of denoting which engine is f itted in its trucks with the badge on the door, preferring a simple arrangement of cab type (FH or FM) and power option. In the case of the 13-litre, the options are 400, 440,480 and 520.
The new engine promises plenty of power and torque on paper, but how does it perform on the road?
We recently took a Euro-5 FH480 for an afternoon's drive around the Warwickshire countryside and the first thing that struck us was its exceptional driveability at low revs lugging down to 1,000rpm without any rattles or vibrations from the drivekne. We never felt that the engine was labouring and as we worked up through the rev band, the power rose steadily and predictably right up to 1,800rpm.
The test truck was equipped with the impressive Volvo I-Shift transmission, making for a very relaxed driving experience, In its latest incarnation, married to the new engine, this is arguably the best auto combination currently on the market.
The engine has its timing gears at the rear, greatly cutting in-cab noise. This is one of the best of the crop of new engines launched to meet Euro4 in October; it keeps the Swedish truck builder in the top echelon of the tractor brigade, although we have yet to sample the fuel efficiency of the new motor.
But while there is no doubting the engine's virtues, the FH might benefit from some attention in the ride and handling department.
Compared with the latest Daf XF105, for example, the steering and cab suspension are not as assured— there is a lot of cab sway through the corners.
We have rated the FH as one of the most comfortable trucks on the road ever since its launch back in 1993, but times move on and Volvo's ride and handling is in danger of being supplanted in our affection.