VOLVO 11112-380 The Volvo was the odd truck out in
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
that it was a 6x2 twin-steer, albeit with a straightforward single sleeper cab and mid-range "C" trim—spartan standard trim and plush CD trim are other options. Despite its extra air-sprung axle the FH did no better than average in ride testing. Its sound insulation was very good, though the engine was noisy at tickover, and general standards of design and build quality were fine.
Sleeper's comments First, the bunk. There was plenty of space for this 6ft lin tester to stretch out without feeling cramped, and the mattress was comfortable enough to prevent creaky joints in the morning.
A lidded cubby-hole provides a decent space for toiletries and there's a bottle-holder above your head, supplemented by a cargo-net beside the bunk.
Controls for main cab lights, heating and power sockets are all on a central panel—easy to use however you sleep on the bunk—and there are bright, individually switched reading lamps at both ends. You can't get out of the wrong side of this bed!
The plastic flooring in the footwells is practical, but not the most welcoming we've encountered. Still, the high, fairly flat cab floor and fold-up passenger seat cushion allow you to dress and undress without stumbling over the engine hump even though this isn't the maximum-height cab variant.
The heater was simple to operate, if a little vocal when warming up. Once a stable temperature was reached the fan's tickover was very quiet.
Curtaining comes in two stages: the main windows are easy to close off, providing a big private space, while an additional set behind the seats makes the bunk still cosier and reduces the need for a heater. The curtains are easy to use.
Overall, it's a spacious area with an easy-touse bunk and sensibly thought-out controls. *Mike Gray Expert's Finish is OK, with acceptable shut lines, and there's plenty of storage, but cubbyholes are unlined (so objects rattle and slide about) and some items, such as cup holders, fit poorly. Also, it will be difficult to clean when the inevitable spill happens. Still, the door feels substantial, with good wide pockets, and fixings are well integrated.
The side demist vents are good, but aimed at the grab rail—doesn't this defeat the object of the exercise?
The sunvisors are offset (like those on the Merc and the Scania) but they've been set up for left-hand drive so there's an enormous gap to let the setting sun through.
The four cubby boxes open and close easily, and there's a useful space under the head of the bunk, though there are few pockets around the bunk. The zipped mattress cover is removable for washing—a thoughtful touch.
The seat frame rattles (like the Mercedes) but its trim fits well and is robust without being dull. It looks as if it will survive.
Ride comments Over MIRA's smooth-tarmac track the Vol cab felt extremely firm and quiet.
In general terms it seemed one of the with a well balanced set of results marred only by some fairly high movement through the floor, and the longitudinal movement through the seat backrest over the rough concrete surface. But you would expect good results from a three-axle tractive unit, so this performance is hardly special.