Volvo FH11 420 Globetrotter
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Nvith a near-full quota of big cabs this year. the Volvo FH12 Globetrotter deserved a place in our line-up again. In CD trim (leather and velour seats, Driver Information System, air conditioning and walnut dash) the interior is eyecatchingly different.
To prevent drivers trampolining at the wheel Volvo has made mechanical suspension standard, along with steel front suspension and air over the second and third axles. But, despite the seat's seemingly high comfort levels, ride meter scrutiny showed there's nothing spectacular about it. When it comes to noise levels at speed, however, the FH has few peers, and noise penetration figures are superb. By tilting the steering wheel forward and sliding the seat back you can cross the cab easily, but the other route is more civilised and the steps are illuminated.
For extra footwell space just push the seat back and lift the base: an excellent feature. Standing in the centre is tricky due to the plastic tray that takes up most of the engine cover. There's 1.57m headroom from the engine cover.
The bottom berth is easy to enter, has a comfy deep. sprung mattress and there's a master control panel on the back wall for heater, lights and radio. There's no shortage of interior lighting at each end of either bunk, and a good sound system, but Volvo should consider fitting a recess to take reading glasses.
The top bunk needs steps for ease of access and has a thin base; best just to use it for stowing gear and laying out clothes for the morning. Two sets of heavy brocade curtains (an outer set with another for the bunks) are very effective.
This is a warm, well insulated cab but the heater is noisy, and from a very low ambient temperature it took 45 minutes to reach I2°C. It would have been quicker had the heater not been fitted behind the passenger seat with the nozzle blowing under the bunk, Overnight the temperature rose to 24°C before we turned the heater off. The bed stayed cosy but air in the fbotwells and over the engine cover remained cold much longer.
There's plenty of extra storage in the door pockets, with deeper lockers in the top header section and more space under the lower bunk with an illuminated tool locker accessible from the outside.
Despite being let down in one or two areas, the FH Globetrotter is a formidable sleeper with considerable driver appeal.