In recent times it seems the engineers at Volvo have been able to improve their trucks in all manner of ways. There have been improvements in looks, performance and driver friendliness.
But the real money had been spent on making sure they are still building the safest trucks on the road. If the proof is in the pudding, then that pudding is the safety package now available on the FH range of trucks.
We got behind the wheel of the top-of-the-range FH16 660 XXL, on the Melbourne-Sydney run to put the new technology to the safety and performance test.
First up: the Volvo FH16 660 Globetrotter XXL. It is an impressive sight. It looks like something out of a James bond movie: big, bold, strong and yet sleek at the same time.
The cab, especially built for Australia, uses the panels from the American bonneted version, and so is the longest Volvo cab-over available. It means there is now a European B-double prime mover with a large bunk and ample storage for the away-from-home necessities.
If driver comfort is important, this cab would be right up your alley. In the front, the air-suspended driver’s seat, with numerous adjustments and heating, and the adjustable interior lighting are luxurious extras.
With its flat floor the cab allows the driver to move around freely and there’s plenty of head room so you can stand up and walk around. The longer cab means a wider bed, addressing the criticism often levelled at Euro trucks.
Meanwhile, a wraparound dash layout keeps the switches for the various controls close at hand. These are easy to identify and operate, with clear markings and large switches.
The gauges are easily visible through the steering wheel, and well laid out, with the display for the trip computer located in the centre of the instrument cluster. This clearly shows information in black and white, and aside from the usual fuel and trip data displays which of the safety features are currently active.
The cab offers more than ample storage, with overhead and under bunk storage compartments. There’s even a slide out fridge.
As its name suggests, this monster is powered by Volvo’s 16.1-litre D16E SCR engine. Rated at 660hp (485kW), it uses the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) – AdBlue – to obtain Euro 4 emissions control standards.
With the big horsepower comes a huge amount of torque – 3,100Nm (2,286ft-lb) – giving an awesome amount of pulling power.
Because of the power the engine can only be matched to one gearbox, the Volvo V03112AT 12-speed fitted with I-shift automation. It is specifically made to handle the power output of the D16E. Using I-shift reduces shock through the drive train, with smooth and well-timed gear changes minimising the risk of damage to the clutch, drive shafts and diff centres.
Aside from the standard offering, there are three different software options on the I-shift. These cover distribution and construction, long haul and fuel economy, as well as heavy GCM control. Each of these is optimised for its particular role, making life easier for the driver.
The I-shift automation system works a treat, finding the right gear and making a smooth, quick change every time. There’s so much that even when loaded to 62 tonne there was little need for driver intervention up the hills.
Where it was required, by using the kick-down operation on the accelerator pedal the correct gear was achieved each time. Going down the other side, the Volvo engine brake (VEB+) did a great job of holding things back.
In combination with the I-shift, the engine was kept in the optimum zone for the VEB+ to do its thing. A Voith retarder is also available to assist in slowing the unit.
Setting the cruise control and the over-speed limit means this engine/gearbox combination does all of the thinking for you, leaving you to concentrate on where you are going.
Safety features
With all of these features, it’s hard to believe Volvo needs another selling point for this truck. But, being a Volvo, the emphasis here is on safety. This thing has safety features by the bucket load.
Anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assistance (LKA), driver alert support (DAS) – the list of acronyms goes on and on. Each of these functions plays a role in keeping the truck were it should be at all times.
ABS and ESP are fairly common on heavy trucks today, but some of the other features are not.
ACC allows the driver to set the distance to be maintained between the Volvo and the vehicle in front. The system monitors the distance using a radar-like set-up mounted low in the grille which tracks the vehicle ahead. Once this is set, the cruise control will adjust the speed up to the pre-set speed, or down using the engine brake, to maintain the gap required. It works especially well when following other vehicles into reduced speed zones, as it slows the truck to maintain the gap.
ACC can be overridden for overtaking slower traffic by pressing the accelerator to close the gap, once out in a clear lane the system becomes operational again.
With proper use, this feature will reduce fuel consumption and lower the risk of running into the vehicle ahead. The cruise control can be used without this function, and will operate as normal.
LKA monitors the trucks position within its lane. When the system detects the truck is deviating from its lane, an alarm sounds to warn the driver, who should then rectify the problem.
This feature will not work below 60km/h or if the indicator is in use.
I left this switched on for most of the drive from Melbourne to Sydney, and was surprised by its accuracy. By the simple flick of a switch, this function can be deactivated and used only when you feel it is needed. It will save lives, though only the drivers saved will know.
DAS is a system that monitors various driver inputs to measure the driver level of alertness. Research shows an alert driver is constantly making adjustments to the position and performance of the vehicle.
If a lack of driver input is detected, the system first turns off the radio. If nothing changes an alarm sounds and the cruise control is deactivated. This stops the truck running off into the scrub at full speed. This feature is only available where LKA is fitted as part of the safety package.
Along with all of these active safety features are a whole range of in-built design features to minimise the risk to the driver if the unthinkable should happen. The cab itself exceeds the toughest European safety standards, and has front underrun protection (FUPS) fitted.
The seatbelt is mounted in the seat, and has pre-tensioning technology which tightens the belt in the event of hard braking or a front-end collision. This, combined with a driver’s airbag, works to save the driver from excessive injury in a worst case scenario.
When the rain-sensing wipers are working, the brake pads touch on the disc occasionally to ensure they are dry and ready to function fully if called upon.
As the top-of-the-line model in the Volvo range you would expect this to be a good truck. In fact, with all of the comforts and technology the Swedes could muster rolled into one unit, this is about as good as Euro trucking gets.
With virtually no in-cab noise, excellent ride quality and exceptional vision from the driver’s position, combined with a roomy, comfortable cab, this truck is perfect for the long haul driver.
After plying the highways I could see no reason for a driver to be disappointed in the big Volvo. I was left feeling relaxed and comfortable, ready to go again.
In fact, I was wondering whether I wanted to give it back.
I wouldn’t expect to see too many as fleet trucks, but owner-drivers will appreciate the benefits of the FH16. With long haul B-double and heavy haulage abilities, this should be a popular truck among high-end buyers.