Words & Pics supplied by Richard Stanier. Credit IToY
Volvo had been conspicuous by its absence on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) winner’s podium since 2000, with several successful and significant models failing to top the voting it its favour, but with the introduction of the new FH4 in September 2012, Volvo became the one to beat.
The headline-grabbing new cab and some clever engineering innovations saw the new Volvo prevail in a tightly fought contest with 116 votes, edging ahead of the new Euro-6 DAF XF on 105 votes, with the Mercedes-Benz Arocs construction vehicles taking third spot. With over 650,000 FH sales since the introduction of the original model in 1993, Volvo was naturally reluctant to dispense with a brand name which accounted for more the 60% of its heavy truck sales, and the new truck was sell the Forward – High offering, but the new cab design dispensed with the characteristic raked windscreen of its predecessor. This had received some criticism over the years, and the new upright A-pillar afforded 1m. more internal space and improved visibility.
New, slim side mirrors mounted further from the A-pillar addressed the other long-standing niggle of earlier FH cabs and contributed further to the driver’s vision. Exterior styling was the responsibility of Asok George who intended the truck to look like it was in motion even when stationary, courtesy of some clever lines, and although the trademark bar and Iron Mark received a reduced prominence, “there’s no doubt we’re looking at a Volvo” confirmed the designer.
The cab interior was suitably impressive with 2,220mm headroom available in the largest Globetrotter XL cab. A new “Scandinavian” colour scheme enhanced the environment with darker tones giving way to lighter, space-enhancing ones above and a new seat with 40mm additional travel, a wider bunk with optional reclining, a steering column with 20” neck-tilt, and 300 litres of additional storage capacity were all highlights.
FH4’s driveline was brought forward from the FH3 with the D13C engine available at 420hp, 460hp, 500hp or 540hp ratings and the 16-litre available at 540hp, 600hp, 700hp or 750hp.
All the engines were Euro-5 standard at the launch, with a solitary Euro-6 offered at 460hp in the form of the D13K; Euro-6 production being fully commenced from Autumn 2013. The well regarded I-Shift 12-speed automated transmission was offered with four add-on packages.
Amongst the engineering innovations were a forward-mounted rear stabiliser bar, independent front suspension with double wishbones and rack and pinion steering, I-See predictive cruise control, the Telematics Gateway remote-maintenance reporting and the I-Torque package.
I-Torque was a combination of a 460hp turbo-compound engine and dual-clutch I-Shift transmission which didn’t enter production at the time, whereas the independent front suspension offered operators of led-hand drive vehicles an unparalleled degree of handling at a price which deterred many, particularly given the improved wider springs on the standard FH front axle and the option of Volvo dynamic steering.
Coincidently, the Volvo Electric truck range have just won the International Truck of the Year 2027 at the IAA Transportation in Hannover.
