Road Tests: Volvo FH12-460

We admit that we've taken a pretty jaundiced view when it comes to automated heavy truck transmissions. However, Volvo has finally produced the ultimate 'point and shoot' auto that truck makes have long threatened - but never quite delivered. I-Shift really can thing for itself, and the speed with which it adjusts to the terrain is little short of astounding. The 'I' means it's more than just intelligent, it's idiot proof. Put it in a fleet and, thanks to its consistency, it also has the potential to finally end the wild variations in fuel returns between your drivers - no matter who's behind the wheel. But this isn't just a transmission test. With I-Shift sitting behind the latest D12D 460, you've got a very driveable truck that's totally on top of the job thanks to the latter's excellent torque characteristics and good journey times. Admittedly the big Swede's fuel consumption isn't record-breaking, but then neither was its Euro-2 predecessor. However, if you don't need 44 tonnes it can only get better, and we were also pleasantly sururised by the FH's kerbweight too. Meanwhile at a time when driver retention is reaching crisis point, a Volvo FH12-460 Globetrotter with I-Shift is an extremely strong trump card.