AHEAD OF THE CURVE
ABC magazine’s usual test drives often have a focus on the latest and greatest bus body building, driver functionality, passenger comfort and new technology. Visually, we are always impressed by a new-look exterior, great craftmanship and exciting features that make for a comfortable ride or just a greatlooking vehicle to admire.
Today’s drive of the latest Euro 6 Volvo B11R vehicle, however, is a bit different. Although it definitely is one great-looking coach, it is all about what you can’t see and the huge impact these features will have on all aspects of the drive, from both operator and driver peace of mind, driver comfort and usability and, most importantly, passenger safety.
This chassis comes with the Volvo D11 six-cylinder in-line diesel engine, making 460hp (343kW) and 2,200Nm, Volvo I-Shift 12-speed transmission and, most importantly, the long list of safety features.
Talking with Stuart Woodward, regional sales manager (NSW) for Volvo Bus Australia, we started with who built the body before getting into the behind-thescenes features that today’s drive is all about.
“The Volvo B11R test vehicle body was built by Coach Design in Brisbane,” said Woodward.
“Coach Design proved to be a good
