Volvo Bus has long been an innovator in the local chassis space with a wealth of models running smoothly on Australian roads each day.
Quite often seen hitting the tar is the brand’s premier B11R coach, which quickly found success within the market when it was launched in 2015. With admirers from day one, the coach soon became a predominant product for Australian operators.
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While many seemed happy with the current coach, Volvo Bus continued to look to the future, focusing on updating and elevating what we already know and love.
Launched earlier this year, the Volvo B13R was unveiled as the newest addition to Volvo Bus Australia’s fleet, joining the likes of the popular B8R and B8RLE models that have become increasingly prevalent in Australia, as well as the trusted B11R coach that it will eventually replace.
For operators, Volvo Bus APAC director of product and engineering Mark Fryer told ABC that there are plenty of benefits in this latest Volvo model.
“It was developed with operators and drivers in mind and is designed to meet the demanding operating conditions of Australia, with a firm focus on safety, comfort and productivity,” Fryer says.
“We have also completely redesigned its electrical system, resulting in a new digital display dash for drivers.”
Volvo has also increased the movement of the steering column to improve the ergonomics for drivers, while changes to the rear axle means there’s a brand-new transmission in this coach model.
Instead of just offering its standard iShift transmission, the B13R also has an option for overdrive included to bring down the revs on high gears, saving fuel.
Eastern Australian Coaches’ operator Campbell Lewis was one of the lucky few to receive his new coach first, picking up the newest model around Easter this year.
“I had purchased my first Volvo, a B11R, around 15 months ago,” Lewis told ABC.
“I thought it was a great vehicle, and with the promise that the B13R would be even better, I thought I’d better give it a go.”
The B13R’s electric architecture means it can run a variety of operations, from normal charter work around Australia to more complex tourism work in New Zealand’s renowned mountainous ranges with little hassle.
Based around Western Sydney, Lewis is often driving across the Blue Mountains for work doing extended tours, rail replacement, and general long-distance work.
“It can be pretty tough terrain, and a lot of buses would be eating fuel along those roads,” he says.
“But the fuel consumption with the B13R has been exceptional.”
“I completed a run from Western Sydney, across the mountains out west and back, and it was running in the high 25 litres per 100kms when I got back.”
The new 13-litre engine and driveline feature several fuel-saving technologies, helping to reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 per cent compared with the previous engine. A new engine compartment layout and unique cooling system operated by electrical fans lower engine revs at cruising speed, further highlighting cost savings.
Coming in either a 460hp or 500hp power level, the B13Rs engine can also be run on biofuel to improve its environmental performance and footprint. It also features the Volvo Acceleration Limiter, which helps the driver to moderate the power and maintain fuel economy.
Sweetening the deal even more is the addition of a 90L AdBlue tank – the largest Volvo has ever offered the local market.
While reaping cost-saving benefits is at the top of many operators’ minds, ensuring the safety of their drivers and passengers often takes precedence.
Safety has always been a major focus for Volvo, with this newest model being no exception. The B13R is equipped with advanced safety and protection systems such as dynamic steering, alert systems, lane keeping and more to provide superior driver and passenger safety.
“What I’ve loved the most about the safety features is how passive they’ve been,” Lewis says.
“The alerts and corrections are smooth and easy to understand. If you begin to drift, your leg will vibrate, whether on the right or left side, and you can swiftly and easily correct your driving.
“Even drivers who have historically thought new technology was a bad thing, have begun changing their minds after experiencing this new model and how helpful it can be.”
The introduction of dynamic steering – a technology that improves steering responsiveness and precision, thus reducing the strain on the driver’s shoulders, neck and arms – has also been a massive hit with the drivers, according to Lewis.
“Volvo has made an effort to ensure the drivers can be as comfortable as possible, which is also shown with the new driver aids.”
The steering wheel now features buttons for cruise control and various media is available with a neck-tilt to suit driver ergonomics. The improved display features a new ‘dynamic instrument cluster’ with different views to provide a superior overview of important driver information, enhancing driver focus and control.
“I am incredibly happy with the new coach. There are still a few things I have to set up, but with each update, everything keeps getting better and better,” Lewis says.
While B13R’s start clocking up kilometres on Australian roads, general manager Mitch Peden is looking to the operators to inform them on how Volvo can continually improve.
“It’s amazing to start receiving feedback from operators after they have had some time to test them on the roads,” Peden told ABC.
“There is no one better to let you know how a bus is going than the person behind the wheel.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with operators and improving our product offerings year on end.”
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