FAW 380D12

Just like for the exterior design, the engineers at the FAW have made the cabin of the FAW 380D12 look very simple and to the point, and in the process, it misses out on a number of modern features and amenities like a proper audio system and even an air conditioner system. This approach makes the interior cabin of the FAW 380D12 look very dated and unappealing. 

Though the cabin of the FAW 380D12 scores good in terms of practicality, as the flat bench in the cabin is supportive and spacious for three full-sized adults, with complete adjustability for the driver’s seat as well. 

As compared to other contemporary looking and feature equipped trucks from European automakers in the same category, the FAW 380D12 looks slightly dated and seriously under-equipped. However, for a full-size truck, the FAW 380D12 has got big dimensions, which does help in giving it a mighty road presence. 

Following an old school approach in design, the FAW 380D12 gets a number of rectangular references in its entire design. Talking about the front of the FAW 380D12, it has got a slightly curved front windscreen, which has a rectangular profile with angular edges and black garnish below is laid out in a horizontal manner, the latter of which has a curved design from the bottom. Featuring triple intermittent wipers, this windscreen gets a large silver finished horizontal crossbar above it. 

The front grille of the FAW 380D12 has a trapezoidal design, with minutely tapering side edges, a big logo of FAW motors in the middle of it, and a silver horizontal lining at the top of it. The side parts of the front apron surrounding the front grille have small cavities on its edges outwards.

The FAW 380D12 has a rather small front bumper on which there are small rectangular headlamps, which are simple halogen units and look quite dated in profile. From the corners of the front bumper, the side body cladding commences, which extend towards the sides. A large tow hook is placed in the middle of the front bumper.

The side profile of the FAW 380D12 looks slightly rugged, thanks to a slightly broader side cladding, which emerges from the front bumper and extends over the wheel arches. The rearview mirrors as well as the side windows are quite large, with the latter getting an upward rising shoulder line for them.

Featuring power steering as a part of the standard equipment, the FAW 380D12 is a fairly large truck to maneuver, with a large turning radius of 11150mm. This 16-wheeled truck is quite sluggish to move owing to its humongous size and big kerb weight.

Powering the FAW 380D12 is a WP12.380E32 series turbocharged diesel engine, which also features an intercooler. The engine displaces 11596cc and pumps out a maximum power output of 374 PS and a peak torque output of a mammoth 1600 Nm. These performance figures, especially the mighty torque output, gives the FAW 380D12 a good load-carrying capacity. 

Stripped off any prominent modern-day safety feature, the FAW 380D12 feels seriously under-equipped when it comes to the very important aspect of safety. However, it does cover up the basics of safety by offering a lockable driver cabin with manual central locking as well as seat belts for the passengers in the cabin.

The FAW 380D12 is a truck with a seriously dated appeal, both in terms of exterior and interior design as well as equipment on offer. However, when it comes to mechanicals, the numbers posted by the engine as well as other components of the chassis surely seem promising.