S-Way’s driveline is exactly the same as Stralis’s, which is good news as far as Diesel News’ European Correspondent, Will Shiers, is concerned, but how is the S-Way on the road?
I’m a big fan of Iveco’s Cursor engines, which punch well above their weight. They are paired perfectly with the ZF TraXon (Hi-Tronix) gearbox. Diesel-powered S-Ways get a choice of 9-, 11- or 13-litre engines (330hp to 570hp), while CNG and LNG vehicles (Iveco is actively promoting natural gas as an alternative to diesel in Europe) have either the 9- or 13-litre (270hp to 460hp). Prior to the launch I’d heard rumours of a 16-litre option, but they proved to be false.
I get the chance to drive one at a race track just outside of Madrid, but with just two laps, it’s difficult to give a worthwhile appraisal. What I can tell you though is that Stralis’s superb driving dynamics remain. Visibility through the new one-piece side windows is great, but the new mirrors are rather large, and may prove a hindrance at the approach to intersections.
I am impressed with how quiet the S-Way is, both in terms of engine noise and the lack of in-cab squeaks and rattles. Rewind 20 years or so and Ivecos made more noise than this at a standstill with their engines turned off!
In Summary- S-Way On The Road
I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in my opinion the S-Way looks fantastic. In fact, I’m struggling to think of a prettier cab-over design. Although I am slightly critical of the interior, overall the S-Way represents a massive improvement over its predecessor.
Yes of course Iveco could have thrown millions more Euros at the interior, and potentially given both Mercedes and Scania a run for their money, but it would have resulted in a significant price hike, and is that what Iveco’s customers want? The operators I spoke to at the launch event were all hugely impressed, one describing it as looking like a Scania, but without a Scania price tag.
I’ll leave the last words to another social media pundit: “I’ve got to say, for an Iveco it looks really good. I’d have one.”
Magirus Special Edition
In a nod to its heritage, Iveco unveiled a Magirus special edition S-Way at the launch. The truck features a classic two-tone livery, incorporating the famous M logo.
A lot of time and effort has clearly gone into the cab’s high-spec interior. It features a TV, microwave, high quality leather seats, with tasteful red stitching around the dashboard and steering wheel. It’s proof that Iveco can indeed produce a truly classy interior when it puts its mind to it.
The S-Way Range on the Road
The S-Way is the first truck to be launched in the manufacturer’s WAY heavy range. Although initially only available in one size, a narrow cab (2.3m) and different roof heights will appear next year. These will be joined by the X-Way light construction truck, and the T-Way multi-axle Trakker replacement.
The truck is expected to be about five per cent more expensive than Stalis, and Iveco says this will be more than off-set by improved fuel economy.
Connectivity in the S-Way
All Iveco S-Ways come with a connectivity box as standard, which works off a service platform developed in partnership with Microsoft. Hauliers can tap into a number of free services, designed to optimise uptime, fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership (TCO), or pay a fee for a more comprehensive package.
The system records driver behaviour too, which as well as being accessed via the infotainment screen, can also be monitored by the new MyIveco EASY Way app. Using the app, drivers can additionally control the truck’s electric windows, door locks, heating, lighting and audio.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
