LAST YEAR, Transport News reported that the S-Way had made it onto several fleets either as a conquest for Iveco as a supplier, or as continued business with established customers.
Harbro was a case in point, taking three. At the last Transport News Scottish Rewards between new trucks in the colours of Robert Summers and Enviro Clean, sat ‘Fuel Hero’, a demonstrator supplied by the importer.
So, what is ‘Fuel Hero’? For Iveco it was a chance to put together a specification of S-Way 490 that blended performance and fuel economy, at a time when the price of diesel seemed to have no ceiling.
To this end the Fuel Hero spec is specified with longer rear axle ratios down to 2.31:1, which are all available with standard profile tyres, to encourage ‘down-speeding’ (lower revs), that in theory, delivers better fuel efficiency over the long haul.
In addition, explained the manufacturer, the efficiency of the Cursor 11 and Cursor 13 engines ‘has been improved through increased compression ratios and a new combustion management strategy’.
To further help improve fuel returns, Iveco has also included a new Eco Mode for the automatic air conditioning system, ‘which eliminates unnecessary energy absorption’, and ‘new A-pillar aerodynamic covers that further improve air flow around the cab’.
This S-Way AS440S49TX/P is a 6×2 tractor unit. For the driver it’s the Active Space cab, and underneath is the Cursor 13 12.9 litre. In case you are keeping count, it’s a Euro 6 E rating, which was made mandatory for all new vehicles in September 2021.
It’s multi-faceted aftertreatment system uses selective catalytic reduction incorporating Diesel Oxydation Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter and Clean Up Catalyst.
Maximum power for the nominally badged 490 is actually 478hp at 1,900rpm, while the 2,400Nm peak torque is delivered between 900 and 1,560rpm. Transmission is a direct top automated Hi-Tronix 2TX 2210 and it comes with a 2.47 rear axle ratio as standard.
The tyres are also standard; 315/70s on aluminium wheels.
The kerbweight for this driving impression is 8,055kg, a total that doesn’t include the driver but does include two full tanks.
On The Road, With The Official Road Test Driver Stevie Walker
TRUCK manufacturers work hard to create an environment that drivers want to be in. Retaining existing drivers and attracting new ones to the industry has been a hot topic over the last few years.
One sure way to solve this issue is to operate shiny new trucks with all the bells and whistles to make a driver’s day as painless as possible, and truck manufacturers have really stepped up to the task of creating products that do just that.
Iveco has had to up its game quite radically in order to compete; the previous Stralis model had a number of poor build quality issues and although adequate the cab did nothing much to set the world on fire, so what about its replacement the S-Way?
First impressions of Iveco’s flagship suggest they might just have cracked it if the exterior is anything to go by. It is a real head turner, especially the example I have for today’s drive. The designers have surpassed themselves in creating what I think is one of the most attractive trucks currently on offer.
Exterior storage comes in the shape of double lockers on either side which gives better options for drivers to separate all the gubbins they like to bring along instead of cramming it all together in one side locker.
The off side of the chassis frame hosts the AdBlue tank neatly behind the deep wind collars, which help keep the system free from road grime. The collars themselves add to the cab’s fine looks, but are susceptible to blowing in during strong winds.
The near side is let down somewhat by a rather unattractive exhaust system. This can be remedied as many operators are doing by fitting some aftermarket side skirts to hide the offending article, although I have heard that this has caused heat build-up issues for some operators.
S-Way’s interior continues to please the eye thanks to a nice mixture of black and silver with clean lines giving a nice modern look. The stitched leather steering wheel compliments what must be the most attractive truck seats on the market, which would not look out of place in a luxury car.
The seats have hot and cold air function and slightly short armrests, while the passenger seat on a swivel base allows a bit of leg stretching on rest breaks. I did find the toe press button on the floor for adjusting the steering wheel a little awkward as I struggled to bend my foot appropriately, however that may be more about my foot than the truck.
Dashboard control layout works well as everything is pretty much where I wanted it with cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel, the fog light switch is a little difficult to find and you must either reach around or through the steering wheels to use it.
The dashboard display gives out plenty of information in the centre with analogue dials either side, we will more than likely see a full digital option in the near future, but the current style works well for my generation.
There is also a fully integrated touch screen display offering all the modern kit we expect like sat nav, Apple CarPlay and the best DAB radio I have experienced which kept hold of a great number of channels.
TEST VEHICLE
Everything is very user friendly, I even managed to hook up my phone in under 15 seconds. The test vehicle also boasted an Alexa unit above the driver’s side window for a bit of company if required.
Altogether a good comfortable working and resting environment offering everything a driver would need with only a couple of improvements needed to enhance the experience. One is the lack of flat surfaces for laptops or dining and the other being some fairly inadequate cup holders, which either grip too tight or not at all and tall coffee cups sit at an angle as they touch against the console.
On the road the 490 seems to be a lively performer and would be a good option where weight is not an issue, the 570 I believe to be well on top of the job for heavier operations. Euro 6 cabs are all about a much quieter environment for drivers but with the S-Way you get a nice engine note when working hard which reminds you there is a diesel unit in there somewhere.
The steering requires very little input to keep the truck between the white lines, and combined with a very comfortable seat, makes for a relaxed journey north. With the adaptive cruise control set, its easy to maintain a decent pace with the occasional use of the steering controls on/off button for the adaptive cruise to allow overtaking slower vehicles.
Software with the latest generation of ZF gearbox, here branded as Hi-Tronic, delivers smooth efficient changes and is approaching Volvo’s I-shift for perfection. However, the software still allows for high engine revs during engine braking on steep descents, a little outside my comfort zone and it needs to be kept in check.
Visibility is good, although it is not in the DAF XG league and the screen would welcome a full width blind instead of the pull-down visor currently used. Internal monitors to replace mirrors are not an option at the moment, Iveco are perhaps wisely waiting for other manufacturers to iron out all the issues before offering it as an option. The current mirrors offer excellent rear view without any overwhelming blind spots.
With a 45-minute break required we stopped at Kinross services, and I select the crawl function with a long press on the gear selector button to manoeuvre into the tight parking bay. The automated gearboxes have come a long way in the last few years, no more clutch delays or bunny hopping instead it delivered effortless control throughout the manoeuvre.
With the break over, it’s southbound and into light traffic as the truck goes over the Queensferry crossing and skirted round Edinburgh for the A702. This is a chance to test the S-Way’s performance on a different type of terrain.
This part of the test route lets you get a feel for the vehicle’s handling and steering, and the truck really comes into its own. Steering is light and sure footed, and with little cab roll you feel very much in control. Combined with a strong engine brake you can keep up a steady pace throughout the route with minimum driver input required.
The final leg of the journey is a relaxed descent from Abington down to the now closed Lockerbie Lorry Park, giving me a chance to reflect on what is another effortless test drive.
For me, S-Way has ticked all the boxes offering a fantastic working environment where the truck is taking all the strain.
Image and styling play a greater role than ever in the road transport industry and Iveco have really created a very good-looking truck.
This, along with good lead times in a period where other manufacturers have closed their order books, has allowed the S-Way to get a foothold in many new markets. This should ensure the S-Way goes from strength to strength as more operators realise what this truck has to offer the industry.
