Iveco S-Way MY2024 truck review

When we first set eyes on the latest 2024 Model Year version of Iveco’s S-Way, it was clear that the update represented as great a leap forward as from Stralis to the first S-Way in 2019. Iveco claims fuel efficiency gains of up to 10% from the driveline alone, with another 4% possible from other factors. While improvements are found across many aspects of the truck, both physical and virtual, most operators will find the new engines to be the single most significant feature.

When Iveco’s sister brand, FPT Industrial, revealed the xCursor 13 engine at the 2022 IAA Transportation show in Hanover, it described it as “brand-new, not even a screw the same”. The engine has been designed from the drainplug up to be a single base unit providing versions capable of operating on a full range of fuels, including diesel, gas and, soon, hydrogen combustion. The ability to comply with the forthcoming Euro-7 emission standard was a key factor.

Although the xCursor 13 retains its predecessor’s bore and stroke of 135mm x 150mm, giving a swept volume of 12.9 litres, the newcomer weighs in at around 10% less, largely thanks to a lighter CGI (compacted graphite iron) cylinder block and head, making it even lighter than the now discontinued Cursor 11. Other efficiency improvements come from a new higher pressure common-rail fuel-injection system operating at 2,500 bar to increase peak cylinder pressure, a new dividedflow turbocharger, said to be unique, reduced internal friction, and smart management of engine ancillaries. Among the benefits of these upgrades is a significant improvement in down-speeding. The range-topping 580 delivers its peak torque of 2,800Nm at 978rpm, while what is likely to be the biggest seller, the 500, which we have briefly driven (see box, p37), produces its 2,600Nm at just 843rpm. Iveco also claims that the xCursor 13 is 33% more durable than its predecessor, designed to cover 1.6 million km.

The xCursor 13 engine is paired with a 17xHE Meritor axle and the latest 12-speed TraXon Gen2 transmission from ZF. This new transmission includes updates such as Shift Assistant, which synchronises gear changes with engine braking for a smoother driving experience, and Reversing Assistant, which automatically engages reverse gear while stopping, enhancing manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The new High-Performance Engine Brake is another highlight, offering 30% more braking power, potentially eliminating the need for a retarder in many applications, resulting in further savings in weight, cost and fuel consumption.

Advanced support features include GPS Predictive driving, the new GPS system now able to recognise bends and roundabouts, allowing the adaptive cruise control to automatically adjust speeds for optimum fuel savings. This, combined with the new Eco Driving Mode, contributes to another 4% potential fuel saving. Promising yet more fuel efficiency is Iveco’s adoption for the first time of mirror cameras. The aerodynamic cameras mounted above the doors not only enhance driver visibility, but also reduce wind resistance, offering an additional fuel saving of up to 1.5%.

Under the skin, the S-Way can be tailored to suit a wide variety of applications. Reinforced front air-suspension, with high-stroke air bellows and a 9-tonne rating, is part of new full pneumatic configuration to be offered on a wider line-up of chassis variants, including the ON+ set-up, 6x4 and 8x4 tridem. 6x2 rigids now have the option of a new reinforced 9-tonne tag axle.

These upgrades make the vehicles more versatile, especially in applications like refuse collection or when using rear overhang cranes. For operators with heavier loads, the new 18-tonne single-reduction axle can handle up to 60 tonnes GCW, ensuring robustness and reliability, even in more demanding scenarios.

While the new S-Way has clear benefits for the operator, driver appeal has also been addressed. One of the standout features of the new Iveco S-Way is its focus on driver comfort and safety. The redesigned Active Space (AS) cab has been engineered to maximise comfort and ergonomics, offering a ‘car-like’ driving experience with a more vertical steering placement and wider steering wheel adjustment. The seating position has been further refined for superior visibility, contributing to both comfort and safety on the road.

The interior has been given a significant upgrade, with a new dashboard that can be customised with different materials and colours, and additional storage compartments for convenience. A foldable table on the passenger side provides a flat surface for tasks inside the cab, while two USB ports on the dashboard ensure drivers can charge devices on the go. The electric parking brake with automatic engagement not only adds convenience but also frees up space in the cab.

Improved technology plays a central role on a par with the rest of the offerings. The monitors are well located, with no significant blind spots on the A-pillars. On the move, they provide a comprehensive field of view, changing angle to keep the trailer’s rear corner visible in turns.

orner visible in turns. At the end of our short but impressively smooth and quiet drive, we took a few more minutes to reflect on our environment. The interior is a pleasing mix of mostly light beige trim, with black for the most vulnerable areas, and a combination of soft and firm plastics. The comfortable seats are tastefully trimmed in black and grey with contrasting stitching. The dash and instrument panel are thoroughly contemporary, with a sensible balance of physical and virtual controls. The central display touchscreen is clear and its icons are large enough to operate accurately while in motion, while the instrument panel manages to be both informative and visually appealing.

Off duty, there appears to be more than enough space for long-haul accommodation in the two-bunk rest area, which features its own comprehensive control panel. For shorter breaks, there are nice touches such as the easily deployable fold-out table on the passenger side. Our only reservation was the disco purple high-level ambient backlighting – but each to their own.

Overall, this short taster bodes well for the second-gen S-Way’s arrival and we look forward to a more extensive test drive. 

 - This article was previoulsy published in Commercial Motor, to subscribe see the latest Commercial Motor subscription offer