After its European launch in the spring, the new Iveco Stralis is now in the UK in a right hand drive version. Thanks to Iveco's high profile advertising campaign, placing its latest heavy trucks alongside the rugby world's most heavy-duty players, few will have missed that Iveco has updated the Stralis range. As MT reported at its European debut, the new Stralis' key revisions include a face-lifted exterior a higher and more aerodynamic roof on the bigger AS Super3 version improved storage and bunks plus refined CAN-bus electronic architecture and a higher 560hp output for the top of the range.
To kick off our driving impressions of the latest Stralis we stepped into the driver's seat of a 420hp Active Time model, a 4x2 unit destined to become a familiar sight in fleet livery. Offered in Euro 5 only the AT tractor is available with Cursor 8 or 10 litre engines at 360, 420 or 450hp. Although the external changes are easily spotted you need search more keenly to find the changes within the AT. Auto-shifting is par for the course in the Iveco heavies (fitted as standard since the Stralis' inception) and it's here we encounter the first modification, with a new dash mounted pod housing three function buttons for the ZF gearbox. Gearshifting is controlled by the right hand stalk, though we quickly discovered that drivers will rarely need to engage manual mode in the newest models.
Obvious software tweaking has given new, previously undiscovered characteristics to the Stralis powertrain, most noticeably in the engine's willingness to lug down to around 1,000 revs when conditions permit, a trait the older model would rarely replicate unless you held onto the gear in manual mode. Clearly the improvements in the electronic CAN-bus system has allowed Iveco to extract the best possible output from this powertrain and this should result in better fuel returns and even easier driving. The fleet-spec AT also gains improved dash trim, smarter seat fabrics and modest changes to the driver's display to aid visibility and again add an extra touch of class to the model.
With its Active Space Super3 (pronounced 'Super cube') Iveco claims it has now filled a gap in its range, with a vehicle that potentially matches its rivals' best big-cabs. Aimed primarily at long-distance and international operators the AS Super3 has 1.8cu-m extra internal space achieved through a 90mm-deeper, 95mm-higher, cab expansion programme. The result is obvious to anyone familiar with the Stralis cabs as storage has gained an immense boost while the new top bunk is larger, more comfortable, and boasts improved access thanks to a redesigned ladder (unfortunately not incorporated into the AT's spec).
Out on the road the 500hp 6x2 feels keen to perform, has the same low-revving eagerness as the AT we'd just stepped out of, and possesses a top-of-the-range feel which shouldn't leave drivers wishing you'd opted for a truck from another manufacturer. In-cab noise is low, the ride and handling anything but average, and the overall layout perfect for extended periods in the vehicle. Fit and finish has often been an issue on earlier Ivecos but these pre-production models seemed well screwed together and feature a predominance of good quality materials. Factor in accountant pleasing improvements such as 150,000km oil change intervals and Iveco's newest trucks have plenty of potential.
2% price increase for fleet Stralis
Buyers of the lower end Stralis AT will pay a 2% price increase over the outgoing model, but according to Iveco Marketing Director Andrea Bucci it still represents a good investment: "If you put together all the new features, OBD2 diagnostics, plus a Euro 5 engine that's a really good price, especially if you consider the possible RPC benefit of £500 per truck."
Bucci claims that the Stralis range is finally complete, with a cab and driveline configuration to suit every operator and cites the AS Super3 as the biggest innovation: "With the Super3 we now have a flagship of the same high specification as the likes of Daf, Scania and MAN" The Super3 carries a 5% higher tariff over the outgoing big cab AS, but insists that creating a bigger cab was a market-led decision. Bucci says that Iveco "invested a massive amount of time" in customer clinics, assessing operator and driver needs and refining the Stralis to suit the variety of demands.
Although Euro 5 is the standard for the new Stralis in the UK Bucci doesn't rule out the possibility of Euro 4 fleet orders: "If a big customer wants a lot of Euro 4 units maybe we could run a special order, but why would you want to, with the RPC incentive [to go straight to Euro 5]?" However, the straight talking Italian refuses to be drawn into the EGR versus SCR debate. "I believe that's bad for the industry - it's just causing confusion for the customer. I'm not going to say 'Buy our truck because it's SCR' you should buy a truck for its productivity, not for the technologies used.
"Advertising one technology against the other is just wrong."
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