The S-Way is Iveco’s heavy-duty truck designed for a wide range of applications. It was introduced to the Australian market in March 2023.
The range is available in both rigid (6×2, 6×4 and 8×4 with load share front suspension) and prime mover (4×2 and 6×4) configurations, and in three cab options; Active Day (AD), Active Time (AT) and the largest and most highly specified Active Space (AS) cab. Additionally, three cab height options are available across the line-up.
There’s also a choice of four wheelbases for prime mover variants (3650mm, 3200mm, 3300mm and 3500mm), while the rigids offer 10 options that range between 3500mm to 6050mm. GVM and GCMs for the new range span from 18,200kg to 27,600kg (GVM), and from 50,000kg to 70,000kg (GCM) for prime movers and 27,600kg (GVM) and 70,000kg (GCM) for selected rigids (13l 6×4 and 8×4 models).
Who’s it for
Obviously, with such a broad span of sizes and configurations, the S-Way is suited to virtually any transport application.
From tipper and dog, through to agitator or delivery in the rigids, to intrastate work and even interstate linehaul in the prime mover variants, the Iveco S-Way can do just about anything asked of it.
It is a thoroughly versatile and modern truck that is well suited to a broad range of transport tasks.
Powertrain
The S-Wasy is powered by Iveco’s new range of Cursor engines, with capacities of nine, 11 and 13 litres.
The engine range begins with the 8.7-litre Cursor 9, which produces 360hp from 1530rpm to 2200rpm and 1650Nm from 1200rpm to 1530rpm. In the 11.1-litre Cursor 11, power jumps to 460hp from 1500rpm to 1900rpm and 2150Nm of torque from 925rpm to 1500rpm.
The largest of the engine family is the 12.9-litre Cursor 13 which starts with outputs of 530hp between 1600rpm to 1900rpm and torque of 2400Nm from 950rpm to 1500rpm. A second Cursor 13 rating sees power raised to 550hp from 1605rpm to 1900rpm with torque of 2500Nm from a low 1000rpm through to 1605rpm.
These engines are mated to Iveco’s Hi-Tronix automated manual transmissions with either 12 or 16 gears and fuel saving technologies including HI-CRUISE, which is Iveco’s GPS-predictive driving system and Eco-Roll.
The company claims four percent better fuel economy than the previous generation of Cursor engines.
Tech and Safety
As with all modern European trucks, the S-Way comes standard with all the latest safety features – well, almost. I did notice the absence of a driver air bag on our test truck, but apart from that it was comprehensively equipped.
All S-Way models feature AEB, Brake Assistance System, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, electronic stability program with ABS (disc brakes all round) and anti-slip regulation, hill holder as well as Driver Style Evaluation (DSE) plus Driver Attention Support (DAS).
DAS checks the driver’s level of attention by analysing steering wheel movements. If a state of drowsiness is detected, a message on the screen and an audible signal prompt the driver to stop for a rest. DSE analyses data and provides driving advice in real-time – this is displayed on the screen or can be accessed on smart phones using the My Iveco Easy Way app.
Iveco told us that the S-Way is the ‘most connected truck that they’ve ever built’. Each truck gets the Iveco ON Telematics system which offers a range of measures to help improve fleet safety and productivity while reducing operating costs.
Using S-WAY connected on-board Driving Style Evaluation (DSE) system, regular reports are available to owners and fleet managers. The reports include detailed fuel consumption and driving style data, allowing changes to be made to improve fuel efficiency. The system can also provide live tips to further promote frugal driving on-route.
On the Road
Our test truck was an Iveco S-Way 6×4 AS prime mover with a B-double set weighing in at 55 tonnes. It was a standard setup for what Iveco reckons these trucks will do – intrastate or interstate transport.
The route we were taking was also a pretty common one. Starting out from Dandenong in Victoria we ran across Melbourne to the Hume, then up to Sydney to drop the truck off at the dealership in Arndell Park in the city’s west.
It was a really good test for the S-Way and I found the cab super comfortable and quiet, like most of the modern Euro trucks. Cruising on the highway at 100km/h, the engine was ticking over at around 1600 revs which is still at max torque and right on maximum power – a great place to cruise.
As such, the S-Way could make short work of the small hills and only needed a downshift or two for the larger ones. Even though this is a 13-litre engine, it pumps out a prodigious amount of grunt, and you can feel it right through the rev range due to the flat torque curve that runs from 1000rpm through to 1600rpm.
And it’s economical. For the Melbourne to Sydney run, I averaged 2.04km/litre, which is respectable for a B-double at 55 tonnes.
Comfort levels are right up there and the view from the driver’s seat is fantastic.
Mechanically, the engine and transmission are a great match with the Hi-Tronix shifting smoothly up and down without the ‘lag’ we used to experience with older automated manuals.
Of particular note on my drive was the engine brake, which is operated via the stalk on the right-hand side of the steering column. The first three stages are the engine brake and the final two are the transmission intarder. The system works a treat and once used to it, you can basically work with this rather than the service brakes.
The service brakes are great though and, being discs all round, they are powerful with plenty of feel.
Fleet Verdict
I really enjoyed my drive in the S-Way. Thus configured, it makes for a versatile and comfortable prime mover that would slot nicely into any fleet as a single trailer or light B-double hauler for regional or even interstate delivery work.
It is economical but powerful enough to get the job done. It offers high levels of safety and technology and minimal down time too.
Iveco is offering a three year/750,000km warranty, whichever comes first, which can be upgraded to an optional five year/1,000,000km warranty.
Iveco S-Way AS 6×4 Quick Specs:
- Iveco S-Way 6×4 AS Prime Mover
- Engine: Cursor 13 six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine
- Displacement: 12.9L
- Max power: 550hp at 1600rpm (std: 530hp at 1700rpm)
- Max torque: 2500Nm at 1000rpm (std: 2400Nm at 980rpm)
- Transmission: HiTronix 16TX
- Type: 16-speed automated manual
- Tare weight: 8701kg
- GVM: 27,600kg
- GCM: 70,000kg
- Front suspension: Parabolic spring with hydraulic dampers
- Rear suspension: Eight bellow air bags with ECAS
- Front brakes: 432mm ventilated discs
- Rear brakes: 432mm ventilated discs
- Fuel: 1010L (630L RHS, 380L LHS)
- AdBlue: 80L
- Warranty: Three years/750,000km, whichever comes first (optional: Up to five years/1,000,000km)
