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Page 48
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• A5440 S48TX/P 6x2
Tester's impression: It's a sign of how fast things move in this business that this is the first CMcab test to feature an Iveco Stralis. The only sign of previous generation Ivecos is the Toblerone-inspired dash layout. While this works well as a wrap-around driving environment it does steal some valuable space. Incab movement is helped by the swivelling gear lever plinth which gives extra space, but prevents the sliding fridge opening more than halfway.
We chose to use the top bunk for storage and the lower for sleep. Early versions of the Stralis Active Space cab were criticised for the poor folding arrangement of the upper bunk, which didn't lift far enough for good headroom downstairs. This has now been redesigned so the top mattress splits and folds lengthways, so using the lower bunk to sit on in the evening no longer causes a cricked neck. The lower mattress was also split, this time into three sections crossways, but that didn't detract from its comfort. The lower edge of the top bunk incorporates a secret zipped compartment which contains a mini-ladder which is of debatable benefit to anyone fit enough to have negotiated the cab steps.
The darkness is kept in by a powered front roller blind, with traditional curtains on the sides. Although there's a little hook at the bottom of the blind to secure the curtains, there's nothing to give a positive fix for the rear edges.
The toy count in the bunk area extends tc flexible reading lamps top and bottom and a small fold down TV shelf on the nearside wall. There's good oddment space and coat hooks on both walls which extend down into deep wells to look after your night-out duds. You also get five lidded lockers above the windscreen and two net-fronted bins above the side doors. Longer term storage is found under the bunk; the open-fronted central section is perfect for holdalls.
We were initially a bit confused by the heater controls, operated from three separate locations. There's a single switch on the dash and another on the gearlever plinth. The main control is via the menu display panel which oversees door locks, night heater timer and temperature, interior lights, radio and alarm clock. The controller is definitely aimed at the top-bunk sleeper as to reach it from anywhere else involves standing on the passenger seat Overall, the Stralis provided a satisfactory night's accommodation, though reading the manual in advance would have enhanced our experience.