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Active Space: the final frontier...
Page 14
Page 15
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A year on from the official launch of lveco's Stralis artic range, how well has it matured in the UK?
Words / Images: Brian Weathertey IT'S MORE than a year since Iveco unveiled its Stralis range amid the ballyhoo of the sponsorship of the All Blacks New Zealand Rugby team, so it's high time we reacquainted ourselves with the Italian's Active Space flagship tractor, not least because there have been a number of options added to the Stralis' artic spec sheet.
These include the addition of a longer 4m wheelbase (outer-axle spread) compared to the previous 3.8m chassis. The extra length allows for a larger 560-litre fuel tank (normally 460 litres), while also freeing up more space around the chassis for a wet-kit.
With the ever-increasing focus on health and safety, operators can now order a Stralis tractor with the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning and the RECOS in-cab safe-coupling indicator on the George Fisher factory-fitted fifth-wheel. To experience those latest additions to the Stralis offering CM recently spent some time out on the road with a fullyfreighted 560hp Stralis Active Space twin-steer boasting "all of the above".
One of Iveco's biggest problems has been getting drivers into Iveco artics, especially those used to the old EuroTech/Star range.
Yet with Stralis Active Space, the Italians have a "flagship" tractor capable of carrying the name. Indeed, those that have experienced it comment positively about its storage space, comfort and, above all, its improved build quality.
Yet for a manufacturer so keen to woo fleets away from rival marques, we're surprised that much of the upmarket equipment offered in the top-of-the-range Active Space Super cab is still only optional.
Making the basic better
For example. you pay extra for the leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel on Stralis, which are standard on the Scania Griffin. Likewise, automatic aircon — admittedly not expensive at £360 extra, but it's still something that MAN offers on all TGX models as standard (and with climate control, too) as does Scania on its Topline R-range.
If Iveco wants Stralis to be seen as a genuine flagship, it needs to look again at what's included in the basic package.
However, what you do get as standard on all Stalls models is a 12-speed ZF AS-Tronic two-pedal auto box (Iveco calls it Eurotronic), which places Stralis nicely on a par with MAN'S TGX/TGS, which come with the same box.
Previous complaints about the reversing characteristics of auto boxes (not just ZF) have now been answered with a "tortoise" mode on Eurotronic for backing up or shunting, still with full pedal movement, but reduced revs rather than by slipping the clutch more.
In action
You also get "Hill Holder", which, when engaged via a switch on the dash, keeps the service brakes on after you've released the brake pedal then releases them as you press the throttle.
The old Eurotronic floor-mounted selector has now been replaced by three easy to use mode buttons in the dash.
Eurotronic isn't quite as intuitive or tightly-revving as Volvo's I-Shift, but it's still an impressive performer.
Our only gripe is that it could be a little quicker-acting when pulling away, otherwise, you need to press down quite firmly on the throttle pedal if you want to get going in a hurry.
Despite the fact Euro-5 Cursor 13 is only available with a maximum 560hp (and 2,500Nm of torque), that's still plenty for 44-tonne work. On a short drive that took in the long grind up Bluebell Hill between the M20/M2. its mid-range acceleration impressed us.
Cursor 13 has a distinctive rumbling sound too when it's on full load. On steep downhill sections, its engine exhaust brake did an equally good job. By clicking the right-hand steering column stalk down twice, Eurotronic automatically downshifts to give you the best back-pressure. Cruise control on the exhaust brake also kicks in if your road speed creeps 2knilh above the set speed.
Our Stralis came with 385/R22.5s wide singles on the front axle (not what you'd find on a normal roadtest truck), and while they appeared to have little or no effect on the twin-steer's good
directional stability, the steering was a bit too light; some more resistance on the wheel wouldn't have gone amiss.
Warning systems
The Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar to detect slower-moving vehicles in front of the truck, then backs off the throttle to maintain a pre-set distance. Lane Departure Warning uses a small camera in the dash to ensure you stay in the white lines. Drift on the motorway and a warning like a football rattle sounds.
Both devices have their place. Long motorway treks, for example, but in busy traffic, we'd question the viability of ACC, especially when vehicles are cutting in front of you and setting off the system. Instead, we'd spec the RECOS fifth-wheel device, with its dashboard warning light, which shows if you're coupled up correctly to the trailer. •
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