OPERATIONS COMMERCIAL MOTOR | 20 DECEMBER 2007 OPERATIONS Roadtest: Iveco Stralis AS450 Super 3 6x2...

44 COMMERCIAL MOTOR | 20 DECEMBER 2007

OPERATIONSRoadtest: Iveco Stralis AS450 Super3 6x2

For today’s news visit www.roadtransport.com

Specifi cation

IVECO STRALIS AS450 6X2

Price as tested: £89,555Engine: 10.3 litres, 444hpGCW: 44,000kgPayload: 28,900kg

cmot-dec-20-07-p044 40cmot-dec-20-07-p044 40 12/12/07 3:20:36 pm12/12/07 3:20:36 pm

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20 DECEMBER 2007 | COMMERCIAL MOTOR

With an appropriate All Black paint job, Iveco’s latest Stralis comes to CM’s test programme hoping for a better result than its rugby-playing colleagues achieved. And it doesn’t go away disappointed...

STRALIS³


F ew mid-life model revisions can have arrived amid as much ballyhoo as did the Iveco Stralis back in the spring of 2007. It

coincided with the launch of Iveco’s aggressive marketing campaign with sponsorship of the All Blacks rugby team at its head. We won’t dwell on the fact the All Blacks took a rugby world cup early bath, nor will we mention the unfortunate issue of the new model’s hasty renaming.

But behind all this showbiz is a revised Stralis. Some of the changes apply across the board, but the most signifi cant are restricted to two new variants, the Active Space3 and the Active Space Super3.

The name is inspired by the fact that the new cab has 1.8m3, or 20%, extra interior volume. This was achieved by moving the rear wall back by 90mm and increasing the interior height by 95mm – dimensions which broadly speaking give the shape of a cube –hence the name. Other signifi cant interior improvements include larger bunks, more storage and higher-quality trim materials.

The AT (Active Time) sleeper and AD (Active Day) cabs continue to serve the short-haul fl eet and distribution sectors as before, with the addition of the interior trim improvements.

For its UK Stralis range, Iveco has taken the unparalleled step of missing out Euro-4

completely, going straight to Euro-5. In the AS models this comes courtesy of the 10.3-litre Cursor 10 engine nominally rated at 450hp or the 12.9-litre Cursor 13 at 500 and 560hp. All Euro-5 Stralis models come complete with the OBD2 on-board diagnostics needed to claim the £500 VED rebate, with SCR and AdBlue used to control emissions.

A more established Iveco feature is fi tting the EuroTronic-branded ZF AS-Tronic 12-speed automated manual transmission as standard, now with an “improved human interface system” (or better switches in old money). The truck on test is a top-of-the-range Stralis AS Super3 with the 450 Cursor 10 running at 44 tonnes on a 6x2 mid-lift twin-steer chassis.

On the roadIveco has followed the welcome trend of relocating the gear-changing mechanism

away from its traditional location to the left of the driving seat. Now that the gearstick has been superseded by a set of electrical contacts there’s no need to pretend otherwise by cluttering up cross-cab access.

The main controls to make the Stralis go are three rocker switches on the dash: one for Reverse and Reverse Low; another for Neutral; and a third for Drive, Drive Low and Auto/Semi. They are coloured light grey to distinguish them from lesser controls. While this arrangement is not quite as logical as the single rotary knob in rival ZF installations, it does the job given the infrequency of its use in general driving.

The other more frequently used functions, such as manual (or semi-auto) override, are controlled by the right-hand column stalk. With the gears learned, all of two minutes later you’re ready to hit the road.

Iveco’s Cursor engines have acquired a




although it does need a good fi rm push to engage.

Sadly, a combination of bad weather and technical problems with our equipment has seen a dearth of brake testing fi gures in recent roadtests, but these were overcome for this test. Our proving ground emergency braking test is more extreme than any sane driver would want to experience on the road, but the bottom line is that the Stralis’s braking results wouldn’t embarrass a 3.5-tonne van.

The less good news is that the deceleration

proved too much for the top bunk retaining catch, which came away from the roof and allowed the bunk to crash down to the horizontal, fortunately clear of the occupants’ heads.

In more normal use the service brakes proved powerful and progressive, supported by an engine brake incorporated into the variable-geometry turbocharger.

The ride is unobtrusively fi rm with sharp handling, even when you introduce a bit of Italian brio to the driving style. The four-point


reputation for punching above their weight, performing in the way you’d expect of an engine three litres larger, and this Euro-5 Cursor 10 doesn’t disappoint. Performance is impressively strong when you consider there are just 10.3 litres of displacement under the fl oor.

One interesting sign of the times is a dash label warning the driver not to turn on the ignition for at least two minutes after the engine is stopped, to prevent a backfl ow of AdBlue through the system.

With Iveco’s early commitment to the concept it has been interesting to watch the ZF automated manual gradually mature, and the latest version challenges the benchmark Volvo I-Shift in operation. Changes are invariably perfectly timed, but taking manual control is just the lift of a fi nger away. Extra power is available from the throttle pedal kickdown,


Specifi cation

IVECO STRALIS AS450 SUPER ³ 6x2

20 DECEMBER 2007 | COMMERCIAL MOTOR 47


Importer:

Engine:

Cylinders:Cylinders:Bore/stroke: Capacity: Compression ratio: Maximum power: Maximum torque: Transmission:

Gear ratios: Rear axle: Final drive ratio: Brakes:

Parking:Secondary brake type:Steering:

Chassis:

Frame dimensions:Suspension:

Wheels and tyres:

Fuel tanks: Electrical system: Battery/generator:

FACT FILEExtra interior volume was achieved by moving the rear wall back and increasing the interior height

Iveco, Iveco House, Station Road, Watford WD17 1SRIveco Cursor 10 Euro-5 charge-cooled-diesel. Four overhead valves per cylinder, EDC electronic unit injection and variable geometry turbocharger. SCR AdBlue emissions controlSix, mounted in-line125x140mm10.3 litres17.0:1444hp (331kW) at 1,550-2,100rpm2,150Nm (1,549lbft) at 1,100-1,450rpmZF EuroTronic AS2330TD automated manual gearbox, with 12 speeds15.86, 12.33, 9.57, 7.44, 5.87, 4.57, 3.47, 2.70, 2.10, 1.63, 1.29, 1.00:1; rev, 14.68 and 11.41:1Meritor MS13-175 single reduction hypoid drive axle with pneumatic diff lock2.85:1Full-air system with separate front and rear circuits. Ventilated discs on all axles. Category 1 ABS and ASR traction controlSpring brakes on fi rst and third axlesIveco turbo-brake, operated by foot brake pedalVariable-ratio recirculating ball with power assistance to fi rst and second axlesPressed steel ladder frame with riveted and bolted cross-members289x90x6.7mmFront, parabolic leaf springs; rear, four-bag air suspension with lifting second axle. Anti-roll bars and telescopic shock absorbers front and rear9.00x22.5in steel wheels with 315/80R22.5 Goodyear Regional RHS and RHD tyres455-litre aluminium; AdBlue, 50-litre plastic24V negative-earth2x220Ah/90A

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cab air suspension is equally well controlled, and sound insulation is just right, allowing the driver to hear what’s going on without any annoyingly identifi able noise.

ProductivityThe headline fuel fi gure of 7.76mpg might be the fi rst thing some readers look for but it doesn’t tell the whole story. This fi nal road test of 2007 was carried out in the dying days of October in conditions that were not bad enough to cancel the test but were far from ideal.

Comparing our fi gures against Iveco’s own trial runs we believe that another 0.2mpg or so might be possible, but we don’t think we could have cracked the magic 8mpg with this example. In fact the overall fi gure was just 0.01mpg adrift of the Euro-3 Stralis 430 driven by the same tester in 2004.

With its optional set of full-size alloy wheels the Stralis weighs in at 7,970kg, making it only slightly heavier than the CF85 with its lightweight second axle in our comparison chart – and comfortably lighter than the Volvo FH13.

One area where Iveco may have a clear advantage is in delivery lead times; it recently revealed that as the UK is one of its few growing markets it is being given priority. The Stralis also has a clear advantage in its list price, and the Iveco’s residual values, in between the Daf and Volvo, also look quite attractive.

Cab comfortGetting aboard the Stralis is easy thanks to well-placed steps and a relatively low fl oor level. The door opens wide but has a rather weak detent on its retainer so it bounces back a bit too easily, especially when opened from inside.

The immediate impression of the interior is that it is now more grown up. Unlike the lairy red of the previous models, the interior trim consists of restrained greys and black, nicely matching the All Black exterior paint.

The quality of the plastics is greatly improved, although there’s still the odd minor panel that doesn’t match the higher standard. Apart from that under-engineered bunk bracket, build quality is impeccable, with not a single extraneous creak or rattle in evidence.

The new-found restraint extends to the instrument panel, with dials now white on black, although the full-colour video-game information panel remains. The wrap-around dash layout with its Toblerone-shaped central unit remains, and still works well.


COMMERCIAL MOTOR | 20 DECEMBER 200748

The Cursor 10 engine may be small in capacity, but it’s big in heart – awesome brakes too.

Acceleration (sec) 0-80km/h 32-64km/h 48-80km/h

Hill climbsMiltonrigg HillCastlesideM18M1

Braking (stopping distance) 32km/h 48km/h 64km/h

In-cab noise (dB(A)) 48km/h 64km/h 80km/h 88km/h Tickover


COMPARISONS: DRIVING

Iveco Stralis AS450 6x2

Super3 44 tonnes/Euro-5

47.324.624.9

1min 24sec2min 17sec4min 08sec5min 09sec

6.6m14.8m24.7m

59.363.965.969.156.2

▲ The Stralis with All Black paint job and CM trailer


Volvo FH13.480

Globetrotter XL44 tonnes/Euro-5

48.520.727.7

1min 18sec2min 19sec3min 50sec5min 02sec

9.05m16.2m

Not tested

64.564.065.068.356.2

Daf CF85.460 6X2

Spacecab44 tonnes/Euro-5

50.820.231.4

1min 17sec2min 14sec3min 54sec

Baulked

Not testedNot testedNot tested

61.664.767.269.055.5

Among the dozen and a half switch positions are controls for airhorns, roller screen blind, traction control and axle lift, as well as an override switch for the automatic battery isolator. This is a useful one for a driver to be aware of when all of his electrics disappear. Talking of electrics, there’s no shortage of auxiliary power points, with 12V outlets on the dash and top bunk area as well as a 24V cigar lighter and another 24V outlet within the diagnostic connector box. Above the central switch panel the VDO sat-nav screen sits in a pop-up housing, hidden from sight when not in use.

A multi-function steering wheel and a couple of well packed steering column stalks mean that the most frequently used controls couldn’t be within easier reach.

With no gear lever and the parking brake sensibly located on the dash, there’s no obstacle to reaching the raised central fl oor area. There are numerous cab layouts available, but this one had a simple two-bunk arrangement, albeit with a single-piece bottom bunk instead of the standard three-piece. The top bunk is safely reached via a neatly stowed aluminium ladder.

One anomaly in an otherwise well laid-out living area is that the narrower end of the lower bunk, where you would logically have your legs, is on the right of the cab. Not a problem in itself, except that the thoughtfully provided fold-down TV shelf is then above your head. This was obviously an oversight

in the transition to right-hand drive.The old Stralis was never exactly short of

storage space, but the new one has 15% more just in case. Large, lidded lockers at the top level above the screen are fully trimmed and illuminated. At the next level down are two more one-third-width open-fronted shelves, with the space in front of the driver’s head given over to four DIN housings (in this case they housed the digitach, radio/CD player and sat-nav box). The central shelf also provided a home for a reversing camera screen.

On this example the central underbunk space was fi lled by a slide-out fridge-freezer. There are internal and external lockers on the left, while the right-hand locker, which has to compete for space with the cab heater, is just a third of the height. There are also usefully sized lockers under both seats, and countless other storage locations around the cab. Even the top of the door arm rests have spring- loaded lids. ■


G

A

H

I

E

J

❚ INTERNAL DIMENSIONS

❚ CONFIGURATION AND CYLINDERS

L

CC KF

B

DM

❚ VIEW FROM SIDE

4920 DECEMBER 2007 | COMMERCIAL MOTOR

The latest changes to the Stralis cab provide accommodation to satisfy all but the most home-shy driver.


VEHICLE DIMENSIONS

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”The old Stralis was never exactly short of storage space, but this one has 15% more just in case”

FACTS & FIGURES

Specifi cation

Plated weightsGVWGCWFront axleRear bogie

Weight as tested Kerbweight (with 75kg driver)Unladen test trailer Net payload

✔

✔

✔

✖

✔

✖

Security featuresEngine immobiliserAlarmCentral lockingSecure grilleLocking fuel capSecure battery

22,800kg 44,000kg

8,000kg18,200kg

7,970kg7,000kg

29,030kg

IVECO STRALIS AS450 SUPER ³ 6x2

Dimensions (mm)A External widthB External lengthC Front overhang from front axle D Step heightsE Cab fl oor heightF Wheelbase (OAS)G Cab lengthH Internal height (maximum)I Internal height above bunk (top/bottom)J Bunk thicknessK Rear overhang from axle bowlL External cab height M Chassis height (fi fth-wheel height)

2,5505,3181,410

400, 320, 345, 3651,4303,8002,3502,080

700/1,43585

1,0483,2351,250

The Stralis cab has internal and external lockers, plus lockers

under both seats

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Fuel consumption Overall, mpg (lit/100 km) Day 1 overall Day 2 overall Tough A-roads Easy A-roads/motorways Tough motorways

Average speed Overall, km/h Tough A-roads Easy A-roads/ motorways Tough motorways

Running costs AdBlue rate (% of diesel) Fuel cost (£/100km) AdBlue cost (£/100km) Total cost (£/100km)

While this Stralis didn’t sparkle in economy terms, its strong performance and ease of driving are some compensation.


OPERATIONAL TRIAL RESULTS

“Iveco’s Cursor engines have a reputation for

punching above their weight”

Iveco Stralis AS450 6x2Super3

44 tonnes/Euro-5

7.76 (36.4)8.34 (33.9)7.33 (38.6)5.87 (48.1)8.26 (34.2)7.82 (36.1)

74.158.177.779.9

4.829.130.7029.83

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Daf CF85.460 6X2 Spacecab44 tonnes/Euro-5

8.40 (33.6)9.02 (31.3)8.62 (35.6) 6.06 (46.6)9.68 (29.2)8.62 (32.8)

74.960.079.979.1

5.826.900.7827.67

Volvo FH13.480 Globetrotter XL44 tonnes/Euro-5

8.10 (34.9)8.88 (31.8)7.54 (37.4) 6.01 (47.0)8.99 (31.4)7.95 (35.5)

70.056.376.572.0

4.427.890.6128.50

Our verdict

EngineThe impressive 10.3-litre Euro-5 Cursor 10 has the performance of an engine three litres larger


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Test date

Payload as testedAs tested, kg

Servicing downtimeAnnual total, hours

Contract maintenancePer year, £

Parts pricesBasket of spares, £

Residual value* Three years Five years

Dealers UK/Europe

WarrantyBasic covermonths/distance

List price*Basic chassis-cab, £

20 DECEMBER 2007 | COMMERCIAL MOTOR 51

Daf CF85.460 6X2 Spacecab44 tonnes/Euro-5CM 13 Sep 2007

29,355

7.0

3,072

2,340

21,00015,200

134/900

24/unlimited 36 servicing

93,750

Volvo FH13.480 Globetrotter XL44 tonnes/Euro-5CM 30 Aug 2007

28,000

7.5

3,620

2,792

28,00020,100

89/900

24/unlimited 36 servicing

102,532

Servicing downtime: Recommended standard

servicing, 120,000km/year UK trunking. Contract maintenance:

One of a fi ve-year contract, minimum of eight inspections,

120,000km/year UK trunking. Parts prices: Retail total of brake linings

(full set), headlamp unit, door mirror, wiper blades, oil/air fi lters,

clutch. Residual values: Trade value, assuming 120,000km/year,

in CAP Average Condition. Figures supplied by CAP Monitor. Contact:

0113 222 2000*Equivalent Euro-4 models

Low initial cost and good residuals combined with competitive parts and workshop costs make the Stralis attractively economic.

Iveco Stralis AS450 6x2Super3 44 tonnes/Euro-5CM 20 Dec 2007

29,030

4.7

3,502

2,064

23,40016,200

98/2,000

12/unlimited24/unlimited (driveline)

81,470


OUR VIEW

Colin Barnett has the last word

THEVERDICT

Towards the end of our roadtests the factory rep always asks if we have any criticisms. In all honesty, beyond the lack of a microwave, we couldn’t think of anything signifi cant.

We might cite the slightly off-pace economy and a few design and build issues such as the bunk bracket, door stay and left-hand-drive TV shelf. But it scores highly in driver appeal (once you get them through the door), cab accommodation, dynamic behaviour and payload.

Not long ago the big Ivecos suffered from a rather negative image, but any justifi cation for this has almost entirely disappeared. The Stralis can hold its head up in the best company.

NEXT ISSUE

CM’s comprehensive 2008 Truck and Van Buyer’s Guide

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COMPARISONS: OWNERSHIP


OPERATIONS COMMERCIAL MOTOR | 20 DECEMBER 2007 OPERATIONS Roadtest: Iveco Stralis AS450 Super 3 6x2...

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