With an emphasis on local production values, Iveco Australia is enticing truck buyers to consider the qualities, safety and fuel-saving features of its inspiring new Stralis X-Way range
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The new Stralis X-Way AT prime mover
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October 9 and hundreds of Iveco customers from around Australia flocked to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to hear what all the fuss was about. The only clue was an invite marked ‘The Future of Australian Truck Manufacturing’, coupled with another three words – ‘The Perfect Crossing’. It could only be a new model about to the hit the market, right?
As it turned out, the ‘crossing’ was a pointer to the launch of the Iveco’s new locally-manufactured Stralis X-Way range of prime mover and rigid models, three of which were unveiled on the night.
Iveco Australia business manager Bruce Healy points out the transition from an imported Stralis ATI to the Stralis AT. “Yes, the ‘I’ stands for imported,” he says.
“The model range that we’re launching will give you the best of both worlds,” Healy says. “It has the local development and input, and it also has the latest technologies and innovations from Europe.
“The result is a range of vehicles safer, more fuel efficient, environmentally sensitive coupled with robust underpinnings and enhancements.
“We believe this is a recipe for success. We believe that it will appeal to our customers, but also attract a whole new range of people to the Iveco brand.”
Healy says the X-Way range was the culmination of four years’ work in development of both Iveco Australia and Iveco Global. More importantly, it was about a multi-million dollar investment by Iveco in Australia’s local manufacturing future.
Marco Quaranta, Iveco product manager for Australia and New Zealand, explains that the four-year process included three important recommendations for design of the new range. Firstly, the low impact on the environment. Secondly, fuel efficiency and cost of ownership. And most important of all, Quaranta says, safety on the roads.
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A European version of the Stralis X-Way tipper
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Cabs for all occasions
There are three cab options for both prime movers and rigids – Day, Sleeper and Active Space Sleeper, or as Quaranta referred to the latter, the “long distance sleeper with top comfort and ergonomics”.
“In the development of the X-Way product we have also considered new segments,” he continues. “Like the 6×4 rigid where X-Way offers a 9-litre version, and the 8×4 rigid for regional and interstate distribution where X-Way offers an 11-litre version.
“And talking about engines, at the very heart of the X-Way there is a range of three engines, all with Euro 6 emission levels, all equipped with common rail for top efficiency and productivity.”
The engine choices are the Cursor 9, 11 and 13, ranging from 310 to 510hp, and from 1300Nm to 2300Nm.
“They’re also equipped with a newly designed, more powerful variable geometry turbine, called eVGT, manufactured by Garrett which guarantees quick response and top level engine brake,” Quaranta adds.
The engines meet Euro 6 standards through Iveco’s Hi-eSCR system, already in the latest Eurocargo.
“This is a system which technology is exclusive of Iveco; it involves a diesel particulate filter which has a passive regeneration.
“Passive regeneration means no impact for the productivity of the vehicle, no downtime, totally invisible for the driver.”
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Iveco Australia’s Bruce Healy flanked by two of the new models
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For the transmission, Iveco has chosen the ZF-manufactured automated 12 speed called the HiTroniX. Quaranta says the HiTroniX, compared to other AMT transmissions on the market, has a longer life expectancy. In addition, the transmission boasts ‘Rocking’ and ‘Creeping’ modes, as well as four reverse gears, which Quaranta points out adds to the truck’s manoeuvrability in certain types of situations and applications.
With noise levels becoming more of a sticking point in recent years, he says there is a clearly a demand for quiet vehicles.
“The X-Way has achieved a reduction of 6 decibels, both external and internal. This is very significant and it makes it really the ideal vehicle for urban applications in highly populated areas.”
The emphasis on fuel saving innovations was an important part of the X-Way presentation, the features including ‘Ecoswitch’, ‘Auto Only Mode’, ‘Ecoroll’, ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’, ‘Gap Setting’ and engine anti-idling.
With Ecoswitch engaged, the speed limiter’s default setting is 95km/h, which Quaranta says is ideal for situations of low payload.
Auto Only Mode allows the HiTroniX to select the correct and most fuel efficient gear for the occasion, while Ecoroll disengages the driveline, recovering the vehicle’s inertia, therefore saving energy and, hence, fuel.
Adaptive Cruise Control is becoming a regular feature on most European trucks, however Gap Setting on the new Stralis allows driver to set the speed and the distance between the truck and other vehicles.
Lastly, anti-idling cuts the engine off after five minutes of continuous idling. “The driver has control of this device,” Quaranta says. “It can be disabled and is automatically disabled in the presence of power take off.”
Adding to the safety package, the X-Way range of prime movers and rigid models come with an Electronic Braking System (EBS) as standard, which includes Brake Assistance System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Holder and the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS).
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Marco Quaranta explains the technicalities of the new X-Way range
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Optional extras
Quaranta says an optional pack features items such as hydraulic retarder, lane departure warning and driver attention support, the latter monitoring the driver’s level of attention of the driver with various factors and plain warnings if his attention actually drops or the vehicle changes lanes without indicating.
There’s also a tyre pressure monitoring system which Quaranta says provides real time information about the level of pressure in the tyres, warning the driver of any pressure loss.
“In terms of cab comfort, ergonomics are a tradition of the Iveco cabs and the X-Way again makes no exception,” Quaranta continues.
“Newly designed cluster with easy reading and high visibility, and automatic climate control and just some of the features of the cab.”
Add to that the Iveconnect multimedia system, revised steering wheel-mounted controls and leather air suspended seats, and Iveco has come up with an impressive package.
Bruce Healy believes the new Stralis X-Way range will not only strengthen Iveco’s position in the Australian truck market but consolidate Iveco’s local manufacturing future.
“A combination of advanced safety features, cleaner and more efficient Euro 6 engines, smart transmissions and a range of equipment to minimise fuel use will make the Stralis X-Way a valuable addition to any fleet, from the owner-driver to larger multinationals.”