The revamped Iveco Stralis now comes with a top-of-the-range cab to offer that little extra to road transport operators. It’s hard to imagine that in 2002 the EuroStar was still Iveco’s flagship heavyweight product such is the progression made by the Italians.And Iveco certainly have reason to be positive even though its product is overshadowed by sponsorship of New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team – a top five recognised product around the world. Other than the external revamp of headlights, grille and livery space the main talking point is the Active Space Super Cube cabin. It has 20% more internal space than the previous ‘big cab’ available from the Italians in the form of Active Space, and 15% more storage.
Both issues are key as it’s what drivers want; more space, comfort and luxury, but more importantly for Iveco it has a genuine flagship tractor. That means more top end business from operators who like to reward drivers and owner-drivers looking for something different. Plus it will carry stronger residuals giving Iveco a better starting point for the rest of the product range with less engaging specification.
What’s more Euro-5 is the only option and with on-board-diagnostics [OBD] it will qualify for the £500 annual rebate from government. Combined with oil change intervals at 150,000km, the longest claim Iveco for any Euro-5 driveline on the market, helps keep the truck profitable and on the road longer. Iveco addressed extra AdBlue usage with Euro-5 selective catalytic reduction drivelines pinning use between 4-6% of diesel fuel consumed. From Euro-3 production in 2002 when the automated Stralis cut a drift from its manual competitors, it has become the most successful tractor in its history.
The Stralis driving experience polarises industry between those who have driven it and those who haven’t. If you have then the experience is positive because the old issues surrounding poor build quality, handling and ergonomics synonymous with EuroStar evaporate.
If you haven’t driven it we suggest you do. No clutch, automated as standard, the biggest issue is getting comfortable for the oncoming journey. The range is intriguing too; from its flagship Super Cube it runs right down into construction and distribution mode. It’s an all encompassing product from 18 to 44 tonnes; a direct singular cross-application spec and range other manufacturers tend to avoid. The tractor range has four cabs and three engines while the rigids have the choice of five cabs, plus construction gets manual gearboxes as well as automated as choice rather than having standard or optional extras.For Iveco to make inroads into a competitive UK market beyond its 9% over 18 tonnes these three areas need to succeed; bigger cab, Euro-5 as standard ahead of next years deadline for rebate, and getting bodies behind the wheel to experience it. Market perception is always an issue for Iveco so if you contact your local dealer for a test drive they should bend over backwards. It’s ticked all the right boxes, now the hard work begins; convincing the industry it’s a winner.
