In this anniversary year – Iveco is celebrating its 50th anniversary – we were finally able to drive an S-Way on our test track again. An ideal opportunity to see how far the Italian brand’s workhorse has progressed.
Since its launch in 2020, the S-Way has continued to evolve, including a new engine, camera mirrors and some aerodynamic tweaks.
Cabin. Three steps are still sufficient to get behind the wheel, which immediately indicates a limited presence of the engine tunnel (95 mm). It is immediately noticeable that the driver’s seat has been clearly upgraded. Everything starts with the new, smaller steering wheel (450 mm). The new functions are more within reach. This includes the start button at the bottom left, which only works once the key has been placed in the dashboard. That dashboard also received a new main screen, remarkably similar to that of a competitor. To its right, a 10-inch multimedia screen is partially integrated. The overall quality impression is better thanks to a careful choice of materials.
The new right-hand lever behind the steering wheel now combines the various functions of the gearbox and the auxiliary brake. The three buttons on the dashboard have therefore disappeared. Furthermore, the storage compartments are spacious and practical, with a special mention for the drawers in the center of the dashboard. Exclusive detail: above the driver, on the left, hangs a small emergency hammer as is known from coaches.
Powertrain. With a cylinder capacity of 12.9 liters, the new XCursor 13 is suitable for diesel, gas and hydrogen. This engine is 10% lighter than its predecessor and has a high-pressure common rail that now operates at 2500 bar (compared to 2200 bar previously). It features a variable geometry turbocharger and Twin Scroll technology, which uses exhaust gases to improve compressor response.
The model tested was equipped with the 500 hp version of this engine, with a maximum torque of 2600 Nm available between 843 and 1100 rpm.
The big novelty is the HPEB engine brake, an excellent alternative to the retarder. With its six settings, it can be perfectly controlled on slopes, and its efficiency at low revs has been improved. The adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and automatically start it again after a stop of up to three seconds.
Kudos to the Hi-Cruise system
Driving experience. Adjusting the handlebars is still done with the foot. The knob on the floor in front of the seat offers ample adjustment options to find the ideal driving position. What is most noticeable along the way – especially on hilly terrain – is the sound of the engine. Despite the improved sound insulation, it sometimes sounds like it is having a hard time, but that is an illusion, as our measurements on the pump confirm.
The predictive cruise control has been noticeably improved: it holds the selected gear for as long as possible, depending on torque and speed. This allowed us to climb some slopes at only 840 rpm! In such situations it is better to let the system do its work, because many drivers tend to downshift unnecessarily. The system also responds better in roundabouts and bends. Another plus: the Eco-Roll system can now also be used separately, without activating the cruise control.
Performance. As with our previous test – this time with a streamlined trailer – the conditions were ideal. Five years ago, with a 480 hp S-Way and the Cursor 11-liter engine, we recorded an average speed of 86.36 km/h and a consumption of 28.15 l/100 km. When presenting the XCursor 13, Iveco announced a fuel saving of 10%. We did even better, under similar conditions: 24.82 l/100 km!
In five years, the S-Way has made noticeable progress, both in terms of cabin comfort and powertrain. The new functions in favor of the driver and the general driving comfort in particular deserve praise, even if some details remain to be refined.
Technical sheet Iveco S-Way AS440S50T/P
- Engine: XCursor 13
- Dry engine weight: 1018 kg
- Cylinder capacity: 12.9 liters
- Type: 6-in-line
- Power: 500 hp at 1650 rpm
- Torque: 2600 Nm (843 / 1100 rpm)
- Injection: Common Rail / electronic
- Standard: Euro VI/E
- Transmission: Hi-Tronix / ZF Traxon Gen 2
- Engine brake: HPEB / 530 kW / 2300 rpm
Good to know
- New cabin quality upgrade
- New XCursor 13 multi-fuel engine
- Major advances in predictive cruise control
