International launch
The international launch of the S-Way took place back in 2019 in Madrid. The launch itself was a massive success (winning a number of awards). More importantly, so too was the truck. Well over 2 500 found their way into operators’ yards in Europe in the first year of sales alone. Since then, the S-Way has cemented its role as a cost-efficient and reliable extra-heavy truck within the European market.
Reasons for popularity
There are many reasons why the truck has been popular with discerning European customers. They have raved about the driver-centric design of the all-new cab, which combines first-rate living and working conditions with a spacious environment. With diesel becoming more and more costly, fuel efficiency has obviously been under scrutiny – and the S-Way has been getting the thumbs up in this regard (in Europe, it’s also very popular in liquified natural gas or LNG guise). The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is, of course, an issue that is top of mind for any transporter – and European truck operators appear happy with this aspect too.
South Africa, here we come!
And now the S-Way is in South Africa. It goes to reason that local operators will share the opinions of their European counterparts. After all, driver comfort, fuel consumption and TCO are universal trucking issues.
So, what can South African transport operators expect of the new range? Highlights of the new truck include a new engine line-up and next-generation rear axle, superb fuel efficiency and excellent safety features.
Fuel efficiency par excellence
With the ever-escalating price of fuel, South African transport operators will be pleased to hear that the new S-Way delivers fuel savings of up to 4% (versus its predecessor). One of the reasons for the fuel efficiency is the vehicle’s superior aerodynamic performance (every detail of the exterior was studied with care to minimise air resistance). For instance, the new roof is perfectly integrated into the front end of the vehicle, presenting a flat surface that minimises drag.
The vehicle’s aerodynamic performance is further enhanced by additional features that reduce drag by closing gaps. They include the optimised aerodynamic kit with rubber extensions to close up the space between tractor and semi-trailer. The new design of the door, which extends all the way down to the second step, creates a smooth surface on the sides of the cab, reducing turbulence at cruising speed.
Not just efficient but comfortable too
Aerodynamics may be essential to a transport operator’s bottom line, but this holds little interest for drivers (unless they are owner-drivers who have to pay the fuel bill). Drivers are more concerned with comfort – and the S-Way more than delivers in this regard.
It boasts a new cab entirely redesigned around the driver to provide the ultimate driving environment with outstanding ergonomics. The layout of the controls ensures that all the key functions are within easy reach of the driver. The multi-functional steering wheel, with 22 switches, puts all the necessary functions at the driver’s fingertips. The dashboard and central stack have been redesigned to improve operating comfort and efficiency with a new layout and greatly increased functionalities.
There’s a new start/stop button and a slot for the electronic key with integrated remote control, conveniently placed on the dashboard.
Powerful yet frugal engines
The S-Way boasts a wide choice of Euro 3 and 4 diesel and natural gas engines to suit all applications. The diesel engines, with three displacements and power ratings ranging from 330 to 570 hp, deliver class-leading power. They are also available in natural gas versions that offer clean running and quiet operation.
A number of features ensure that these engines are extremely efficient. These include an anti-idling feature (which avoids long periods of idling, automatically shutting off the engine), smart EGR (which increases combustion efficiency by optimising injection timing and reducing consumption) and various smart engine auxiliaries that prevent energy waste when their operation is not necessary. These include an air clutch compressor, smart alternator and variable steering pump.
The engines are paired to a 12-speed Hi-Tronix automated transmission with electronic clutch, which offers the most advanced technology in its category, a best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio and long transmission oil change intervals.
The engines have been coupled with new, high-efficiency single-reduction rear axles, and longer rear axle ratios down to 2.31:1 are available with standard profile tyres. This enables substantial down-speeding, resulting in greater efficiency when cruising on long-distance routes.
Super safe
The S-Way is super safe – thank goodness. This is essential on South Africa’s roads, given our abysmal road safety record.
The new cab offers high levels of passive safety, with mechanical resistance compliant with ECE R29.03 cab crash standards. The new design also provides much improved direct visibility for the driver with the one-piece side windows and rear-view mirrors.
The S-Way also offers full LED lights, which have a much sharper beam that carries further, improving visibility and obstacle perception by 15%, further enhancing safety in low-light conditions. In addition, the S-Way features a complete array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to help the driver operate the vehicle efficiently and safely.
High aspirations
Needless to say, the Iveco team has high aspirations for the truck – and hopes that its local sales will mirror the success in Europe. There is no reason to believe that this won’t happen. After all, as Martin Liebenberg, Iveco South Africa Commercial Manager, points out: “Our new S-Way range most definitely offers a healthy balance between innovation focused on driver comfort and productivity and technology for efficiency, both large contributors to the TCO improvements.” An appealing TCO will almost certainly resonate with local operators.
