04/02/2024
Iveco has spent €1bn updating its entire commercial vehicle range for the 2024 model year, in what it claims to be the biggest investment it has ever made. This announcement was made in Barcelona.
Luca Sra, president, truck business unit, Iveco Group, said the updated range was the culmination of a four-year journey. “Striving for change is a full-time job to which we have dedicated all our resources over the last four years. In 2019, we started a new journey, driving a profound evolution in Iveco by keeping our eyes focused on the customer and tailoring our offering to their needs, throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle and beyond,” he expanded.
“With the full range model year 2024 launch, we demonstrate our capacity to fearlessly move forward and fight in our customers’ corner, supporting their success with a 360-degree mobility ecosystem, the choice of the technology that best suits their needs across all segments, and the most extensive service offer,” Sra continued. So, what’s new then?
ECONOMICAL NEW ENGINE LAUNCHED
It would appear that the lion’s share of the investment has gone on the S-Way and X-Way heavy trucks, with the most significant change being the introduction of the new xCursor 13 engine. Developed by Iveco’s sister brand FTP Industrial, the new engine is offered with ratings up to 580hp (2,800Nm), making it the most powerful 13-litre unit available. The engine, which can also run on gas and is even hydrogen-ready, features a new turbocharger, higher common rail pressure (2,500bar), and a new cylinder head and block. It’s lighter than its predecessor and more fuel efficient too. When matched to the latest ZF Traxon Gen2 transmission and a new faster rear axle, Iveco claims an improvement of up to 7% in fuel economy.
Advanced predictive cruise control, which now recognises bends and roundabouts and reduces speed accordingly, can contribute a further 1.5% improvement. Iveco has also taken the opportunity to go mirrorless, and claims that replacing conventional rearview mirrors with optional screen and cameras can boost overall fuel economy by a further 1.5%, for a total of up to 10% in fuel reductions.
At the S-Way’s 2019 launch, we said it appeared that the bulk of the investment had been ploughed into the cab’s exterior and that Iveco had clearly run out of cash by the time it came to updating the interior. Well, that has now been addressed: the S-Way and X-Way have the stylish interiors they always deserved.
We’re talking about a new customisable dashboard with a selection of materials and colours and a flagship offering with a stitched leather finish. It looks and feels superb, and represents a giant leap forward in quality.
The driver is treated to a fully digital cockpit with TFT instrument cluster. There’s a new multi-function Ferrari-inspired steering wheel too, which includes a stop/start button. While there’s no flat surface on the dashboard, there’s a new pull-out table on the passenger side, as well as additional storage. A dashboard-mounted electronic handbrake with automatic engagement also helps to free up internal space.
The keen-eyed amongst you might spot some minor revisions to the truck’s exterior too, which now features a slightly altered grille. Cashing in on the growing number of drivers and operators who are customising their S-Ways, Iveco now offers a choice of eight different grilles, including body-coloured and gun metal. There are new graphics on the side window and the latest Iveco badge now takes pride of place on the front.
