News

Iveco has launched a new Eurocargo, which will be rolled out across Europe over the next few months. The exterior has been given a mild facelift, with revised grille, bumper and air deflector. The headlights are new too, and have a definite hint of Stralis about them. Although it is not a radical departure from the current truck, the new design looks fresh nonetheless. But some of the biggest changes have occurred under the skin. The engine offerings are the same, but buyers are given plenty of  new gearboxes to choose from.

Both the six- and nine-speed ZF manual boxes are new, but this will be of little relevance to UK operators who will get the latest ZF Eurotronic two-pedal transmission as standard. There's an Allison offering too for those who prefer a torque converter auto transmission, but it's going to have a significant price premium. The interior has been completely redesigned, and the dashboard now features a new instrument cluster and a centrally-mounted console.

The latter can be used to house Iveco's satellite navigation system - although we anticipate most operators would prefer to fit their own, cheaper, aftermarket versions. The controls for the auto transmission are dash-mounted, and consist of nothing more than three buttons: Drive, Reverse and Neutral. There is a paddle by the steering column for manu-ally overriding the system. Unfortunately the handbrake is not dash-mounted though, Iveco choosing to keep it on the floor. The redesign would  have been the perfect opportunity to increase the Eurocargo's in-cab storage space.

Admittedly the sleeper cab now gets deep external lockers, but there is nothing new inside. Driver comfort has been improved though, with a top-of-the-range Isri seat. The door panels are new too, and are considerably wider than those in the current model. While they act as a comfortable armrest, drivers wishing to hang their arms out of the window will be disappointed that the glass does not wind all the way down. Electric windows come as standard.

While prices are yet to be announced, it's a safe bet that there will be a rise in excess of 5% in the UK. This is partly to cover the cost of the new automated manual gearbox. New Eurocargos will be arriving in Iveco's UK showrooms in September.

On the road

A shortage of UK-spec vehicles on the Italian launch event meant our only driving experience was behind the wheel of a 10-tonner with a six-speed manual box. The cab interior is attractive, generally well planned, and feels reasonably well built. We didn't like the crude handle for adjusting the steering wheel, but we have nothing but praise for the excellent driver's seat. The cruise control and speed limiter, which now come as standard, are located on a steering-column stalk. It is intuitive to use and nicely positioned by your fingertips.

The steering wheel is noticeable larger than before, and we feel it could have been geared better. We found the manual gearbox to be extremely competent, but this will be of little relevance to UK operators who are unlikely to order it (as there's no financial saving for swapping two pedals for three). However, we did have a ride in the passenger seat of a Eurotronic-equipped truck, and it seemed to work well. So much so that we envisage few drivers will feel the need to use the manual override facility. It functioned perfectly with the engine brake, automatically dropping down a gear or two to get the most from it.

Low speed manoeuvres were impressive too, allowing the truck to creep forwards and backwards with precision. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of this truck is its mirrors, which are strai-ght off the Stralis and provide class-leading visibility.

The decision to offer the new Eurocargo with a ZF Eurotronic transmission as standard, has been described as "bullish" by Iveco's technical director Ken Moore. "We know it's a fantastic transmission," says Moore, "and is perfect for UK operations. I strongly believe that within a couple of years UK customers wouldn't dream of not having one of these gearboxes." Iveco is optimistic that the two-pedal transmission will also improve the Eurocargo's popularity among the UK's rental fleets. It hopes this will help it to increase its market share from 24% to 30%, and allow it to win back its top spot in the 7.5-tonne sector from the Daf LF.