IVECO

The truck that is the second home of the driver in Brazil

The Iveco Hi-Road is the latest launch of the Italian brand's heavy line in Brazil. Iveco's new entry model in the segment replaces the Stralis with praise. It is more modern and well finished than its predecessor. In addition, it brings an extensive list of equipment. These virtues show that the horse-mechanic was designed to please the driver who travels medium and long distances by road.
We evaluated the Iveco Hi-Road in the 600S44T version, with 6 × 2 traction and a three-axle trailer. This configuration is intended for operations with three-axle semi-trailers or “Vanderleia”. The total combined gross weight is up to 53 tonnes. The evaluated truck had about 40t of PBTC.
The Iveco Hi-Road has a FPT Cursor 13 engine. It is a 13-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that generates 440 horsepower at 1,900 rpm and 230 mkgf of torque between 1,000 and 1,400 rpm. The gearbox is ZF 16AS 2630 TO, automated gearbox with 16 gears in front and two in reverse.
The new engine is an evolution of the Cursor (with options of 9 and 13 liters) that equipped the Stralis. Among the innovations, the turbine was calibrated with a view to the efficiency of the power train. In addition to ensuring faster engine and gear responses, diesel consumption was reduced by 7%. The information is from the manufacturer.



In practice, the low engine noise level inside the cab of the Iveco Hi-Road is clear. On the descent of Rodovia Anchieta, towards the coast of São Paulo at speeds between 30 km / h and 35 km / h, the decibel meter recorded 69 dB. The result can also be credited to the good acoustic coating.
The 16-speed gearbox is well staggered for Brazilian roads. The electronic management system takes into account parameters with load and type of floor to “choose” the most appropriate gear. The objective is to always offer the best answer, maintaining the balance between the best performance level and the lowest diesel consumption.
In the saw section it was possible to prove the good capacity of the CEB motor brake, which is 415 hp of power and 204 mkgf of torque. In practically the entire route, the first stage of the system, which works by exhaustion, was able to handle the set of horse-mechanic and cart. The second stage was only used in the jaguar curve, which is very sharp and more “locked”. In this case, running at 30 km / h, the engine brake works by decompression.
For more severe operations, such as vehicles that carry a greater volume of cargo and in mining, for example, there is a brake with a delay system. The device, sold as an option, guarantees a braking capacity of 1,023 hp.



Iveco Hi-Road is strong and spends little
Throughout the descent of the mountain we were instructed to maintain a maximum speed of 35 km / h. The objective was precisely not to step on the brake pedal and use only the CEB. In this condition, the automated gearbox kept the 8th and 9th gears engaged and the engine speed was around 1,500 rpm.
Among the advantages of using the engine brake are greater safety and reduced diesel consumption. This is because the engine maintains a constant turning range, generating back pressure in the cylinders and cutting off the fuel injection.
At sea level, the Iveco Hi-Road suspension in the 600S44T version guaranteed a good level of comfort. The responses of the system, which is of the parabolic type, refer to those of an air suspension. In other words, even when passing over undulations on the track, the truck did not jerk and remained firm in its trajectory. This behavior can also be attributed to the fact that the set is not fully loaded.
The return to the Plateau was also made by Via Anchieta, which has a steeper route than that of the Rodovia dos Imigrantes. As a result, in addition to the lower average speed, diesel consumption tends to be much higher.
But the Hi-Road showed good vigor on the climb. Cursor 13 did not falter and the truck climbed the mountain at speeds between 35 and 40 km / h, with the 10th gear engaged. Highlight for the low speed of engine rotation, between 1,400 and 1,500 rpm. On the round trip, we traveled about 200 km. The average consumption was 2.35 km / l.
A tip for those who are going to drive the Hi-Road is to be aware of the pressure of the turbocharger on the on-board computer. This feature helps to make a good average consumption. Among the models for sale on the market that also offer this type of feature is the Mercedes-Benz Axor.


Both the driver's and helper's seats are equipped with standard air suspension

Hi-Hoad has good level of finish
Visually, the Iveco Hi-Road line is very similar to that of the top-of-the-line Hi-Way brother. The supply of equipment also raised the status of the Italian brand's model.
The side fins are larger in length and width. Thus, the lateral air intake does not impair aerodynamics. In addition, it makes it difficult for dirt to accumulate on the sides of the vehicle and on the doors. The fender and stirrups were given the same color as the vehicle. In Stralis these accessories were made of black plastic.


In the thermal box, which is standard and located between the two banks, you can take fruits and other foods, as well as drinks

The Hi-Road is offered only with a bed cabin and high roof. Inside, the two pneumatic seats stand out. The multifunctional steering wheel, inherited from Hi-Way, is soft to the touch. Through the keys on the sides the driver can access functions of the on-board computer and the sound system settings.
As standard there are items such as air conditioning, air conditioning, electric trio, defroster for external mirrors and radio with MP3 file player and auxiliary input. Among the novelties there is a thermal box, located between the banks. With a capacity of 23.8 liters, it allows food, fruit and water, for example, to be frozen.
As the truck is quite complete, the list of options is reduced. There is only air deflector for the roof, aluminum wheels and refrigerator, in addition to the Intarder brake system.

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