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The New Eurocargo
A Driver’s Delight!
Iveco’s new Eurocargo has certainly set the sector buzzing, and here at Export & Freight, we were buzzing too, being the first to climb behind the wheel of the new model during a recent testing trip to Turin in Italy.
As Garfield Harrison reports, this is a fabulous piece of kit that will keep the Eurocargo in its market leading position, and having negotiated the busy streets of Turin, there is little of a negative nature we can say.
 Ideal for a wide range of applications, from municipal, public utility, retail distribution and general light haulage, Eurocargo already has a great reputation for being a work horse; since its original launch back in 1991, it has won many accolades internationally starting with the coveted ‘International Truck of the Year’ in 1992.
To date, Iveco has built over 430,000 Eurocargo vehicles; testament to its popularity among vehicle buyers and it has always sold at either number 1 or number 2 position in its segment in Europe.
 What’s New
So, what can you expect of the new Eurocargo? Well, for a start, the driver’s cab has been completely revamped to higher levels of driver and passenger comfort, and is more spacious.
The new dashboard features a centrally mounted switch console which also houses the Iveco satellite navigator, when specified. Improved positioning of the most frequently used push-button switches is new as are the new large air outlet ports.
The central control module is new, too, with the parking brake control more readily reached and provides provision for differential lock controls and the 24/12v power convertor when specified. Steering column stalks incorporate optimised switching, including automated manual gear shifting and cruise control functions, with just two stalks.
The steering wheel is slightly larger at 470mm in diameter than that used previously and is fully adjustable. The new instrument cluster provides stop light bulb failure indication in addition to those functions previously applicable and now bears the Iveco logo at start-up.
Driver comfort is further enhanced by the provision of new door panels that incorporate an improved arm rest, increased capacity door pockets, heated and electrically adjustable mirror controls, where specified, and the controls for the standard specification electrically operated door windows, all combining to create an ideal working environment for the driver.
As a new safety feature, a driver’s seat belt warning system is included; there’s a persistent audible warning sound when the vehicle moves off and the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
Externally, the grille and front panel adopt the latest Iveco family feeling with provision for vehicle owners to personalise their vehicle with their specific fleet livery.
The cab is available with the familiar three Eurocargo cabs, the MLC day cab, the MLL sleeper cab and the MLD crew cab.
Engine Range
New Eurocargo retains the renowned Tector engine range. Four cylinder 3.9 litre versions have power ratings of 160hp and 182hp and 6 cylinder 5.9 litre versions are available at power ratings of 217hp, 251hp, 279hp and 299hp.
It’s on sale here in Northern Ireland, incidentally, with the automated EuroTronic gearbox fitted as standard. There will be an option for a manual gearbox available at the same price.
Allison 5 speed fully automatic hydrodynamic transmissions are also available across the model range starting from the 75E16 providing an enhanced degree of driver comfort. All models with the Allison S3000 automatic transmissions have a hydraulic retarder optionally available.
 Suspension
All new Eurocargo models have parabolic leaf suspension for the front and rear axles. Heavier duty multi-leaf suspension is available for heavier mission applications throughout the model range with increased capacity parabolic leaf suspension available on 15t and 16t models.
Pneumatic rear suspension is available on all 4x2 models with the addition of front axle pneumatic suspension on to 15t models (excluding ‘EL’) models. 6t to14t models use 2 air springs for the pneumatic rear suspension and 15t to 19t models use 4 air springs.
Braking system
All models have an engine exhaust brake as standard. Exhaust brake control is effected by the right hand steering column mounted stalk in one of two automatic exhaust brake application modes: either on accelerator pedal release (i.e. overrun) or on service brake pedal application. Incidentally, exhaust brake is standard on all UK models.
6t to 10t models use the air over hydraulic brake application system with full air application starting with 12t models. All 6t to 10t models have new brake discs with larger disc diameters and increased disc thickness allowing longer disc life before disc replacement is necessary.
The service brake system includes the Anti Lock Braking system and Anti Slip Regulation is available providing easier starting from rest on loose or low adhesion surfaces and so reducing tyre wear.
Electronic Stability Programme is also available on full air braked models providing selective wheel braking to ensure directional control and anti roll-over control are optimised under all driving conditions.
Hill-holder is available on 12t models and above as an aid to the driver in starting from rest up a gradient. With the device activated, the service brakes are not released for one second to allow time for the driver’s foot to be transferred from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and so avoiding the vehicle rolling backwards down the gradient.
As an additional safety feature, new Eurocargo features an audible parking brake warning system which operates if the driver’s door is opened without the park brake having been applied.
Our Verdict
Taking her around the challenging test route during this international launch in Turin was a delight; we have been behind the wheel of most of the older versions in our time, but this new Eurocargo is something else.
It is a driver’s delight, handling extremely well, with great visibility, cab comforts, and plenty of storage areas. Although the test route was busy, we felt safe and secure, at ease behind the wheel, and we can’t wait to put it through its paces proper when it arrives here in Northern Ireland.
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