Iveco Daily 2015 Review

Introduced in 1978, Iveco's Daily is one of the veteran campaigners of the light-duty commercial scene. As the years have ticked by the platform has undergone numerous revisions and now, in 2015, the latest generation is here, and packed with improvements.

While the new Daily reached showrooms some weeks back, Iveco Australia has now officially welcomed the model to our shores with a media launch at the Australian Automotive Research Centre in Anglesea, Victoria.

Iveco sold 777 Daily models here last year for a 5.5 per cent slice of the light-duty commercial market (spanning GVMs from 3501-8000kg, including light-duty trucks). While the vast majority of those were cab-chassis models bound for motorhome conversion, the brand is now making a concerted push with its new offering which, with the addition of an automatic transmission, has far broader appeal.

It won't be easy, however, as the new Daily goes up against the dominant Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a new Ford Transit, and a revised Fiat Ducato and Renault Master. Still, winning the accolade of 'International Van of the Year 2015' at last year's IAA commercial vehicles expo in Germany can't hurt its chances.

While the basic ladder-frame chassis has been retained, Iveco says around 80 per cent of the Daily's body components are new. New styling, new engines, a new cab, the new auto, new features – this is a major progression for the platform.

The van's load bay is now 55mm lower than the preceding model and new wheelbases reduce rear overhang without affecting ground dimensions, while a new range of load capacities have been rolled out up to a monstrous 19.6 cubic metres. In addition to the vans, the Daily is available as a bare cab-chassis ready for custom fit-out or with a factory-fitted Scattolini tray or tipper.

The rear-drive-only Daily is available in various heights and lengths in two van and five cab-chassis models, the latter available in three single-cab and two dual-cab configurations. The range boasts three four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engines: a 2.3-litre conventional turbo, a 3.0-litre variable geometry turbo, and the top-spec 3.0-litre twin-turbo.

With outputs of 93kW/320Nm, 125kW/430Nm and 150kW/470Nm, there's a nicely stepped array of options, with the power fed to the rear by either a six-speed double-overdrive manual or a new ZF-sourced 'Hi-Matic' eight-speed auto (a $4158 premium).

The auto will broaden the Daily's appeal significantly, especially for fleets and rental companies, while the twin-turbo betters Benz's V6 engine by 10kW and 30Nm to become the segment's most powerful.

Iveco says it's made significant improvements to the Daily's total cost of ownership, with enhanced aerodynamics, the use of low-viscosity lubricants and the adoption of low-friction piston rings all helping to deliver fuel economy gains of 4.1 per cent over the old model.

The smallest van boasts a best-in-class turning circle of 10.5 metres, says Iveco, while the 18 and 19.6 cubic metre vans are said to offer best-in-class capacity.

Daily GVMs span 3800-7000kg and wheelbases from 3520-4750mm.

In the van line-up, the Daily 35S13 has a GVM of 3800kg and is available in two heights (2200mm or 2580mm) and three lengths, with volumes of nine, 12 or 16 cubic metres and payloads of 1630kg, 1565kg and 1475kg respectively. It's available with either the 2.3-litre or 3.0-litre (single turbo) engines.

The larger Daily 50C17 van is available with a car-licence friendly 4495kg GVM or a 5200kg GVM. It's also available in two heights (2700mm or 2900m) and three lengths, but with height/wheelbase combinations affording internal volumes of 12, 16, 18 and 19.6 cubic metres and payloads of 2062kg, 1954kg, 1804kg and 1855kg respectively (add 705kg for the higher GVM rating).

The 50C17 van is only available with the single-turbo 3.0-litre engine.

The five cab-chassis models comprise the 45C17, 50C17 and 70C17 single-cabs and 50C17D and 70C17D dual-cabs. The GVMs and payloads top out with the 70C17 single-cab, its 7000kg GVM affording a payload of 4582kg.

While the 45C17 and 50C17 single-cabs only get the single-turbo 3.0-litre engine, the remainder of the cab-chassis range gets the added choice of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo.

Options include any of eight rear axle ratios and a rear differential lock.

The Daily adopts a commercial body-on-frame arrangement with high-strength cross members. Iveco says the flat-topped C-shaped chassis makes life simple for body builders, while CAN-BUS connections aid the installation of vehicle electrics.

Smoothing the ride is Iveco's new 'QUAD-LEAF' independent front suspension, a double-wishbone arrangement, or – for heavier applications – 'QUAD-TOR' torsion beam suspension, the latter standard on all 50C models. Rear suspension options include multi-leaf-spring, parabolic spring and air suspension, the latter further reducing the Daily's load height (add $2933).

At the AARC test track we sampled a wide variety of Daily models, the various configurations revealing some common themes.

All three engines deliver a very broad and useable spread of torque, with each displaying a high degree of refinement and response. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo really packs a punch, dishing out peak torque of 470Nm from 1400rpm to 3000rpm.

All three engines display next to no step-off lag and the auto is a superb unit, shifting seamlessly through its eight ratios – one more than the Mercedes' 7G-TRONIC. The multifunction shifter is easy to use, flicking the tranny between auto and manual sequential modes and eco and power modes. Iveco says a shift takes just 200 milliseconds – we barely noticed the changes.

The six-speed manual works well enough too; we can forgive its slightly stiff nature given our test vehicle had just over 200 kilometres under its wheels.

We had no qualms with the various Daily suspension set-ups; each vehicle we sampled delivered a smooth and secure ride. Given the quality of the proving ground tarmac, we'll reserve final judgement after subjecting a Daily to a full test in the near future.

Four-wheel discs deliver secure braking, backed up by anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution.

It's a decent step up to the cab – over 550mm by our reckoning – but once behind the wheel the comfort and ergonomics are impressive, the only foible being the absence of a dead pedal. Generally speaking vision is excellent, although the rear upright of the driver's-side quarter window does impinge slightly on the view to the (large and clear) side mirror.

Controls are logically placed and cabin storage is impressive – we like the underseat storage in twin-passenger bench models, the concealed dash-top bins, the fold-out clipboard holder and the superb door side pockets. Drivers will love the up-spec sprung suspension seating, too.

The fit and finish of the cab's dark plastics are good and everything appears robust and easy to clean, while the climate control, cruise control, stereo and Bluetooth connectivity will aid passage through the working week. An 8.0-inch multifunction touchscreen unit is available above the standard infotainment system.

The second-row seating in the dual-cab can accommodate four. It offers good leg and headroom, but the inboard passengers make do with basic lap seat belts.

The vans' load bays are practical, utilitarian spaces. The smaller van's load floor height of 675mm makes access easy, and the tie-down anchor points are sturdy. The single sliding side door can complemented by a second off-side door, while the rear barn doors open to 270 degrees, with locking points at 90 and 180 degrees.

An impressive suite of safety features includes ninth-generation stability control and four air bags. Trailer sway mitigation, roll-over mitigation, adaptive load control – the new Daily is proof LCVs are closing the gap on passenger cars for safety.

Iveco's new Daily is backed by a three-year/200,000km factory warranty with roadside assistance. Engine oil service intervals are pegged at 40,000km or every 12 months, whichever comes first, and Iveco offers a range of fixed-cost service and maintenance programs and extended warranty packages.

Iveco's new Daily has sounded a clear warning to its rivals. Now armed with an eight-speed auto and bristling with improvements, the Daily has its best chance yet of making a real dent in the competition.

2015 Iveco Daily pricing and specifications:
Price: $49,501 to $71,477 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 3.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel
Output: 93kW/320Nm; 125kW/430Nm; 150kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual; eight-speed 'Hi-Matic' automatic
Fuel: from 7.1L/100km [NEDC Combined]
CO2: from 187g/km [NEDC Combined]
Safety Rating: N/A