Iveco unveils new Daily

The competition in Australia's fiercely contested large van market has ramped up yet again, with Iveco officially launching its new Daily range of light commercial vehicles at a media event at Victoria's Australian Automotive Research Centre today.

Around 80 per cent of the new Daily's body components are new, says Iveco, with the latest generation spanning vans and cab/chassis models, the latter available in both single-cab and dual-cab configurations.

The rear-drive-only Daily is powered by a choice of three engines: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel or two versions of a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the latter available in single- or twin-turbo formats.

The 2.3-litre turbo-diesel with wastegate and intercooler is said to produce 93kW between 3000-3600rpm and 320Nm between 1800-2500rpm. The 3.0-litre engine adopts a variable geometry turbo and intercooler to produce 125kW between 2900-3500rpm and 430Nm between 1500-2600rpm, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo sees these figures rise to 150kW between 3100-3500rpm and 470Nm between 1400-3000rpm.

Despite the potent outputs, Iveco says the new Daily delivers fuel efficiency gains of 4.1 per cent over the previous generation, thanks to improved aerodynamics, the adoption of low-friction piston rings and the use of high-grade, low-viscosity lubricants.

A six-speed double-overdrive manual transmission is standard while buyers can now opt for Iveco's new ZF 'Hi-Matic' eight-speed automatic transmission, with 'Eco' and 'Power' modes. Iveco says the Hi-Matic is the most sophisticated full auto on the van market, offering the widest spread of ratios currently available.

A choice of eight rear axle ratios is also available, as is the option of a rear differential lock.

The Daily is available in GVMs spanning 3800kg to 7000kg and wheelbases from 3520mm to 4750mm, and it can accommodate a body fitment of up to 6190mm in cab/chassis form.

In the van line-up, the Daily 35S13 has a GVM of 3800kg and is available in two heights (1545mm or 1900mm) 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.

Stepping up, the Daily 50C17 van is available with a car-licence friendly 4495kg GVM or a 5200kg GVM. It's also available in two heights (1900mm or 2100mm) and three lengths, but with 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.

Iveco says the vans' load bay is now 55mm lower than the previous generation. Vans receive a single sliding side door and rear barn doors that open to 270 degrees, with locking intervals at 90 and 180 degrees.

The five cab/chassis models range from the 45C17, 50C17 and 70C17 single-cabs, to the 50C17D and 70C17D dual-cabs. GVMs and payloads top out with the 70C17 single-cab, its 7000kg GVM affording a hefty 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.

The Daily's C-shaped solid steel frame features high-strength cross members and a flat upper surface to make life simple for body builders, while standard CAN-BUS connections afford easy fitment of a variety of vehicle electrics.

The Daily rides on Iveco's new 'QUAD-LEAF' independent front suspension or 'QUAD-TOR' torsion beam suspension, the latter standard on all 50C models, while a parabolic set-up with anti-roll bar cushions the bumps at the rear. Rear air suspension is available as an option, and further reduces the Daily's load height.

On the safety front, the Daily comes with stability control with traction control, trailer sway mitigation and rollover mitigation, plus antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. Driver and front passenger airbags are complemented by side curtain airbags.

All models are equipped with hill start assist and fog lamps with a cornering function, while braking is handled by four-wheel disc brakes.

The cab's seating is now 15mm lower for easier access, while comfort is aided by sprung seats, climate control, a four-speaking stereo/multimedia unit, Bluetooth connectivity and a fully redesigned dash.

Iveco's new Daily range is backed by a three-year/200,000km factory warranty with roadside assistance. Engine oil service intervals are pegged at an impressive 40,000km, and Iveco says it offers a range of fixed-cost service and maintenance programs.

Iveco Australia Product Manager – Light and Medium, Christian Andel, says the new Iveco Daily serves as a worthy alternative to a cab-over light truck.

"There is a misconception in the market that if you have a demanding light-duty application requiring a vehicle with a reasonably large payload, that your standard-fare cab-over is the only option," he said.

"This is of course untrue – the new Daily provides all the best features of a truck, namely a strong ladder chassis and the associated payload benefits, with driving characteristics and safety features more in keeping with a van or passenger car."

The new Daily is launching here amid a hotbed of activity in the large van market. While the dominant reign of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continues, the model will also be facing off with Ford's new Transit and the recently revised Fiat Ducato and Renault Master.

Iveco sold 777 examples of its Daily in 2014 to achieve a market share of 5.5 per cent in the light-duty commercial segment (FCAI VFACTS data), which spans light-duty trucks as well as vans and cab/chassis models.

Check back at trucksales.com.au soon for the full review of Iveco's new Daily range.

 Note: European models shown for illustrative purposes