Iveco’s third-generation Daily van promises reduced fuel consumption, increased carrying capacities, improved handling and a cut in the total cost of ownership. More than 2.6 million Daily models have been sold worldwide and the LCV range accounts for 55% of Iveco’s global production.
A 5.5% fuel saving is claimed, through improved aerodynamics and engine efficiency. An optional EcoPack, that includes an Eco switch to allow the driver to change the engine mapping for reduced torque when unladen, is said to offer up to a 14% fuel saving. The pack also incorporates a smart alternator, Ecomac air conditioning, low rolling resistance tyres and Start/Stop.
Iveco is offering nine engine options, including both Euro 5b+ and Euro 6 versions of its 2.3-litre and 3.0-litre diesels and a CNG gas-powered engine. Power ratings are 106-205hp, with drive taken to the back wheels through six-speed manual and Agile automated transmissions.
The new line follows a £400m investment, with separate strategies for panel vans and for Daily chassis cabs. Around 80% of the body is new, though it retains its traditional separate ladder chassis and body. Wheelbases have been extended to reduce rear overhangs and improve stability, allowing larger load volumes, up from a previous maximum of 17m3, to 18m3 and a huge 19.6m3.
All Daily vans up to 3.5 tonnes GVW come with a new Quad-leaf front suspension, incorporating transverse leaf springs within double wishbones. This improves handling and reduces weight. Heavier models get a revised version of the existing Quad-tor torsion bar suspension, while revised rear suspension on all models contributes to increased payloads and a 55mm lower rear floor.
Inside the cab the seat height has been lowered by 15mm and the top of the windscreen extended up by 40mm. For taller drivers that 55mm total makes a huge difference, greatly improving visibility. The steering wheel size has been reduced and the steering column inclination cut too, all contributing to a more MPV-like driving position.
Daily will come in three trim levels, the standard spec including ESP 9, a driver’s airbag and seatbelt pretensioners, Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility, unglazed rear doors, a full steel bulkhead, central locking, electric windows and a dual passenger seat.
Daily Plus adds cruise control, cornering fog lights, electrically adjustable heated mirrors, a fold-down desk and underseat storage, plus a trim panel on the bulkhead. Daily Top comes with manual air conditioning, a suspended driver’s seat, full wheel covers and a glove compartment.
There is also a range of option packs, including the Eco pack, a tipper pack, a towing pack and a winter pack. Customers can choose from a range of infotainment systems, including an Iveconnect platform that allows the driver to control media, Bluetooth, sat-nav and a rear view camera through a touchscreen.
Claimed mprovements in fuel consumption and residual values, and a 5% cut in service and maintenance costs should bring TCO down. Perhaps more surprisingly, Iveco says that list prices will be unchanged across Europe for many versions of the van.
What we think
A good-looking van that promises to carry more, for less. Iveco has got both panel van and chassis cab customers covered, with one of the biggest ranges of heavy vans on the market.
Specification
MODEL Iveco Daily 35-150 H2 Euro5b+
BASIC PRICE na
ENGINE 2,287cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 146hp @ 3,000–3,900
TORQUE 350Nm @ 1,500–2,750
Weights (kg)
GVW 3,500
KERB WEIGHT 2,080
PAYLOAD 1,420
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 3,500
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 3,130
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,800
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,900
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 675
LOAD VOLUME 10.8m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 70 litres
COMBINED MPG & CO2 36.2mpg/186g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/unlimited miles