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Road Test: Iveco Daily

38% of 3.5-tonne vans sold in Europe have a load volume of 9-11m3, while 35% are in the 11-14m3 class. It comes as little surprise therefore, to hear that Iveco sees its new 10.8m3 and 12m3 vans as pivotal models in the revised Daily line-up.

The firm has listened to customers and lengthened wheelbases, to reduce rear overhangs. This has also helped to optimise the balancing act between overall length, wheelbase and interior load length. The new 10.8m3 van in particular is said to offer the best load efficiency, when comparing van length with available cargo length, by offering 3,130mm of internal loadspace on a 3,520mm wheelbase.

That longer wheelbase also contributes to improved ride comfort, in combination with the van’s new Quad-leaf front suspension that has leaf springs mounted transversely across the van. Revised rear suspension, on single rear wheel vans, is also new, with geometry recalibrated to reduce the possibility of oversteer. The new set-up at the rear also saves 8kg and contributes to a welcome 55mm drop in load floor height.

There is a huge range of engines available for Daily, based on the firm’s 2.3-litre and 3.0-litre diesel and CNG motor families. At 3.5 tonnes, the most popular are likely to be the base 106hp version of the 2.3-litre or this more powerful 126hp engine. In 126hp trim the 2.3-litre delivers a healthy 320Nm of torque, enough to easily pull the fully laden van along.

The installation is remarkably smooth, with incredibly low levels of noise in the cab. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard, though all engines will be available with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous AGile automated manual box.

This Hi-Matic transmission will carry the same £1,500 premium as AGile, though Iveco says that it offers a 4.1% fuel consumption improvement and a 4kg weight saving over the previous box. That said, the firm is already claiming up to 5.5% fuel savings over the previous Daily van, thanks to improved aerodynamics, an Eco switch in the cab, low viscocity oils, a smart alternator that recovers kinetic energy and low rolling resistance tyres.

As well as the lower noise levels in the cab, drivers will welcome a new dashboard, seat and steering wheel. The seat is mounted lower in the new van, while the top of the windscreen has been raised, making it easier for taller drivers to have a clear view of the road ahead. This also makes the cab lighter and gives it a more spacious feel.

While the 10.8m3 van looks set to prove the most popular, Daily comes in a massive range of shapes and sizes. There are three wheelbases on offer, with five body lengths and three roof heights, taking maximum load volumes to class-leading 18m3 and 19.6m3. Maximum gross weights have also risen, now topping out at an equally class-leading 7.2 tonnes.

There are also six wheelbases available for the chassis cab models, four of which can be had with single rear wheel drive. Added to that, Iveco will introduce two all-wheel drive Dailys later this year. These will include the traditional high-riding heavy-duty 4×4, plus an occasional use off-roader with part-time all-wheel drive.

What we think

Iveco has every base covered with Daily and the improvements to the driving experience are impressive. Equally positive are gains in productivity.

Specification

MODEL: Iveco Daily 35S13V    

BASIC PRICE: £21,500

ENGINE: 4-cyl/2,287cc

FUEL INJECTION: Common-rail

POWER: 126hp @ 3,600rpm

TORQUE: 320Nm @ 1,800rpm         

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 VOLUME: 10.8m3 

Cost considerations

FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 70    

OIL CHANGE: 2 yr/25,000 miles

WARRANTY: 3yr/ unlimited miles

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