The Award-Winning New Iveco Daily Van

Overview

With class-leading payload, volume capacity, power and torque and industry-leading 8-speed Hi-Matic full automatic transmission, it’s no surprise that the new Iveco Daily was recently awarded 2015 International van of the Year.  

The Daily Van is extremely versatile offering unrivalled strength and loading capacity while having the driving characteristics of a car. The Daily Van range punches well above its weight with its two main model variants, the 35S and 50C, providing GVM ranges of between 3.8 to 5.2 tonnes – all can be driven on a standard car licence.

The Daily van also boasts the largest loading capacity in the market with a massive 19.6m³ model. This allows you to carry more in each load maximising efficiency and providing significant cost benefits to your business. 

Loading is made easy with a large side sliding door and a choice of three different rear door heights that can take up to three 1.2 metre wide pallets. The rear loading platform has also been lowered by 55mm over the previous model to make loading and unloading even easier. A cost option with most other van manufacturers, the Daily Van has double-hinged 270° opening rear doors fitted to every van as standard. This allows the doors to be opened almost flat against the body, which is ideal when loading and unloading in confined spaces.

Engines

Powering the range are two core direct-injection Iveco diesel engines, a 2.3 and a 3 litre, both of them delivering market-leading power and torque outputs. 

The 2.3 litre powerplant features a turbocharger with wastegate and intercooler producing 126hp / 93kW @ between 3000-3600 rpm, torque is rated a 236lb ft / 320Nm @ between 1800-2500 rpm.

The 3 litre offering is also turbocharged but uses a variable geometry system and intercooler to produce power of 170hp / 125kW @ 2900-3500 rpm and torque of 317lb ft / 430Nm @ between 1500-2600 rpm.

Also available is a twin turbo version of the 3 litre which offers increased power of 205hp / 150kW @ between 3100-3500 rpm and hefty torque output of 347lb ft / 470Nm @ between 1400-3000 rpm.

In addition to these engines’ impressive power and torque figures, the latest Daily range is also more fuel efficient than the previous generation by approximately 4.1% thanks to adoption of low friction piston rings, use of high-grade, low viscosity lubricants and reduced drag coefficient for van models.

Transmissions

Hi-Matic – an industry-leading transmission for absolute driving pleasure

The new Daily range introduces an exclusive, industry-first 8-speed ZF ‘Hi-Matic’ full automatic transmission until now only available in high-end luxury vehicles. This exceptional transmission provides the operator with an effortless driving experience courtesy of a self-adaptive shift strategy that results in optimised gear selection and shifts that take less than 200 milliseconds.

The version of the Hi-Matic used in the Daily has been strengthened for light commercial vehicle applications and was extensively tested for Australian climatic conditions – the unit features an external cooler and an independent transmission support for improved durability and cooling efficiency.

To assist in reducing fuel consumption, the Hi-Matic features both ‘Eco’ and ‘Power’ modes. When Eco is selected, the transmission changes gears at lower rpm, while Power mode holds the vehicle in each gear for longer for even crisper acceleration should it be required. Thanks to its 8-speeds – the widest ratio spread of any automatic van transmission available in Australia – the engine will always be operating at its optimal speed.

Transmission – Manual

Operators using the new Daily outside of urban and metropolitan environments where minimal gear shifting is required may opt for the 6-speed synchromesh double overdrive, manual transmission. This alternative to the ‘Hi-Matic’ provides smooth engagement via the single dry plate, hydraulically-controlled clutch, while manual gear changes using the ergonomically-designed, dash-mounted shifter are light yet precise and very car-like.

Safety

With many Daily owners expected to spend long periods on the roads, Iveco have equipped the new model with an extensive array of active and passive safety features.

While some light commercial vehicle competitors provide a front disc / rear drum brake set-up, the new Daily provides the superior stopping power of disc brakes ‘all-round’.  Adding to the braking equation is ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), while Iveco ‘Hill Holder’ technology ensures there’s no rollback when starting on an incline.  

All models adopt new low level fog lamps with cornering function. The cornering function automatically activates the fog lamps on bends casting light into the direction the driver is steering. It also engages once the indicator is applied.

Vehicles also feature optional Electronic Stability Control and Trailer Sway Mitigation which sees the Stability Control intervene when instability in the trailer or caravan is detected. Passive safety features include driver, passenger and curtain airbags.

Other features of the Electronic Stability Control package include: Anti Slip Regulator, Adaptive Load Control, Hydraulic Rear Wheel Boost, Hydraulic Fading Compensation, Roll Movement Intervention and Roll Over Mitigation.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Heavy traffic, start and stop driving and long work days are often the norm in modern business so the new Daily keeps the driving environment as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Seating in the new range has been lowered by 15mm for easier cabin ingress and egress, the steering wheel has also been reduced in size to provide a more car-like feel.  An increased windscreen height has resulted in improved visibility while the dashboard has been completely redesigned with emphasis on intuitive placement of all dials and controls.

Extra comfort for the driver and front passenger comes courtesy of mechanically-suspended seats with multiple adjustments – the new range also offers the option of heated driver and passenger seats with three degrees of freedom.

Helping to provide car-like comfort and manoeuvrability (10.5m turning circle) is independent front suspension (double wishbone or torsion bar depending on variant) along with parabolic rear suspension.  

The new ‘QUAD-LEAF’ front suspension provides excellent vehicle control and strength (1900kg standard maximum load), while the ‘QUAD-TOR’ system (standard on all 50C Vans) is even more robust adopting torsion bars instead of leaf springs for an axle weight rating of 2100kg.

Other benefits of the new range include improved soundproofing and a more efficient automatic climate control system featuring ‘EcoMac’ technology.  Similar to an inverter in a household RC system, EcoMac optimises the operation of the unit compressor to precisely meet the actual cooling and heating needs, delivering just the right in-cabin temperature and reducing fuel consumption.

The vehicles’ 4-speaker audio system features FM/AM tuner; CD/mp3 player; USB drive via USB input on the dashboard, AUX input; Bluetooth connectivity and radio and phone controls on the steering wheel.  The unit also features an integrated 4x20W amplifier.

Elsewhere in the cabin are generous storage areas including purpose-designed compartments to hold phones and tablets. A modern and attractive instrument cluster displays all of the vehicles’ necessary operational information.

Strength

Iveco has maintained the Daily’s strong truck-like solid steel C-section chassis.  This approach is unique to the new Daily and sets it apart from vans developed with car-derived underpinnings. The result is a robust load-bearing chassis that allows for greater load capacities and has made it possible to optimise load-carrying ability across the range.

A solid chassis also increases the vehicles’ durability and makes them suitable for a broader range of applications both in van and cab chassis variants.  

Efficiency

Payload is an important factor when selecting a light commercial vehicle and the new range delivers in spades with GVMs of up to 7 tonnes and payloads of up to 4.7 tonnes.  Volumetric load capacities have also been optimised and range between 9 to 19.6 m³.  The 18 and 19.6 m³ models offer best-in-class volume.  The van is also available in three internal heights: 1545, 1900 and 2100mm and with a 8 rear axle ratios on offer there’s plenty of choice depending on the application. An optional rear differential lock is available on all models.

Another clever introduction is a load platform that is now 55mm lower than the preceding models – one of the lowest of all rear-wheel drive vans.  A lower load platform means less effort is required by the operator to manually load and unload the van.  A further advantage can be gained by opting for rear air suspension – available across the range – which further lowers the height.

Access to the load space is via a side sliding door and rear ‘barn’ doors.  The rear doors provide full 270° opening.  The rear doors incorporate stop devices to hold them at 90°, 180° and when fully opened – the driver can even reverse into tight loading bays with the doors fully opened. 

Whole of life cost

The new Daily is modern, sleek and aesthetically-pleasing while keeping functionality in mind.  The distinctive angled headlamps are positioned high up on the cabin and set-back to minimise damage from minor knocks.  A hardwearing strip along the base of the bodywork similarly protects against minor knocks. 

The rounded bonnet is generously proportioned providing improved aerodynamics while allowing easy engine access at service time. 

The new Daily boasts a reduction in fuel consumption of 4.1% compared to the previous models, while still providing strong engines with high power and torque outputs.

The low fuel consumption is achieved through a combination of features. The engines themselves now use low friction piston rings and higher grade engines oils.

A ‘smart’ alternator has also been introduced – this device is activated when the accelerator is released and kinetic energy is recovered.

Also assisting in fuel reduction is a driver-operated ‘Ecoswitch’. Designed for use primarily when the van / cab chassis is only lightly loaded (or unladen), once pressed, the Ecoswitch reduces vehicle torque and horsepower. 

Other fuel efficiency measures have come from the new automatic climate control system which features ‘Ecomac’ technology. Similar to the inverter function in a reverse cycle air conditioner, Ecomac optimises the operation of the compressor to match the cabin’s actual cooling requirements.  

The final piece in the equation is superior cab aerodynamics, with drag coefficient greatly reduced by approximately 6% to a slippery Cx 0.316.

Service and Support

The new range is backed by a 3-year / 200,000km standard warranty and boasts 40,000 km or 12 month (whichever comes first) engine oil service intervals for reduced workshop costs.  

All new Dailys are covered by ‘Iveco Assistance’, a 24 /7 roadside assistance program, while owners wanting the peace of mind of fixed service and maintenance costs can opt for an Iveco service agreement – they are available with several levels of cover.

Capping off the service and support offerings are the financing solutions available from CNH Industrial Capital. CNH Industrial Capital ‘lives and breathes’ the transport industry and can offer prospective buyers tailored financial packages to best suit their business needs.

Applications

With a wide selection of both Van and Cab Chassis variants to choose from, there’s a new Daily to suit just about every need. From trades to pick-up and delivery work, through to recreational pursuits.

METROPOLITAN DELIVERY
Couriers, refrigerated and non-refrigerated vans are responsible for delivering a broad range of goods and consumables all around our cities and towns. Payload, driver comfort and safety are important considerations for these tasks. Depending on the application, there is a Daily Van and Cab Chassis (single and dual cab) to suit all manner of delivery work.

TRAY / TIPPER
Tradespeople and contractors are eager users of commercial vehicles and many of them opt for light duty trucks, namely single and dual cab vehicles such as those available in the new Daily range. The Daily cab chassis allows for easy fitment of a wide variety of trade type bodies while offering excellent load-carrying and towing capacity. Those needing to transport a full work crew will enjoy the extra seating the dual cab provides – comfortable transport for six passengers plus the driver!

MOTORHOME
The new Daily is the ideal platform on which to build a motorhome body and Iveco is a preferred supplier to this industry. Safety, performance, fuel efficiency and driver and passenger comfort are important factors in choosing a base for a motorhome – the new Daily cab chassis has all of these virtues and more.

FIFTH WHEELER
Unlike a motorhome which uses a body that is integrated onto the cab chassis, a fifth wheeler set-up sees the cab chassis used to tow a caravan (usually large). Instead of towing via a traditional tow-bar, a fifth wheel set-up sees the caravan attached to a turntable on the vehicle’s tray, this allows towing of larger caravans and improves road stability, braking and other performance. All Daily cab chassis models – including single and dual cabs – are ideal for this application.