Since its appearance in 1978 the rear-wheel drive Daily has had the reputation of being a ‘heavy duty’ van, chassis cab and minibus with a truck-like chassis frame. The same goes for the new model, but thanks to the design talents of renowned automotive stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro, it now has a much softer, less utilitarian look.
The design changes, however, are not restricted to the exterior. The cab gets a completely new dashboard using much higher quality plastics than before, and it retains the facia-mounted gearchange. The seats are a new design with improved support, and there are more useable in-cab storage facilities provided.
The current 2.3- and 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail Euro4 diesel engine line-up has been reworked to increase power and flexibility, but most importantly the torque figures have improved. There is also a new version of the 2.3-litre fitted with a variable geometry turbo (HPT).
Engine choice is 2.3HPI (96PS and 116PS), 2.3HPT (136PS), 3.0HPI (146PS) and the range-topping 3.0HPT (176PS). As an example of the torque available and its impressive spread, the 3.0HPT is capable of producing 400Nm from 1250rpm – 3000rpm.
Gearboxes are either five- or six-speed manual, depending on engine, and the automated manual six-speed AGile ‘box retains its place on the options list.
In order to reduce downtime and servicing costs, these engines require an oil and filter change every 25,850 miles. The 2.3s use a toothed cam belt with a 150,000 miles or five-year change interval while the 3.0s are fitted with a ‘for life’ chain drive tested up to 220,000 miles.
Iveco continues, quite rightly, to fit ABS as standard. The same latest generation Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), as found on the new Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter, is offered as an option on all bar the most powerful Dailys, unlike the latter, which has it as standard on all models.
The spread of gross vehicle weights remains at 2.8 to 6.5 tonne and the van is available with a choice of three wheelbases and three roof heights. Load volumes range from 7.0cu/m to 17.0cu/m.
The latest versions of the Daily are a revelation to drive. The previous engines were at the top of their class, but these incarnations are even better. The spread of torque is astonishing, refinement levels are high and fuel consumption should be improved slightly.
Anyone familiar with the current cab, however, will be blown away by the new environment. It’s much more stylish and comfortable, and would not be out of place in a German-badged van.
