The 2015 International Van of the Year, the Iveco Daily, has finally lobbed down under.
New Iveco Daily van and cab chassis variants have been launched locally, with a significant redesign, new engines and a new ‘Quad Leaf’ double wishbone independent front end.
The new vehicle has had 80 per cent of its architecture completely redesigned and new drive trains have been included, however it retains the traditional ladder frame chassis that has long been a characteristic of the rear wheel drive Daily.
The line-up displayed at a recent media event showcased vans with cubic capacities from 7.3 cubic metres to a massive 20 cubic metres.
GVM for the van range tops out at seven tonne, while cab chassis variants cater to tasks from 3.5 to seven tonne GVM.
A significant redesign has meant that the Daily has a new look that shies away from the somewhat bug-eyed look of many contemporary European brands.
The cockpit and driver’s seating position has been revamped with focus on driver comfort and seating position.
New engines from Fiat Power Train (FPT) are a part of the range with capacities ranging from 2.3 litres to 3 litres and power outputs from 106hp to 205hp.
Euro 5 engine versions use Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) while Euro 6 versions use a combination of EGR and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for exhaust after treatment.
The big news from the event is the availability of an eight-speed torque converter auto takes the LCV sales fight to the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, which is currently the only other large van maker to use a torque converter automatic.
All other brands in the large van segment use Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) as auto options.
The ZF sourced tranny has been used in other vehicles in the CNH family and can also be found in Jeep and Maserati products.
Also of note is a completely new ‘Quad Leaf’ double wishbone independent front end for vehicles up to 3.5 tonne. A transverse four-leaf spring runs across the front end of ‘Quad Leaf’-equipped vehicles.
Higher capacity units use a ‘Quad-Tor’ torsion bar front end.
The inside of the new Iveco Daily appears less staid than its Teutonic competitors with a more car-like feel. There are cup holders galore, a chilled bottle compartment and cubby holes all over the place.
A locally adapted multimedia unit with reverse camera is an option, though development continues on a proprietary IVECONNECT unit for the Australian market.
On the test track the performance of the high output 3 litre twin turbo was a standout, it even emitted a quite satisfying turbo whistle when pushed.
Acceleration from any speed was also impressive; however engine noise is quite noticeable and even quite harsh at times.
The ‘Quad Leaf’ front also provides excellent road manners, especially for an LCV. It was extremely hard to upset the Iveco Daily 35C I was driving on a number of road surfaces.
The new Iveco Daily range will no doubt appeal to the motor home crowd and key areas in the market where the vehicle has been strong. But the new auto tranny also widens that appeal to ambulance services, local government and rental fleets.
The new Iveco Daily van range is priced from $45,001 for the 35S through to $64,979 for the 50C.
Cab chassis pricing starts at $45,952 for the 45C through to $68,189 for the dual cab 70C.