This week has seen the official launch of the Iveco Daily van. The transport industry and truck media have been able test drive the new van and cab chassis range at the Anglesea proving grounds in Victoria. The launch featured the first appearance of a new automatic transmission from ZF, the Hi-Matic 8 speed box.
The Daily was initially unveiled at a spectacular global launch, last June, in Italy. Now, the right hand drive version, specifically set up for Australia, has been revealed. The new Daily model represents a major advance on the previous vehicles on offer, not simply a refresh of its predecessor. 80 per cent of the body shell has been redesigned and new engines power the Daily. The new 8 speed ZF is also brand new and, for now, only available in the Iveco light commercial range.
The new Iveco Daily sees an extension of the number, size and shape of the models on offer, going out to a van with 19.6 cubic metres of cargo space, up to 205 hp from the engine and with a torque rating of 470 Nm. These figures are put the new Daily in the lead in the race for more power, torque and load space.
The sweeping front bonnet design gives the new range a distinctive look as well as improving aerodynamics. The new shape also sees the cargo floor set lower than ever before, even with retention of the stiff ladder frame chassis at the centre of the van and cab chassis architecture. New dimensions also give the range an improved turning circle, down to 10.5 metres, kerb to kerb.
The new van and cab chassis range also use an all new front suspension. The Quad-Leaf front end uses a quadrilateral system comprising a double swing arm and leaf springs to give the new range improved handling and stability.
The new Daily range does extend the reach of the brand, which has been limited by things like the lack of a true auto transmission option. There are also now two wheelbases and four van lengths to choose from. Add to this, the three roof height options on the van and there is a size for most light duty applications. The cab chassis comes in three wheelbases and has GVM options from 4.5 tonnes to 7 tonnes.
The new Daily range is one of the pillars on which Iveco seeks to rebuild its profile in Australia. Sales performance has been patchy for the truck maker with a number of its models. The only reliable performer has been the Acco model, relaunched with a new shape earlier this year, which has kept the company’s manufacturing facility in Dandenong, Victoria and the truck numbers up.