T he Daily is the best-selling 3.5tonne van in Europe and
Page 34
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Iveco is rightly proud of the fact. The latest Daily City Van version is substantially improved over older models, and is intended to be a more mainstream contender at lower weights too.
When we first tested this van last year we concluded that it had "practicality in bucketloads and a solid new engine that packs a good punch", but we experienced a couple of problems with the gearshift quality and with the interior Iveco subsequently stripped the gearbox and found a broken bias spring in the gear lever turret, which explained its occasional reluctance to go into gear. It also turned out that on our original test van some of the dashboard panels had been removed and, unbeknown to Iveco at Watford, refitted incorrectly.
Iveco assured us that the problems had been rectified, so with bated breath we took delivery of the very same van we had tested the first time around.
The Daily range is pretty wide, with gross weights running from 3,200-6,500kg (thanks to the separate-chassis design), three roof heights, four wheelbase lengths (from 3.004.75m) and with a choice of turbo-diesels rated at 85, 105 and 125hp. Load volumes stretch from 7m3 to a cavernous 17m3.
The lightest models comprise the L range,
but this is one of the S range which, according to Iveco, covers vans for urban and suburban transport. Certainly the short wheelbase (and small turning circle) suggests that this is an urban creature, but a substantial rear overhang means that the loadspace is a full Sm long, with a volume of 12.0m3 and a payload of 1,415kg. The side and rear load doors reach to the top on all roof heights; other useful features include a toughlooking full-length side body moulding and 270° opening rear doors.
We're pleased to report that the gear change on the Daily is much improved. We couldn't call it the smoothest on test, but we had no problem finding a gear. The six-speed box is a welcome feature, but the ratios are too close for optimum acceleration times.
Some liked the town-biased handling of the Daily, with its fast turn-in and light steering, while ethers found the short wheelbase a little too lively at high speeds.
What cannot be denied are its tight turning circle and good ride quality. Visibility is good, although the blind spot sections in the rear view mirrors could be a little bigger.
The cab is comfortable With sensibly sited switches and stalks on a curved dashboard. However, the dials are recessed too far in deep cowls and are hard to see in a half-light—very frustrating.
Door pockets provide ample storage in the cab; a net offers a home for a slim atlas; and a cubby hole by the driver's left hand is just right for a phone, with slots for coins. In our test vehicle the glove box was lost in favour of a passenger airbag.
The excellent 125hp engine gives a very lively response: we were surprised that the Daily's acceleration times were not the best in our group. In any case. the wide spread of torque ensured an excellent fuel economy figure.