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On the road • We tried out a varied sample
Page 24
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of the new models in the countryside near to lveco's factory north of Madrid. In some ways the test venue in the ancient town of Segovia was quite a brave choice. as its rustically cobbled streets would have challenged the build quality of a limousine.
Over the years CM has never been afraid to describe the Daily as a good worker but with less than impressive refinement. The new driveline well and truly answers this criticism, giving the Daily a surprisingly sophisticated driving experience.
As well as more power and torque. the 2.3-litre common-rail engine offers a level of flexibility and smoothness unimaginable to existing Daily drivers. A hairpin-intensive climb to the summit of the 1,880m-high Navaserrada pass demonstrated that flexibility, with the engine happy to lug from well below the 1,500rpm lower end of the green band. In fact second gear was only needed on the two worst bends of the climb. The descent was easy too, helped by the excellent disc brakes which Ivaco has wisely retained from the previous model.
The suspension changes are noticeable, with rather more roil-softness than before but less twitchy steering, while the double-acting shock absorbers should bring an end to the occasional pogo effect that marred the old Daily's handling.
A drive into the country along a typical national road was a joy, with most of the long, sweeping bends being taken comfortably with the cruise control set to 100km/h. Our only concern was to watch out for fully-freighted local artics coming the other way at the same speed.
On the basis of half a day's driving the signs are that the Daily is set to make further gains on the British market, where it is already showing steady progress.