AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

ade in Ita

14th June 2012, Page 35
14th June 2012
Page 35
Page 36
Page 35, 14th June 2012 — ade in Ita
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

On its recent press event in Italy for British journalists, Iveco provided a fleet of new generation Daily vans, complete with Superman logos. Even without the super hero branding – a consequence of its current advertising campaign – the van’s striking new look grabs the attention.

The redesigned front end features a radiator grille styled to accommodate the new optimised engine cooling system, new headlamp units incorporating daytime running lights and new fog lights.

Quality of life inside the cab has also improved. There are some minor tweaks to the dash and binnacle layout, allowing sat-navs to be placed onto a neat, detachable stand that locks into the top of the fascia. A heightadjustable steering wheel is included and the rear cab wall has been reshaped, giving a noticeable improvement in seat adjustment and comfort for driver and passengers.

There is also an improved gearstick position – it’s easier to operate and less intrusive, making cross-cab access easier and a bit more convenient for the driver.

Also new is keyless entry, and an ignition key that offers improved protection against unauthorised access to the vehicle because it has 10,000 key combinations.

Getting in and out was quick too, thanks to wide opening doors and non-slip steps.

Plenty of headroom

In addition to the shelf located above the windscreen, the Daily now incorporates a large six-litre container under the two-seat passenger bench. A fold-down desk is housed in the passenger seat back, which contains a clip-board that can be mounted onto the steering wheel to serve as a writing desk.The compartment can also be used to house a notebook PC, or tablet, such as an iPad.

There is plenty of headroom – up to 2.10m – which allows even the tallest people to move around inside the load compartment with ease. Iveco is keen to stress the versatility of the new Daily, and CM was able to put several vehicles in the range through their paces.

The complement, which includes both chassis cab and chassis crew-cab versions, is available at six different GVWs from 3.5-tonne to 7-tonne and with a choice of seven wheelbase and body lengths, from 3m to 6.2m.

Engines are developed and built by the Italian manufacturer’s sister company Fiat Powertrain (FPT) and with Iveco engineers focusing meticulously on the engine compartment and better sound insulation, the Italian manufacturer has reduced interior noise.

Twin turbochargers

Taking pride of place in the range is FPT Industrial’s new 3-litre Euro-5 diesel engine, which has a power output of 201hp and 470Nm of torque.

Key to providing high power and torque with low emissions and fuel consumption is the adoption of twin turbochargers – one compact turbo to provide rapid throttle response from a low engine speed and a larger unit to deliver the engine’s maximum performance.

For lighter models, the FPT Industrial 2.3-litre engine benefits from an increase in engine torque of 30Nm and a new Multijet II fuel injection system, which optimises the combustion process.

We found nothing to dispute Iveco’s claim that it has resulted in lower engine noise, fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.

All diesel engines continue to use an enhanced EGR system with improved control and a diesel particulate filter as standard.

Double ratio overdrives

The new Daily features two entirely new six-speed transmissions for the 2.3-litre version and a specific six-speed version for the new 3-litre engine. Both are characterised by double ratio overdrives, which help to ensure maximum fuel economy.

For urban work, the Agile automated six-speed transmission is also available, which selects the correct gear based on the engine speed and load, reducing driver fatigue and component wear.

It can be used in both fully automatic and sequential modes, and furthermore, this new gearbox allows the optional addition of stop/start technology.

According to Iveco, when combined, these two benefits, should result in a fuel consumption saving of up to 10%.

The front axle features independent suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers and transverse leaf springs, or with torsion bars and anti-rollbar, while the rear axle offers a choice of suspension systems: parabolic, semielliptical and air.

The Daily is also available with a twin-wheel rear-axle for heavy loads. In the semi-windowed crew cab version, it can seat up to six people. The front suspension geometry is designed for a reduced turning circle and for improved manoeuvrability in tight spaces – minimum turning circle is 11.5m.n

SO WHAT DOES CM THINK?

CM was impressed with the fact that when we tested the Daily’s ability to cope with a sudden swerve, it responded safely, thanks to the latest generation of ESP.

We also noticed that improved air suspension delivered better vibration damping and kept the vehicle perfectly level.

In CM’s judgement, having driven the vehicle on the ‘autostradas’ of Northern Italy, as well as the twisty roads around Lake Garda, this is a responsive vehicle, which retains its core qualities of strength, style, and versatility. It now has added high-efficiency engines that offer more power, combined with an improved transmission and in-cab refinements.

Tags

People: Iveco

comments powered by Disqus