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DA ROVENIENTS
Page 60
Page 61
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After interviewing the most influential vehicle designer of the last century, Giorgetto Giugiaro, at his headquarters outside Turin to find out about his work on lveco's latest Daily (CM 23 November), we drove it up into the hills and along the autostrada to see if it was more than just a pretty face.
Our example was the 3.0-litre 176hp MWB manual version and our guide a well meaning Italian factory employee who struggled somewhat with our dulcet Northern tones. No matter-the directions left',`right' and 'straight on' are easily conveyed with frantic arm waving, as is the instruction to keep to the right side of the road.
Iveco might be big news in Europe when it comes to vans, but in the UK it has yet to have the impact of Ford,Vauxhall and Mercedes. The previous Daily was known for its durability thanks to a heavy-duty truck-like chassis. However, it was also noted for its lack of inspiration, which kept it out of the upper echelons of van greatness and the company knew it — which is why it teamed up with Giugiaro to give the Daily some much-needed zest up front and inside. This fresh approach is immediately evident upon entering the cabin.The attractive and well organised interior, an element Giugiaro identified as of particular importance, is a far cry from the previous model's chaotic sprawl. Major controls are conveniently laid out and elements such as storage and driving position are all first rate.There are excellent split-level door bins and plenty of useful cubby holes, while the comfortable driver's seat also gets the thumbs up.
Quality feel
There is a quality feel to the materials employed, again not evident in the previous model, while fit and finish have also improved dramatically giving the Daily a sense of solidity that was previously missing.
On start-up, the newly employed multijet unit immediately settles into an even idle and remains very much in the background, impressive considering its size it continues to appeal once you put your foot down.
Torque is available right from the off, enabling you to pull away with real purpose. And this continues all the way up to the high range, providing progressively more twist action as the revs climb higher.
But if this feature deserves respect it is eclipsed by the cultured nature of the engine. We have tested pretty much every van in the category within the past year and the smoothness and refinement that accompanies the Iveco unit (also employed in Rat's new Ducato) is easily the best we've encountered.
No matter which rev band you are in, it provides a harmonious thrum that never intrudes— even when approaching the redline. This is in contrast to most of its rivals, which fail to completely suppress noise intrusion.
Coupled to the engine is a six-speeder which is matched well in terms of gear ratios, allowing you to get the best out of the engine. It also moves through the gates with relative ease, displaying a positive mechanical feel. However, it can be a little notchy when rushed.
Out on the road the Daily proves to be an accomplished companion, inspiring confidence thanks to its commendable chassis and nimble steering.
Manoeuvring such a large vehicle through tight streets and round sharp corners is never something to savour but the Iveco was up to the task, turning in sharply and, thanks to the large and practical wing mirrors, keeping the historic architecture intact.
This manoeuvrability was complemented by the equally impressive engine that pulled up the sharp inclines with gusto and had us overtaking numerous Fiats and Lancias without a second thought. Through the faster corners the Daily remains unruffled, cornering flatly and displaying little nervousness when approaching the limit.
It is also impressively well damped, absorbing bumps and potholes without that crashing sensation that can blight larger vans. This is partly attributable to the Daily's recalibrated suspension but it is also due to its new-found level of build quality — which was something of an issue on the previous model. There is a real element of solidity from the wheels up and this is also evident when hammering down the autostrada.
Little external noise filters into the cabin ensuring that the occupants are kept cocooned from the outside world. •