Daily points the way
Page 30
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• The facelifted Iveco Ford Daily range launched at the recent Barcelona show provides an interesting insight into trends in van design in the 3.57.5 tonne GVW class.
As described in our report from the Spanish show (CM 18-24 May), the restrictions imposed by the joint agreement between Iveco and Ford mean that only the heavier Turbo Dailies above 3.5 tonnes GVW will be coming to the UK, but the changes incorporated in the vehicle are nevertheless a pointer to the future.
Most significant is that Iveco has further supported the move to direct-injection on smaller diesels by specifying a new naturally-aspirated 2.5litre DI diesel from the Sofim plant. The latest DI engine is derived from the turbocharged version used by Iveco and Fiat: in naturally-aspirated form it produces 55kW (75hp) and 160Nm (118Ibft).
The direct-injection engine replaces the old indirectinjection Sofim unit, and is claimed to offer improvements in fuel economy of up to 10% with more torque at lower engine speeds. It is also expected to meet the forthcoming EC emission standards, which have proved a difficult obstacle for other DI diesel manufacturers.
Iveco has retained the turbocharged DI engine, but has uprated it to 76kW (103hp), compared with the previous version which had 68kW (92hp). This increase is less dramatic than it appears, as Iveco now uses the EEC 88/ 195 rating rather than the more conservative DIN 70020.
The other major innovation is Glthl composite springs on the rear axle of certain 3.5tonne models, which could signal the arrival of composite designs on vehicles in the 3.57.5-tonne range. The springs on the Daily are 40% lighter than comparable steel springs.
Other developments on the Daily which will undoubtedly become standard practice in this weight category include a more aerodynamic body design (which is already commonplace on lighter panel vans), improvements to the driving environment, and a greater choice of factory body options.
With the joint agreement still in operation, it is unlikely, however, that 3. 5-tonne Dailies with the naturally-aspirated direct-injection engine or composite springs will arrive in the UK.