The dawn of a New Daily
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by John Kendall • The "New Daily", although little different in appearance, includes a new engine range, disc brakes all round on most models and minor revisions to the panels and interior. The larger capacity 2.8-litre engine meets Euro-2 emissions requirements, while the naturally aspirated 2.5 litre engine meets the less stringent EU 94/12 tests for passenger cars.
In both cases, engine changes include an electromagnetic cooling fan, larger diameter exhaust valves and an anti-vibration flywheel; 2.8-litre engines are also fitted with a new turbocharger, re-designed combustion chambers, a rotary fuel injection pump, new oil control piston rings including a ceramic ring, a toothed timing belt with a design service life of 100,000krn and a new exhaust manifold.
Engine cooling
Meeting Euro-2 emissions requirements has brought about sonic external changes to improve engine cooling. There is an additional centre air intake below the grille and a new air intake in the front wing. As well as these there is a different front grille, changes to the front wing profiles and modified rear wheel arches for vans fitted with small rear wheels. All models except the heaviest 59,12 will be fitted with disc brakes all round, although ABS will not be on the UK options list, The hand brake acts on the rear axle through separate drums. 59.12 models are equipped with a different truckderived braking system with uprated front discs and larger diameter drums.
Vans also get a revised roof profile to improve aerodynamics and new lateral ribs to increase rigidity, rear lights incorporating the side market lights and a number plate holder included in the rear bumper.
Inside there is a new steering wheel, new upholstery colours, a non-slip mat on the driver's side and a 25mm shorter gear lever to improve cross-cab access. Nee° claims reduced interior noise levels for the new Dailys.
Arriving in the UK this week are the new 3.5-tonne GVW Nero models, to be followed by the heavier hero Ford models in July. These will span the same 4.0-6.0-tonne weight range as before.
The UK entry level model will be the lveco Daily Leader 35.8 powered by the 2.5-litre engine. For the fixed, "nohaggle" price of £11,995 (ex-VAT). the Leader comes with a low roof, no side loading door or tacho or power steering.
The price is kept low by narrow dealer margins and no dealer support from the factory.
The backbone of the range is the Daily Classic which includes vans in three roof heights, chassis-cabs, crew-cabs and chassiscowls, All three engines will be available in the Classic.
Two models make up the Daily Professional range. The City has a flat floor, small rear wheels and a plug-type door, while the Vender gets a plugtype door, extra high-roof and single rear wheels.
Again, all three engine options are available. Finally, there is a full minibus range including a 15-seater due for launch in early 1997.
Driving impressions
A brief drive in a selection of lightly laden 35.8,3510 and 35.12 models showed the expected improvements in braking with the all-round disc brakes.
Steering felt more positive than the old model, too. Some of the older niggles remain, however. The dogleg first gear is still there and the interior noise levels in the direct-injection models are still too high.
On the plus side the extra torque horn the 2.8-litre engine Oyes much better pulling power at low speeds. This will be especially welcome in the 5.0 and 6.0-tonne COW models. where the old 2.5-litre engine had to work hard in hilly country.
The indirect-injection engine offers acceptable 3.5tonne performance arid is noticeably quieter than the DI engines.
ENGINES
2,499cc, liquid-cooled four-cylinder indirect-injection naturally aspirated diesel.
Max power 80hp (60kW) Max torque: 1141hft (15511m) at 4,200rpm at 2,400mm 2,798cc, liquid-cooled four-cylinder direct-injection diesel.
Turbocharged version:
Max power 1021m (761(W) Max torque: 1T7lbft (240tim) at 3,600rpm at1.80Orpm
Chary-cooled version:
Man power 121hp (90kW) Max torque: 210Ibft (28511m) 3,600rpm at1,80Orpm