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Auto clutch for facelifted Daily

29th May 1997, Page 14
29th May 1997
Page 14
Page 14, 29th May 1997 — Auto clutch for facelifted Daily
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by Oliver Dixon • An automated clutch, uprated weights and revised specifications are among changes to the facelifted Iveco Ford Daily range, just a year after its launch. The clutchless manual transmission will be available on all .10 and .12 4x2 models, including DailyBus variants.

The automated clutch retains a standard gear lever but does away with the clutch pedal; it will be marketed by Iveco under the name "Free" but costs an extra £900.

The system works through two electronic sensors which detect pressure on the gear lever. To start the engine the lever has to be in the neutral position.

When a gear is selected the sensors disengage the clutch via an electronic control unit. Once the gear is selected the driver applies the throttle and the vehicle moves off. Gear changes on the move are carried out as with a conventional box, but without use of a clutch pedal.

Gross weights at the heavier end of the range— the 49 and 59 models— have been uprated from 5,000kg to 5,200kg and from 6,000kg to 6,400kg respectively. Standard specification of the entrylevel Iveco 35.8 Daily Leader is improved, with a side loading door, power steering and a radio/cassette player.

The mainstream Daily Classic is now available with a wider range of options, including a difflock, side-exiting exhaust and parabolic springs. Two other options, an engine immobiliser and fully automatic transmission, will become available next January.

A brief drive left us rather impressed. Driving the clutchless manual system is easy. Gear changes are smooth, but we found that the best performance came when hanging on to gears for longer than normal.

The system is fairly foolproof, but a bleeper is fitted to warn the driver of mis-selection of gears, clutch overheating and engine over-revving.

Although our brief drive did not include any crowded city streets, there can be little doubt that the Free system would make a driver's life easier, and could prolong clutch life.

Whether these two advantages justify spending an extra £900 remains to be seen.

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