Iveco will launch the latest version of its Daily van in September 2011. The model is one of a long line of Dailys, 2 million of which have been sold to date. Dailys have always been reasonably popular at the large end of the van rental market, so regular hire van users are likely to end up driving one sooner or later.

Engines

As usual at present, most of the new features in the van relate to engines, emissions and safety.

Two diesel engines will be available with the new Daily – a updated version of the current 2.3l Multijet model, which now generates 320Nm of torque, and a new 3 litre model with twin turbochargers, 205bhp and a massive 470Nm of torque. Between them, the engines offer something appropriate for every use and weight – the Daily has long been the heaviest of vans, with maximum weights from 2.8t to 7.0t.

Both engines meet Euro 5 standards and heavy duty models meet the higher EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle) standard, currently the most stringent of the European emissions standards (it is basically a halfway house to Euro 6, which is coming soon).

Iveco have managed to avoid introducing the unpopular AdBlue-based SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system and is using an updated EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system combined with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to manage exhaust emissions.

Safety

Built on a seperate chassis, Daily vans are essentially small lorries that have been engineered down to a van, rather than a light van that’s been beefed up, as is the case with some smaller van models on the market. It’s heavy duty, rear-wheel drive nature suits it to a variety of uses, including heavy towing and other demanding work. Some of its new safety features reflect this and are aimed squarely at maximum weight and towing usage scenarios.

The new Daily will come with a bewilderingly large array of safety features, each of which has its own acronym. I quote from Iveco’s press release:

Standard equipment also features the new ESP 9 safety system with active sensors and comprises ABS (ant-lock brakes), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ASR (traction control), MSR (engine speed management to control engine over-run braking), ESP (stability control), HBA (hydraulic brake assist to ensure emergency braking is as effective as possible), Hill holder, LAC (load adaptive braking control), TSM (trailer sway mitigation), HRB (hydraulic rear wheel brake boost), HFC (hydraulic brake fade compensation), RMI (roll movement intervention) and ROM (roll over mitigation).

Cab Comforts

The cab has been updated in the new Daily and the van’s standard specification now includes an adjustable steering column and an increased range of adjustment for both driver and passenger seating.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Iveco is part of the Fiat Industrial company and is the brand used for Fiat’s vans, lorries and coaches.