Iveco has released details of its all-new Daily van, which will join the all-new two-tonne Ford Transit and updated Renault Master in bringing a fresh look to the large van sector this year.

In keeping with its truck-based heritage, the new Daily retains its traditional ladder frame chassis structure, and will be available in gross weights ranging from 3.3 tonnes to a sector-best 7 tonnes. However, Iveco says that 80% of the van’s components have been redesigned, and claims an average 5% improvement in fuel consumption across the range.

The new Iveco Daily in panel van guise

Iveco says that the new Daily will be offer the most extensive range of configuration options in its category, with more than 8,000 different combinations of chassis, engine and specification available, based on:

• 6 gross vehicle weight variants, starting from 3.3 and reaching up to 7 tonnes;
• Models including semi-window vans, chassis cabs, chassis crew cabs, chassis cowls and minibus versions;
• useful payload (including the driver) of up to 4,700 kg and up to 3,500 kg towing capacity;
• 3 wheelbases, 5 lengths and 3 internal heights for the van range;
• 6 wheelbases and body length options from 3 to6.2 m for the basic range (chassis cab, chassis crew cab..);
• 9 loadspace volumes from 7.3 to19.6 m3;
• 9 engines from 106 to 205 hp, with record torque levels up to 470 Nm;
• turning circle of 11.9 m;
• overall length of load compartment exceeding 5.1 metres;
• 15 storage compartments in the cab, 5 of which are closed;
• more than 40 different factory-fit options available.

Engines & fuel consumption

Under the bonnet, customers will be able to choose between 2.3l and 3.0l diesel engines and a 2.3l compressed natural gas model. Power outputs will range from 106 hp to 205 hp, and all models will have a six-speed transmission, including those specified with the firm’s Agile automated gearbox.

Both Euro 5b+ and Euro VI versions will be available, using EGR and EGR+SCR solutions respectively.

Measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption include a set of modifications aimed at reducing friction, such as reduced tangential load piston ring seals, low viscosity engine oil and low rolling resistance tyres.

Iveco has also tried to reduce fuel wastage through what might be termed ‘overpowering’ — drivers will be able to optimise fuel consumption using the EcoSwitch function, which is operated by a dashboard switch and adjusts engine mapping to cut torque when the van is empty, and restrict the van’s maximum speed.

Similarly, there’s also a Smart Alternator option that recovers kinetic energy lost during breaking and optimises battery charging, as well as a the EcoMac option which modulates the load on the air-conditioning compressor to optimise cooling (normally air-con compressors simply run flat out all the time).

Load compartment

Iveco has focused on improving the single-wheel models, and says that the load deck is now 55mm lower than previously and offers a choice of capacities that range from 7.3 to 19.6 cubic metres. The 7 tonne Daily van will have a payload of up to 4,000kg, which Iveco says is unique in its class.

Driving and interior

The cab has been heavily updated and now appears to offer car-like levels of comfort and sophistication. The driving experience has also been improved and Iveco claims that lateral acceleration — or cornering — is now comparable with a car, with loads of up to 0.74g, thanks to a new suspension design.

There are also a raft of new safety systems: in addition to the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the New Daily introduces high-technological content, such as the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), that emits an acoustic signal when the vehicle departs from the marker lines of a lane without activating the signal indicators. The system is extremely effective in preventing accidents caused by distractions or drowsiness.

Inside the cab of the new Iveco Daily

Overall, the new Daily looks good and should be help drive continued strong activity in the UK van market this year, following its June launch.