Deliver us our European daily
The Daily is built around a separate chassis truck line that puts it in the same class as smaller trucks such as the Isuzu N Series, Hino Dutro and Mitsubishi Fuso Canter.
Until recently, anyone who wanted a small truck that could be driven with a car license had to choose between the lighter Daily model with a GVW of 4.2 tons, 300kg less than the maximum GVW allowed for a regular license. , or a more expensive, underrated five-ton truck.
Iveco has increased its 4.2t model to a GVW of 4.5t, making it more competitive with passenger car licensed trucks offered by leading truck manufacturers.
To achieve the extra GVM, Iveco redesigned the rear suspension with stronger rear springs and stronger bushings.
As a European-built cabover truck, the Daily offers a number of advantages over Japanese-made cabover engines in terms of driver health and safety.
Driver comfort is an important aspect of health and safety. A comfortable driver is less stressed, less tired, makes better driving choices and is less likely to have an accident.
Getting into a truck can be tiring when you have to climb over the wheel arch like a cabover model. No wonder drivers have back problems.
Throw in the pogo stick ride that comes with the cabover truck and you'll get more hits that can lead to health problems.
The Daily has a lot to like before you turn the key. It's easy to get in and out, and because you're sitting behind the front wheels, the ride is smoother and more comfortable than a cabover truck.
Inside, the seats are comfortable and have plenty of height, reach and tilt adjustments to find a comfortable driving position. There is a bench seat that can accommodate two passengers to carry a crew of three.
There is an extensive array of gauges on the dash, and controls for the standard air conditioning and radio/CD audio system are all within easy reach. Power windows and mirrors, as well as remote central locking, all add to the convenience of the car.
Mirrors provide good visibility to the side and rear, and small correctors allow you to see black dots that can be difficult to see.
As delivered, the Daily does not have airbags, but they can be selected from a list of options and used in combination with ABS brakes.
The test truck was a 45C14 canvas-top truck with a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection, intercooled turbodiesel engine that delivers 100kW at 3500rpm and 340Nm from 1400rpm to 2800rpm. It came with an optional AGile six-speed automatic manual transmission.
On the road, the combination worked well, the turbodiesel engine ran smoothly with good power, and the autoshift transmission shifted smoothly and on time. If necessary, the driver can also select gears manually.
The Daily's ride was smooth and comfortable, yet solid. Handling was precise and power steering well weighted, but at 13.4m the turning radius was large.
Disc brakes on both ends ensure the Daily stops with confidence. ABS is added to our truck's safety package.
The Daily is available in three wheelbases: 3450mm, 3750mm and 4100mm, with payloads of 2558kg, 2545kg and 2536kg respectively, including body weight.
To leave in the test Daily, you will need to spend $38,072 for a base truck and add $3500 for an AGile box that gives you ABS.
