Iveco Daily 4×4 cab-chassis 2015 review

Do you call it ute? This Ute is an Iveco Daily 4×4.

The universal dump truck is popular with rural fire brigades, who use it as a fire support vehicle instead of Toyota LandCruiser vans.

Iveco will soon introduce the new generation Daily in Australia, with a 4×4 version coming here next year.

This is definitely an impressive truck.

The impellers couldn't wait. We managed to get into the 4×4 Daily, a double cab version that had just passed Victoria's tough CFA test.

The price depends on the specification, but as we tested it cost approximately $85,000. It's certainly an imposing truck sitting that high, with the optional large roll bar and high beam headlights that add to the aggression.

The standard truck has 255mm of ground clearance, but this beast is fitted with ultra-short Michelin off-road tires (255/100/R16) that further increase the ground clearance.

The base of the special truck seat is about 1.7 meters above the ground.

Climbing up a step and getting into the cab is like climbing into a full-sized truck.

It's a strange feeling to sit so high in the cab of a van that usually sits so close to the ground.

The special truck seat base is about 1.7 meters from the ground, so the driver's view is almost the same as when piloting a full-size heavy truck.

It's interesting to be so high, the bridges seem much closer, probably because they are there.

The 4×4 Daily handles rough terrain better and can easily reach highway speeds. The only problem is that the tire's aggressive tread pattern, which helps it move through the mud with ease, makes a big howl on smooth pavement.

The Daily 4×4 may be based on a regular cargo van, but this version is a serious off-road weapon. Its continuous 4WD setup sends 32% of power to the front and 68% to the rear.

It has the ability to lock front, center and rear differentials and has not one but two sets of reduction gears. There is equipment for almost all occasions.

Pick a gear ratio, dial in a healthy dose of power and torque, and the Daily will be able to tackle extremely tight grades, as the working wheels discovered during a brief off-road foray.

If the family is interested, you can take them with you thanks to the six seats in the double cab version.

The Daily's 3.0-liter four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine has 125kW (170hp) and 400Nm - very handy if you're towing your trailer with a maximum weight of 3500kg or want a payload of 1750kg (including tray weight) .

Power is delivered through a six-speed manual transmission, quite civilized and with a light clutch. You can also order an automated manual transmission.

If the family is interested, you can take them with you thanks to the six seats in the double cab version. Iveco launches a single cab model with a longer sump. The interior of the 4×4 continues the simple and practical Daily house.

Small luxuries include power mirrors, trip computer and, to make life easier, climate control, air conditioning and cruise control.