The Iveco Daily has such a good story to tell, it’s just a shame more Australian businesses don’t give it a go.
I’ve previously driven the dual-cab/chassis, three-way tipper and 4×4versions, now I’ve also tested the Iveco Daily 50C.
The Iveco Daily with the biggest load carrying capacity – try a massive 19.6 cubic metre volume capacity, as far as I’m concerned this definitely is a ‘must drive’, especially for those people who might have been thinking about a light-truck purchase instead.
Seriously, you’ve got to get behind the wheel of a Daily.
Here’s why, first of all, from a loading perspective the floor height is a lot less than a normal light-truck and that means simply getting into and out of the cargo area is a lot easier (and probably safer).
The huge barn-doors on the rear open right up and this also means excellent loading/unloading access – even in tight spots.
The side sliding door – it’s massive and how many trucks have that?
And lastly, the shape of the cargo area. You get a huge 5.125 metres in length and this was very handy for me as I had the need to carry 4.8 metre long decking timbers and 5 metre PVC pipes.
And with a 2.1 metre high ceiling you can very easily stand up in the back and get a whole lot of stuff on-board the Iveco Van.
Iveco has also provided well-placed handles and steps to help you in and out of the cargo area.
But I hear you say that a light-truck will also take a sizable load. True, however the Daily is a whole lot nicer to drive.
The suspension is better than any light-truck ride I have experienced, and this is helped further by the standard inclusion of a genuine truck seat from ISRI seats.
A reverse camera, sat-nav, good quality stereo and cruise control all add to the creature comforts.
Oh, and the Iveco Daily has another huge benefit – the massive storage areas under the passenger seats.
Where a light truck has it’s engine, the Iveco has a great place to store things and that really does make a difference.
It’s also more pleasant than actually sitting on the engine too!
Excellent door pockets, roof and dashboard storage areas only add to the ease of use, and you even get a removable clipboard in the rear of the middle-seat.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is also very good, and this is aided by the sizeable wing mirrors.
Oh and I’m almost forgetting the excellent Iveco diesel engine/eight-speed auto transmission combo.
I averaged 10.8L/100km in my week of city driving in the Iveco, an excellent result.
While the transmission is a real highlight – it literally downshifts just about as soon as you hit the brakes and that means the engine is giving the brakes a help without you needing to muck around with an exhaust brake.
And you will be shocked at just how quick this van is as well (albeit unloaded), no light-truck could keep up with this very willing Iveco offering (especially if you flick the transmission selector into manual mode).
As I said at the top, do yourself a favour and check out the ‘big daddy’ of the Iveco Daily range before you commit to something else.
You might find yourself being just as surprised as I was in the usability and attractiveness of this Iveco offering.
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