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.
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.
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.