I’ve already declared the Iveco Daily is a must-drive proposition for anyone looking for a van or light-duty truck.
From a van perspective, having a proper bulkhead behind the seats is a huge advantage over a lot of the standard one-tonne vans available.
And, if you’re weighing a Daily up against a traditional Japanese cab-over light-duty truck, from an ease of use and comfort perspective, the Daily wins hands down.
For the uninitiated, the big advantage that the Iveco has is that you’re not sitting on top of the engine, the Iveco is a lot more ‘car-like’ as the engine is up front and under a bonnet.
This makes for a much better ride and a more car-like driving feel, perhaps even better safety too.
Sitting right in the middle of the van versus light-duty truck debate is this 70C version of the Iveco Daily – billed, as you can see in the photos as “Australia’s Largest Van”, it certainly puts up a great argument.
The photos probably don’t do the proportions of this vehicle justice!
There are couple of different variants available, these range from the standard 7.2 metre long version with the lower roof height and a 16 square metre capacity.
Step up to the high -roof version of that one and you get 18 square metres to fill.
Then there’s the optional long wheelbase version called the 4100L and that’s the one I had to test.
With a stretched overhang at the rear, the van is just under 7.5 metres in total length and picks up the 20 square metre capacity.
On the inside you get a standing roof height of 2100mm and the Daily 70C 4100L van can swallow up loads as long as 5125mm.
It isn’t all just about cubic metres, the Daily can also easily accommodate a hefty 3.9 tonne payload and you can tow braked trailers weighing up to 3,500kgs.
The GVM is 7,000kg exactly, GCM adds up to 10,500kg.
Take note though, a light-rigid truck license is needed to steer one of these big girls around.
My test vehicle had a couple of tonnes of concrete strapped down in the back and this gave the Daily a tare weight of over 5,600kg.
Despite the hefty proportions and the better than decent load in the back the 180hp (Euro 6) 3.0 litre turbo-diesel engine had little trouble getting the van up and running.
As standard the van comes with a six-speed manual transmission, however my test vehicle had the optional eight-speed auto.
As I have found with this transmission on previous Iveco Daily test-drives, I am always impressed by the smart way that it drops down the gears as you you slow or come to a stop.
On steeper inclines it also does a good job of using the engine compression to slow you down without the use of the brakes, alternatively you can always flick the transmission lever over to manual mode to gain more control.
Either way it’s a really good matching of engine to transmission.
Disc brakes feature front and rear on the Iveco Daily.
An optional rear air suspension system is also available on the Daily 70C and my test vehicle was equipped with the handy feature.
With easy to use push button controls on the dashboard you can raise or lower the back of the van to meet your needs.
Access into the van is easy enough with decent-sized steps on the sides and at the rear, while grab handles also help to get you up and in.
Same goes for entering the cab.
Some of the highlights inside the van include the proper suspension seats with fold-down armrests, the plethora of storage areas and the excellent visibility from the driver’s seat.
One thing missing from my test vehicle though was something you can’t leave the Iveco dealer without – a reverse camera.
Available as part of an optional pack that also brings sat-nav, front fog lights and a reverse buzzer, parking this monster without the help of the camera is almost impossible!
Another thing that deserves a mention is the ease of use of the side sliding doors, they glide along without too much pushing/pulling required.
While those rear barn doors open right against the sides of the van…handy!
Summary
The Iveco Daily 70C range, especially the 4100L, is a van that delivers heaps of space and load carrying capacity, while also being an enjoyable, comfortable and generally very easy vehicle to drive.
Ideal for a range of applications, I reckon given the super high roof that it would excel where tradies and the like need a covered and secure work area.
Again, consider the benefits of going for a larger vehicle with proper capacity thanks to things like the full bulkhead before choosing your next van.
Facts and Figures: Iveco Daily 70C (4100L)
- Engine: 3.0 litre turbo-diesel producing 180hp (134kW) and 430Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Cargo Area Volume: 20 square metres
- Kerb Weight: 3076kg
- GVM: 7000kg
- Fuel tank capacity: 100 litres
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