Iveco Daily test (2022): cut out for the pros

Since the end of the 1970s, the Daily from Iveco has been, by its size, a model apart on the utility market. Resuming the architecture of a truck, it is based on a solid ladder-chassis, uses propulsion and receives powerful diesel engines. Of course, the current model launched in 2019 no longer has anything to do with the first of the name, even if it retains the architecture that makes the Daily a model particularly popular with construction and moving companies. These professionals, who often have to drive with heavy loads, appreciate the robustness of the vehicle, as well as the many possible mixes between engines (2.3 and 3.0 from 116 to 207 hp), gearboxes (manual or eight-speed automatic), gears axle (to obtain a final reduction depending on the future use of the vehicle), suspensions (conventional or pneumatic), single or twin wheels.

This spirit of “à la carte model” is also found at the level of comfort and safety equipment, which are plethoric and left to the customer’s choice in the absence of predefined levels of finish. The 2022 version of the Daily benefits from very slight aesthetic changes, such as this redesigned grille. The passenger compartment welcomes new seats with memory foam while, on the technical side, optional adaptive “intelligent” air suspensions enter the scene. Finally, the couple progresses on the 2.3 l engine.

Iveco Daily price

Our test model is a 12.1 m Daily van³. A great classic. It is based on the 3,520 mm wheelbase (with extended rear overhang) with a second level elevation (H2) allowing people to stand up inside (1,900 mm interior height). On the engine side, the vehicle is equipped with the 2.3 l Euro 6d turbo diesel unit in its version developing 156 hp associated with the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Daily is posted at €44,755 excluding tax in its basic version. However, in the game of options, our test model, a real showcase for the manufacturer, climbs to more than 61,000 € excluding tax. It must be said that it has an armada of comfort and safety equipment: multimedia system with Alexa voice control by Amazon, automatic air conditioning, radar and adaptive cruise control with “Queue Assist” allowing autonomous driving of level 2…

Driving

With the Daily, the expression getting on board takes on its full meaning. The threshold of the driver’s cabin is very high, and grab handles are welcome. Once inside, it is necessary to adjust seat suspension depending on the weight of the driver so as not to bounce too much when passing irregularities. The seat offers many configurations and the steering wheel is also adjustable in height and depth (which is not the case on all utilities in this category). Despite everything, the driving position remains very upright.

On start-up, the 2.3 l turbo diesel engine of 156 hp knows how to remain discreet. But it is quite different as soon as the speed increases. The soundproofing of the driver’s cabin is not optimal, and the roar of the engine as well as the aerodynamic noise from 80 km/h quickly become intrusive. Too bad, especially since the driver can take advantage of smooth and precise power steering (with a City mode to further increase the steering for maneuvers). In contrast, the eight-speed automatic transmission is a great achievement. It makes it easy to exploit the performance of the engine and in particular the 400 Nm of torque available at low revs. Accelerations and raises are convincing.

Two modes are available: Eco or Power. The first favors fuel savings with a change of gears from the lowest revs, the second favors performance with a change of gears at higher revs. During our test, the average consumption came out at 10.5L/100km; quite a decent value. It should be noted that performance and fuel consumption remain close both empty and loaded, with comfort even proving to be superior when the vehicle is loaded.

As we said, the 2022 version of the Daily can be equipped with a large number of comfort and safety equipment. This includes, for example, the “Wind Assist”, which keeps the vehicle in line in the event of side winds. More than an accessory given the lateral wind resistance of the machine… Other equipment possibilities: the new adaptive air suspensions, which compensate for irregularities in the road (an option which unfortunately was not fitted to our test model), or even level 2 autonomous driving, which combines adaptive cruise control, “Queue Assist” and keeping in line. With this equipment, the Iveco van is capable of accelerating on its own and braking up to 1 km/h autonomously. When stationary, all you have to do is touch the accelerator pedal for the utility vehicle to set off again, keeping its distance from the vehicle in front and staying in line. Really impressive, even if it is not part of the expectations of most drivers and operators of the Daily.

On board the Iveco Daily

Competetion

The Daily is a special case in the world of utilities. Able to endure the most intensive driving conditions, it nevertheless has to face the propulsion versions of the Renault Master and its clone, the Nissan Interstar. The Ford Transit, MAN TGE and Volkswagen Crafter, also available in rear-wheel-drive versions, do not have the same reputation for endurance and resistance as it. There remains the case of the Mercedes Sprinter, which also enjoys an excellent reputation. But with its diversity of equipment, engines, gearboxes, axle ratios, suspensions, the Daily definitely remains a special case. The Iveco van will also find on its way the last two small cab over trucks available on the market: the Isuzu N-Series and the Fuso Canter. Their strong truck-ladder chassis and ability to withstand heavy loads bring them close to the Daily, even if they fall short of its level in terms of rideability and comfort.

Find the results of the test, the technical sheet, but also all the prices and equipment on the next page…