It might be the last six weeks of 2017 but it seems it is never too late to introduce a 2017 model year update for Iveco.
T&B News is in Melbourne attending the launch of the facelift 2017 Iveco Daily van and cab chassis range which has seen some cosmetic and functional enhancements,to lift the appearance and usability of its van range.
Without the Daily Iveco’s sales figures would be looking fairly ordinary across its truck range so the van range is a critical element on the Iveco sales arsenal in Australia.
The 2017MY Daily range can boast a number of key market features including having the largest volume (19.6 m3) of any van on the market, highest horsepower rating (205hp) of any van, the largest GVM of any van with a GVM of seven tonnes and the only van with an eight speed full automatic transmission, the ZF sourced self shifter.
The face lifted Daily features a revised front grille with a more modern, horizontal and louvered look compared with the previous ‘honeycomb’ style.
More than just a cosmetic move the new grille improves air flow onto the radiator and engine bay area for improved cooling performance.
On the inside all models receive two-tone seating trim and on some models a two-tone colour dash. The revised dash also features a new central open storage area with USB sockets.
Iveco claims the new Daily range has interior noise reductions of 4dB over preceding models while vibrations have also been minimised – this has been achieved through the use of increased insulation, redesigned B Pillar swabs and a shape modification to the side mirrors which allows for quieter airflow.
Drivelines for the latest Daily range have remained unchanged with three Euro5 engine options plus the Euro6-rated powerplant used exclusively in the Daily 4×4 and large 70C 4×2 van.
The Euro5 engine range comprises two core direct-injection Iveco diesel engines, a 2.3 and a 3.0 litre.
The 2.3 litre powerplant features turbocharger with wastegate and intercooler producing 126hp / 93kW @ between 3000-3600 rpm, torque is rated 320Nm @ between 1800-2500 rpm.
The 3.0 litre offering is also turbocharged but uses a variable geometry system and intercooler to produce power of 170hp / 125kW @ 2900-3500 rpm and torque of 430Nm @ between 1500-2600 rpm.
Also available is a twin turbo version of the 3 litre which offers increased power of 205hp / 150kW @ between 3100-3500 rpm and hefty torque output of 470Nm @ a low 1400-3000 rpm.
In the Daily 4×4 and 70C van, the new Euro6 variant of the 3.0 litre engine is adopted, with output of 180 hp and 430 Nm of torque – emission control comes courtesy of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system using Adblue.
The Daily’s extensive list of standard equipment includes a range of active safety equipment including Electronic Brake force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, Anti Slip Regulator and other driving aids.
Also standard are front and rear disc brakes with ABS, four airbags and Daytime Running Lights.
New to the 2017 range is an optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system which uses radar to warn the driver if the vehicle is moving from its lane, reducing the chance of collision. LDW can be chosen as part of the Daily ‘Efficiency’ Pack (see accompanying media release for Pack details) or selected as a standalone option across all models.
In other new additions, a ‘run lock’ option is now available for applications including emergency service work and refrigerated transport. The function allows the vehicle to continue operating to keep the fridges running and emergency equipment on stand-by while occupants are away from the vehicle.
All models feature a 4-speaker audio system with FM/AM tuner, CD/mp3 player with USB and AUX input, Bluetooth connectivity and radio and phone controls on the steering wheel. The unit also includes an integrated 4×20 W amplifier.
For those wanting additional in-cabin tech, the 7.0” IVECONNECT multimedia system with GPS and rear-view camera is available as part of the ‘Business Premium’ Pack or can be optioned separately.
IVECO ANZ Product Manager, Marco Quaranta, said introductions as part of 2017MY Daily range sought to further build on the previous model’s already high features and benefits.
“The previous Daily range introduced many market-leading features and benefits to the van and light truck market, setting new standards in terms of payload, power, torque and drivability – with the 2017 Model Year vehicles, we’ve further honed the product offering to even better suit Australian customer requirements,” Mr Quaranta said.
“The Daily range has made strong inroads into the Australian van and light truck market over the past two years as prospective buyers have become more aware of the safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and payload benefits the Daily can provide.
“IVECO is confident that the latest specification upgrades will further increase the Daily’s appeal to prospective customers across a wide range of applications.
“And when combined with the availability of three different option packs, there’s even greater value across the new Daily range, with customer able to select the most relevant specifications for the application.”
Ewer will have a full rundown on the updated Daily in coming days once we have driven the new models.
