DAILY NEWS – NEW 4X4 MODELS LAND DOWN UNDER FOR IVECO’S LIGHT TRUCK OFF ROAD MODELS

Iveco Australia has announced the latest generation of  its go anywhere Daily 4×4 has landed on local shores, and says it promises additional appointments and comfort features, while maintaining the model’s strong off-road capabilities.

 Iveco in releasing the new Daily 4×4 line-up says it introduces many of the upgrades that debuted across the Daily 4×2 range last year. It also benefits from enhanced emission performance, which now meets Euro6 (Step E) levels, which places more severe emission limits on engine cold starts.

The latest model retains the Daily’s three-litre, engine with variable geometry turbo and output 180hp of power (132kW) at 3,500rpm, along with  430Nm of torque from as low as 1,500rpm.

Iveco says its emission control for the range uses both EGR and SCR systems.

The company says the  engine can be matched to either a six-speed manual transmission, or the optional eight-speed H-Matic full automatic.

Iveco claims that as well as providing a more relaxed overall driving experience, in demanding off-road conditions the automatic allows the operator to keep both hands on the wheel and better focus on safely negotiating obstacles without having to worry about changing gears. Many experienced off roaders insist that automatics are these day a preference when in tough off road situations.

The company says its latest Daily 4×4 is available exclusively with a light truck licensed 7,000kg GVM and a 10,500kg GCM rating, with a choice of three wheelbases options – 3,480mm, 3780mm and 4175mm – in either single or dual cab configuration.

Wheelbase dependent, payload capacity for the model ranges from 4,000kg to 4,032kg for the single cabs and 3,635kg to 3,667kg for the dual cab variants, while  the company said that final capacities will vary depending on the owner’s body selection.

The new models feature centre, front and rear differential locks as standard, just as it was on its predecessor, and that this provides high levels of traction off-road.

Iveco says there’s also a low range transfer box with PTO option, allowing power delivery to a broad range of ancillary equipment, from tipping bodies, to pumps and drills. An expansion module with CAN open interface provides further customisation options for bodies and accessories allowing ‘run lock’ functionality, lights control and more according to the company .

Another new feature of the range not previously available to retail buyers is independent front suspension, which delivers improved ride dynamics, especially for on-road driving. Rear suspension remains parabolic three-leaf, ensuring the vehicle continues to offer generous load carrying abilities and strong articulation over uneven ground.

The model’s wading depth is claimed to be an impressive 670mm, and the company says that an engine fan deactivation system further helps the Daily to ford deep waters, preventing damage to the fan when submerged.

Iveco claims another clever off highway feature is a 12V / 180A alternator with in-dash battery cut-off switch that minimises the likelihood of accidental battery drain.

Connected to the Daily’s C-section steel chassis is a steel bumper with integrated fog lights. The bumper also features two rated (3,500kg each) recovery points, while steel side steps allow easy ingress and egress while also protecting the vehicle’s sills. Further protection to the steering components is handled by a centrally mounted steel bash plate.

Iveco says the wheel and tyre package for the models features super single 265/70R19.5 (34.1” x 10.4”) tyres on steel rims, and all models are equipped with a 90L fuel tank (plus 24L AdBlue). There is also an optional 110L fuel tank for longer distance touring.

Braking in the new model comes courtesy of ventilated disc brakes all round with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, part of IVECO’s broader ‘ESP9’ program which offers a suite of nine active safety equipment including Electronic Stability Program, Anti Slip Regulator, Roll Over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control, Hill Hold Control and others. The safety package also includes four driver and passenger SRS Airbags.

Among the interior refinements Iveco is announcing in the latest Daily 4×4 range are revised colour treatments for the dash and seating. The front driver’s seat which now includes memory foam, is also heated, suspended and adjustable with lumber adjust and armrest for the driver. There’s also a two-person bench seat (also with memory foam) with an extractable table for passengers, or alternatively the same specification seat as for the driver can be specified as a cost option, although on dual cab variants, this is a standard inclusion.

Other enhancements according to Iveco include a high definition TFT display with digital speedo, which replaces the previous analog system.

A revised flat bottom steering wheel has also been introduced, providing additional space above the driver’s thighs; the steering wheel also features additional controls for added convenience. The new Daily 4×4 is also equipped with a revised Hi-Connect multi-media system with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto ®, navigation and DAB+ radio.

Additional benefits include automatic climate control, heated electric adjustable mirrors, two cup holders and two bottle holders and an abundance of in-cabin storage compartments including under seat and overhead.

Iveco’s product manager, Zach Tierney said the latest iteration of the Daily 4×4 range provides prospective buyers with an extremely capable off-road light truck, while also enhancing comfort and refinement levels for general travel.

“Users who intend to use the truck in demanding off-road conditions will appreciate the model’s full suite of 4×4 features including front, centre and rear differential locks as standard, which dramatically helps traction in slippery, muddy and undulating conditions,” said Tierney

“The truck’s 7,000kg GVM also makes the vehicle attractive for a range of applications such as light tanker work, drilling and exploration, forestry tasks and as a remote area service vehicle. Additionally, for the adventure set, the generous GVM allows for fitment of sizeable expedition bodies that are perfect for extended off-road touring,” he added.

“Compared to previous models, the latest IVECO Daily 4×4 strikes a greater balance between off-road and on-highway capabilities; we think this combination will be well received by the market,” he said