FIRST DRIVE I

Remember the Mercedes-Benz Vario? In its various forms including panel van and chassis cab, its rugged 4x4 all-wheel drive systems redefined where a van could go. Well, the much missed Vario may never have been replaced by the German brand, but there is a very capable successor available from Italy courtesy of IVECO.

Although the CNH Industrial owned commercial vehicle marque already had a competent all-wheel-drive utility offering with the Daily range heretofore (albeit at 3.5 & 5.5 tonnes), the arrival of a 7.0 tonne GVW version in right hand drive means Irish customers can avail of the ultimate off-road (and on-road) all-purpose commercial vehicle.

Daily 4x4 is available in both chassis-cab and panel van forms. With its powerful 3.0-litre Euro 6D heavy-duty engine, mated to Iveco’s 8-speed Hi-Matic automated transmission, Daily 4x4 will trek to the most remote locations.

The 7.0 tonner offers a payload up to 4.300 kg, body lengths up to 5 metres and load volumes from 9 to 18m3.

Tested recently at Millbrook was the 70C18 All-Road panel van, which in essence is the 7.0 tonne, 180hp unit with the Hi-Matic ‘box. The All-Road branding identifies this Daily as a true dual purpose vehicle, designed primarily for road use, but more than capable for light off-road usage.

Around the Proving Ground’s Customer Driving Experience course, this well-built unit commanded the terrain. Steep hills with slippery gravel was no trouble to this vehicle, whether in standard mode or, for ultimate traction, with diff-lock and traction control engaged. Compared to the ‘normal’ model, the elevated chassis and suspension of the 70C18 All-Road van aids both ground clearance for the van and visibility for the driver. With the 8-speed Hi-Matic (co-developed with ZF), driving is effortless, with the driver only having to keep the acceleration alive and keep control of the steering.

Getting in and out of this higher up vehicle is not too challenging, thanks to an extra external step and grab handle on the A-pillar. Other than that, the spec is much the same as on the standard Daily, except for the traction control gismos. On that subject, the Hi-Matic transmission works as a splitter, with high and low ratios, with the transfer case ratio control operational through simply pressing a button on the dashboard, while in neutral.

Sporting a more rugged exterior look, one of the main features of the bumper is that it is assembled in three parts. This provides for the fitment of a winch and or bull bar, while making it easy to replace.

The Daily 4x4 has Central, Front and Rear Differential Locks as standard. The purpose of a central diff lock is to compensate for the different wheel speeds between the axles from different cornering radii. This prevents torsional stresses in the drive train and automatically distributes the driving forces.

Why is there a need to lock it? Locking differentials allow both wheels to travel at the same speed, so when traction is lost for one wheel, both wheels will still keep spinning regardless of the amount of resistance. They can be added to either the front or rear axle, or even both axles if you’re planning on doing some hardcore off-roading.

Why is there a need for front and rear differentials? Generally, you will always have one front and one rear wheel firmly on the ground. So to a great extent, significant traction will be added by locking either axle. Therefore, if you tend to carry a lot more weight in the rear of the vehicle, more traction will be offered by a rear Air Locker.

Another button of note is the Fording Adaptation. This functionality stops the engine fan when negotiating through deep water, to avoid causing damage to the fan due to water resistance. The activation is through a specific button placed on the dashboard below A/C controls.

Another model on site for driving was the Daily 4x4 Off-Road, a 70S18 tipper-bodied single-wheel chassis-cab for more challenging cross-country missions.

The extensive Daily 4x4 panel van and chassis cab range now covers from 3.5 to 5.5 and 7.0 tonnes GVW. There are single and crew cab options and the option of single or twin rear-wheel configurations. As mentioned, Off-Road and All-Road variants are available for both body types, while the panel van has a choice of roof heights, cargo volumes and wheelbases.

IVECO excels off-road with expanded Daily 4x4 range

Daily 4x4 - Pointing in the right direction for IVECO – 4 All-tracks – 4 All-Conditions

SPEC CHECk

Make/Model: IVECO Daily 70C18 HA8V WX Body type: 7-tonne 4x4 twin-wheel panel van Engine/Power: 3.0-litre FIC 180hp Euro6D 4-cylinder Torque: 430Nm Gearbox: 8-speed Hi-Matic with high and low ratios Cubic capacity: 16m3 GVW: 7,000kg Dimensions: Wheelbase: 4,175mm, Roof height: 1,900mm, Width: 2,010mm, Length: 7,179mm, Overall Height: 2,811mm. Suspension: Front: Torsion bar, Rear: Mechanical Wheels/Tyres: 225/75R16 Optional extras: Air-Con, Power take-off, Suspended seats, Passenger bench seat with table, Independent heater.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie