Last Updated: 08/02/2010
Restyled EcoDaily arrives in UK
Iveco has launched its EcoDaily range in the UK, with a choice of Euro 4 and Euro 5 engines, to suit a variety of customer needs. The range is also stretched, with vans now running from 3.5 tonnes right up to 7 tonnes, though the largest models won’t be available here until the second quarter of the year.Iveco says that the 7 tonne model will offer a body and payload capacity of up to 4,700kg, allowing one 7 tonne van to carry as much as three regular 3.5 tonne models.
Externally the EcoDaily has been restyled with new upper and lower grille sections. The revised cab interior feels well screwed together, with a new dashboard featuring an aluminium finish centre console and two-tone seat fabrics. Suspended and heated seating is available as an option and customers can choose between single or double passenger seats. The dual seat now has a 6 litre storage box underneath, increasing already generous cab storage.
Due to the way in which van engines are tested for emissions, with light duty and heavy duty cycles, Iveco has been able to offer both Euro 4 and Euro 5 EEV engines. The range includes the firm’s Euro 4 certified 2.3 litre engine at 96hp, 106hp, 116hp, 126hp and 136hp.
The larger 3.0 litre engine can be had at Euro 4 with 146hp and 176hp. In addition this motor is available at Euro 5 EEV standard with 140hp and 170hp. The EEV standard has be met through the use of two-stage turbocharging, exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter, with filter regeneration controlled by the engine management system. Diesel engine models have service intervals extended to 25,000 miles, for reduced downtime and lower operating costs.
In addition Iveco is offering a natural gas powered version of the 3.0 litre engine, which provides 136hp and maximum torque of 350Nm. This gas version is said to beat even Euro 6 levels of emissions regulation, though these levels have yet to be fully set.
As before the vans come with a choice of five and six-speed manual gearboxes or the AGile automated manual transmission. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is now standard on all EcoDaily models, incorporating ABS, ASR and hydraulic brake assist. The system also includes Hill Holder, which holds onto the service brake for a few seconds as the driver pulls away on steep inclines. Disc brakes are standard all round.
Iveco’s mountain climbing 4x4 Daily is also upgraded with the latest engine offerings.
If the natural gas option is not clean enough for you, Iveco is also offering a full electric version of the EcoDaily van. The EcoDaily Electric uses NaNiCl2 Zebra batteries to offer a 30kW output for 3.5 tonne models and 40kW of power for 5 tonne vans. The electric vans are of course hugely expensive, but do give those companies for whom the green agenda is a main focus another vehicle option in the market.
As part of the Fiat group of companies Iveco benefits from the firm’s co-operation with Microsoft, in that it can now offer the Blue & Me range of hands-free, voice-recognition phone and navigation systems in EcoDaily. Blue & Me Fleet is also available, offering a telematic fleet management solution in partnership with Qualcomm Enterprise Services.
EcoDaily models are available in panel van, window van, semi-window crew cab, chassis cab and chassis crew cab models with a wide array of wheelbases and body lengths and heights. Standard van load capacities extend to 17.2cu m, providing space for up to six Europallets. Iveco expects the Euro 5 models to carry around a £2,000 premium over the outgoing similarly powered Daily vans.
