Things are about to get really interesting in the three to five ton commercial vehicle sector, chiefly because the long-awaited taxi recapitalization programme looks set to roll out early next year. While rumours abound that certain van models from leading OEMs have been pre-booked by the Department of Transport to the extent that private operators will have to wait a very long time before they can buy these derivatives, there certainly isn't a shortage of choice when it comes to marques and models capable of delivering a three-ton-plus payload. Paul Collings examines the latest 'welterweight' from Italy.

The Iveco Daily is a familiar sight on our roads, having established its presence in South Africa as a rugged, reliable volume van from the mid 1990s. Since then, competitor brands have slugged it out with the Daily to capture what is a very broad market sector as far as applications are concerned. A 3.5 ton van or chassis cab derivative can be used in applications as varied as courier and ambulance services, to tipper work and roll-back vehicle recovery duty. 

Truck-style
The question remains, as it does in all commercial trucking sectors, "so what makes this new vehicle better than the competition?" According to Ed Chvatal, Iveco SA's managing director, "The new Iveco Daily offers unprecedented robustness and reliability. When you are offering a vehicle with a GVM of 6.5 ton with over a 3.5 ton payload capacity, it's reassuring to have a truck-style chassis underneath you."

It is interesting to note that Chvatal focuses on the chassis-cab option rather than the 17m³ capacity of the largest Daily volume van. "The C-section long-member chassis has an exceptionally high torsional rigidity, making it a reliable and efficient long-term choice for fixed and tipper body applications, as well as refrigerated and alloy bodies."

Configuration choice 
The gamut of options available in the new Daily range is impressive, including single or dual rear wheels, single or double cab models, a variety of wheelbase and rear overhang options, single or double side sliding doors and two engine size choices - a 2.3 litre or 3 litre 16 valve turbo diesel powerplant.

Built to Euro 3 specifications, these new engines offer excellent power, torque and fuel economy, says Chvatal. "The 3 litre HPI engine pushes out 146hp (110kW) with a torque of 350Nm at 1500 rpm. As a rear wheel drive vehicle, the Daily is top of its class as far as traction is concerned in all load and terrain conditions."
 

The Daily is true Euro  Blue-blood... lots of creature comforts and aesthetics.

Italian styling 
When it comes to creature comforts and aesthetics, the Daily is a true Euro blue-blood. The cab features new 'enveloping' seats with plush but durable fabric, a dash-mounted gear lever, lots of stowage space, central locking and an air conditioner. A smartly designed brake light illuminates the rear load area. 

From the outside, the new Daily certainly looks distinctive with sleek lines that suggest 'modern and practical'. "The wide-angle side mirrors support this ethos, incorporating indicator lamps while the air intake vents on the roof can accommodate an extra brake light and loading area lighting," says Chvatal.

Boxing clever
According to Chvatal, the local Iveco dealer network is growing, with new centres in Pomona, Midrand, Port Elizabeth and Middelburg. "We have a highly trained team of technicians around the country in a network of independent dealers. Over a decade of experience in this market has given us the ability to not only bring a class-winner to this segment, but to effectively support and service it as well," Chvatal concludes.