2018 Iveco Daily 50C21: Review

In a market dominated by a certain German brand, Italian manufacturer Iveco has its work cut out for it. It is, however, trying hard – its Daily LCV platform underwent a generational update in 2015 and it was updated again just last year.

That update wasn't earth shattering but it did usher in yet another raft of improvements – namely enhanced fuel economy and a quieter, more refined cab – to make an already solid commercial proposition even better.

That was our parting sentiment after spending a week in the Daily 50C21 – a car-licence-friendly cab/chassis model that came to us fitted with a sizeable drop-side tray courtesy of Queensland-based body builder, Triple M Truck Bodies.

The firm has teamed up with Iveco Australia to offer the Daily trayback package direct from the dealer, meaning it's ready to get to work straight from the dealership.

Top-tier engine
Our single-cab model is powered by the up-spec 3.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel engine (add $2100). Good for 205hp and 470Nm, it's a step up from the standard donk, a 3.0-litre single variable-geometry turbo that punches out a claimed 170hp/430Nm.

Other than the tray, it's also fitted with a factory nudge bar ($1276) and Iveco's eight-speed Hi-Matic full auto transmission $3895), plus an optional multimedia touchscreen unit.

Before the latest generation, the Daily use to fall at the 'utilitarian' end of the LCV spectrum in terms of cabin comfort, but not anymore. There's an adjustable sprung seat with arm rest, climate control and myriad power outlets for accessories, including two USB ports either side of the dash-top tray and two 12-volt sockets either side of the CD player.

Iveco offers three different accessory packs for single-cab 50C21. The Business Premium pack ($1500), fitted to our test vehicle, comprises the IVECONNECT multimedia system with touchscreen and integrated sat-nav and reversing camera, plus reversing buzzer and fog lights.

If a vehicle has already been specified with the Business Premium pack, owners can also opt for a Comfort pack ($1000, also fitted to this test vehicle and comprising suspended driver's seat, seat heating for both driver and front passenger and climate control) and/or the Efficiency pack, which adds an 'Eco' mode along with lane departure warning.

Behind the wheel
Due to the placement of the front axle, the footwell is set quite far back. This makes hopping in a little awkward, but the sturdy A-pillar grab handles on both sides help, and once behind the wheel there's a commanding view ahead.

Vision is generally good, thanks to the skinny A-pillars, the expansive windscreen and the large side mirrors, but the uprights at the trailing edge of the quarter windows do partially obscure the view in the driver's-side mirror. Those side mirrors are pretty darn good though. We particularly like the size of the spot mirrors – they're nearly as big as the standard mirrors.

The cab interior still has a utilitarian feel to it. It's hard plastic just about everywhere and the steering wheel, which admittedly benefits from integrated controls for telephony and audio, is only adjustable for reach, and not tilt.

Being an Italian brand and manufactured in Spain, the Daily's instrumentation features a speedo with European calibration – i.e. the dominant figures on the dial are 10, 30, 50, 70km/h etc. There's a digital display between the analogue speedo and tacho, however, which has two trip meters that can bring up all the usual data.

Cab storage? The glove box is only small but the double-deck door pockets are huge and come with bottle holders, and there are three trays across the top of the dash (two of which are concealed). Add in outboard cup holders, twin overhead shelves, a long passenger-side tray and various other cubbyholes for oddment storage – and the large space between the two seats – and there's ample room for plenty of gear.

The IVECONNECT multimedia display has Bluetooth streaming and integrated sat-nav. It all works well enough, but the audio screen in particular has a lot of information crammed into it and the various options can be difficult to select when on the move.

That, however, is of relatively little consequence compared to the Daily's ability as a workhorse and that, we can report, is exemplary.

Commercial focus
There's something to be said for an LCV manufactured by a company that focuses purely on commercial products. The Iveco range might kick off with the Daily, but the line-up extends all the way through to coaches and prime movers like the road-train-rated Powerstar 7200.

The Daily's foundation comprises a robust C-section steel chassis with front and rear axles with capacities of 2100kg and 3700kg respectively. The truck rides on an independent coil/shock front suspension with a leaf-spring/shock arrangement at the rear. The steel wheels are shod with Michelin Agilis rubber, with dualies at the rear.

Our test vehicle came to us with the second-longest available wheelbase – 4350mm. That gives it an overall length of 7373mm and a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 15.3 metres. We measured the steering range at 3.75 turns lock to lock.

The twin-turbo-diesel engine is a potent little unit. Our test vehicle was loaded up with around 1800kg, or 75 per cent of its maximum payload, and it fairly launches away from a standing start. There's plenty left in the tank for overtakes, although we engaged Power mode in such instances to carry higher revs before shifts in the fully automatic transmission.

The Hi-Matic transmission is a real winner. Shifts in manual sequential mode are fast and precise, but this transmission has the smarts to largely be left to its own devices – it selects the right cog for any given situation virtually every time, and downshifts on descents so engine braking assists the four-wheel disc brakes.

The engine ticks over at 1800rpm at 100km/h in top gear, and after a week in and around the city – and loaded all the while – the Daily returned an average fuel economy of 12.1L/100km. That's a pretty healthy figure that would give most of today's dual-cab utes a run for their money (and with over twice the payload and a heap more room in the tray, to boot!).

The suspension, meanwhile, holds up its end of the bargain, offering an impressively comfortable ride while shouldering a load. We didn't drive this Daily unladen, but past experience suggests it's still a decent ride, if a little harsh (as you'd expect of any empty LCV).

Safety was an afterthought in LCVs of not too long ago, but not anymore. The Daily is fitted with Bosch's ESP9 electronic stability program with electronic brake force distribution, and it also comes with four airbags.

The Daily is covered by Iveco's three-year, 200,000km factory warranty and extended warranty terms are available. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months or in impressive 40,000km, whichever comes first, and the vehicle has the support of 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of its warranty period.

Summing up
After a week in the Iveco Daily 50C21 it was clear this vehicle is a rock-solid proposition. The Daily 50C21 trayback offers major payload and cargo space benefits over a ute, complemented by ease of operation, decent safety tech, and reasonable driver comfort.

Add in a pragmatic package of warranty and aftersales backup, and this Daily simply makes good commercial sense.

2018 Iveco Daily 50C21 pricing and specifications
Price: $58,945 (as tested, excluding GST and plus on-roads)
Engine: Iveco FIC 3.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel
Power: 205hp (150kW) at 3100rpm to 3500rpm
Torque: 470Nm at 1400rpm to 3000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed HiMatic automatic
Configuration: 4x2
Front suspension: Independent coil/shock with steel torsion bar
Rear Suspension: Multi-leaf springs with shocks
GVM: 4495kg (5200kg opt)
GCM: 7995kg (8700kg opt)
Towing capacity: 3500kg
Payload: 2399kg (3104kg opt)
Fuel tanks: 1 x 100 litres
Emissions compliance: Euro 5/ADR 80/03; EGR and DPF
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Web: www.iveco.com.au