ROAD TEST DAILY 4X4 DRIVE


TOTAL TRACTION


Iveco’s Daily 4x4 remains one of the most capable vehicles around, in both all-road and off -road specifi cations, says Dan Gilkes


W


hen it comes to carrying people, ma- terial and tools across diffi cult ter- rain, there are few large vans that


are more capable than Iveco’s Daily 4x4. The latest version is offered in two slightly differ- ent specifi cations, known as the all-road and the off-road trims. Both are offered with the fi rm’s 3.0-litre diesel engine, developing 180hp, driving through a choice of six-speed manu- al and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The vans all use a transfer case with a low ratio offering, in effect doubling the number of gears available. There are front, centre and rear differential locks, providing the vans and chassis cabs with enviable driving ability on rough ground.


The all-road models are intended for those customers that complete much of their annu- al mileage on the road, but who need some off- road capability when they arrive on site. The off-road specifi cation is aimed more at custom- ers who spend most of their time off-road, de- livering increased rough-terrain capabilities. With that in mind, the off-road models come with single rear wheels, in 3.5, 5.5 and 7.0-tonne maximum weights. The 3.5-tonne model is only offered as a single-cab chassis, not as a panel van, though there are two wheelbas- es available. The reason for the limited offer at 3.5-tonnes is weight, as the additional drive- line components reduce the potential payload of the 3.5-tonne chassis cab to just 639-767kg. Move up to the 5.5 or 7.0-tonne models and there are three lengths of chassis cab and three lengths of panel van available, with three roof heights. That means internal load volumes of 9.0-18m3


are on offer. The heavier models can


also be ordered as crew cabs. For the all-road models, there is one length


of 3.5-tonne chassis cab on offer, or three 5.5 and 7.0-tonne models. When it comes to panel vans, there is a single long wheelbase available, in either 5.5 or 7.0-tonne gross weights. Those prepared to run at 5.5-tonnes can expect to see payloads of 2.6-2.7 tonnes, while the 7.0-tonne vans and chassis can deliver over 4.0-tonnes of load-carrying ability, making them an at- tractive option to a full all-wheel drive truck


30 VANUSER • JULY 2021 Behind the wheel


VanUser had the opportunity to try an all-road 7.0-tonne van in L3H2 specifi cation and an off-road short-wheelbase 7.0-tonne dropside, on a technical, all-terrain course at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. While the longer wheelbase and towing equipment of the all-road van meant that it couldn’t tackle some of the more severe ground conditions, neither vehicle had any problem with the course. The all-road van was equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission, which


makes equally light work of all-terrain driving as it does on the highway. The shorter off-road truck had the six-speed manual, which with the low range, provides a choice of 12 forward gears to tackle climbs and ascents. On dry, sandy ground, it was pretty much unstoppable.


for utilities, local authorities, emergency ser- vices and forestry contractors. One unusual option on the Daily is Fording Adaptation. This allows the driver to turn off the engine cooling fan, using a button on the dash, when driving through deep water. The Daily 4x4 can cope with up to 650mm of water depth before needing a snorkel attachment for the air cleaner. Fording Adaptation prevents any damage to the fan, as it is dragged through the water. A loud, persistent alarm sounds in the cab when the switch is activated, so there is little danger of leaving it engaged and caus- ing overheating.


There are a host of other options availa-


ble, to tailor the vans to an individual opera- tor’s needs, including independent cab heating, power take-off systems, a front winch mount- ing and various on and off-road tyres to suit varied terrain.


Sales volumes of the 4x4 are relatively low, with around 50 Daily 4x4s fi nding owners in the UK last year. However, Daily business line director, Mike Cutts, is confi dent that the lat- est vehicles will build on that number. The 4x4 models will adopt the model year 2022 updates, already seen on the new two-wheel drive Daily, early next year.


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