The van is now available with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The 2015 International Van of the Year, the Iveco Daily, has finally landed in Australia.
The launch includes an all new range of van and cab chassis variants from Iveco.
The new vehicle has had 80 per cent of its architecture completely redesigned and new drive trains are available.
However, the van retains the traditional ladder frame chassis that has long been a characteristic of the rear wheel drive Daily.
The line-up displayed at the event showcased vans with cubic capacities from 7.3 cubic metres to a massive 20 cubic metres.
Gross vehicle mass for the van range also tops out at 7 tonnes. Cab chassis variants also cater to tasks from 3.5 to 7 tonnes GVM.
The significant redesign has meant that the Daily has a new look that shies away from the somewhat bug eyed look of many contemporary European brands.
The cockpit and driver’s seating position has been revamped with focus on driver comfort and seating position.
New engines from Fiat are a part of the range with capacities ranging from 2.3 litres to 3 litres and power outputs from 106hp to 205hp.
Euro 5 versions use exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) while Euro 6 versions use a combination of EGR and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for exhaust after treatment.
But the big news is the availability of an 8-speed torque converter auto that takes the fight to the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, which is currently the only other large van maker to use a torque converter automatic.
All other brands in the large van segment use automated manual transmissions as auto options.
The ZF-sourced transmission has been used in other vehicles in the CNH family and can also be found in Jeep and Maserati products.
Also of note is a completely new ‘quad leaf’ double wishbone independent front end for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
However, higher capacity units use a ‘quad-tor’ torsion bar front-end.
A transverse four-leaf spring runs across the front end of quad leaf equipped vehicles.
The inside of the new Daily appears less staid than its Teutonic competitors with a more car-like feel.
There are cup holders galore, a chilled bottle compartment and cubby holes all over the place. A locally adapted multimedia unit with reverse camera is an option.
On the test track the performance of the high output 3-litre twin turbo was a standout.
The engine even emitted a quite satisfying turbo whistle when pushed.
Acceleration from any speed was also impressive, but engine noise is quite noticeable and even quite harsh at times.
The quad leaf front also provides excellent road manners, especially for van. It was extremely hard to upset the 35C I was driving on a number of road surfaces.
The new Daily range will no doubt appeal to some key areas in the market where the vehicle has been strong, especially the motor home crowd.
But the new auto transmission also widens that appeal to ambulance services, local government and rental fleets.
Van pricing ranges from $45,001 for the 35S through to $64,979 for the 50C
Cab chassis pricing starts at $45,952 for the 45C through to $68,189 for the dual cab 70C.