The Daily has been a stalwart of the van world for years and the latest incarnation is the result of technological evolution. Refinement has been improved, as has the gearchange quality — and there's now the AGile semi-auto six-speed 'box on offer — and the engine line-up is now all common rail; either 2.3 and 3.0HPI or 3.0HPT.

There are four HPIs to choose from producing either 96 bhp, 116 bhp or 136 bhp (2.3- and 3-litre), and one HPT rated at 166 bhp.

The front suspension features a transverse parabolic leaf spring while the rear has longitudinal single leaf springs and an anti-roll bar. Disc brakes are fitted all-round.

Even with plenty of weight on board these HPI engines perform very well indeed with bags of low-down torque — the lowest power version of the 2.3 develops 177 lb/ft from 1,800rpm to 2,800rpm, for example.

The Daily range is immense with load cubes spanning 7.3m3 to 17.2m3, gross vehicle weights from 3.2t to 6.5t and payloads ranging from 1,235kg to 3,980kg. Saying that there is a model to suit every application is an understatement; there are over 3,000 variants to choose from.

The cab is well laid out and comfortable enough with plenty of storage space, but we are not convinced by the wraparound 'truck-like' facia. It sort of gets in the way. The Isri driver's seat is adjustable for height, reach and rake. Iveco gets 10 out of 10 for the excellent wash/wipe system.

Service intervals are set at an impressive 25,000 miles.

 
VERDICT 

Daily's build quality has improved, its beefy chassis makes it ideal for conversions and ABS is standard for the 2006 model year. Check it out, it just keeps on getting better and better; so much so, in fact, that it picked up our Large Panel Van of the Year, as well as the overall Van of the Year Award for 2005.

Quotation Terms: finance lease (6+47 10k) or contract hire (6+47 10k). All other terms & mileages available. All prices are for business users & exclude VAT. Prices for non-business users available on request.