Short haul: 2016 Iveco Daily Tipper
What is it?
A ready-made tipper version of the freshly updated Daily work truck, priced from $64,000 drive away ($69,950 with options fitted to our vehicle). Fitted from factory with a three-way tipping function and tray, Iveco says the Daily is one of the few vehicles available that can be driven straight from the dealership to the work site without the hassle (and time burden) of configuring a suitable aftermarket tipper body.
How does it drive?
Much better than the outgoing Daily, which is to say its diesel engine is impressively smooth and refined, teamed with a quick-witted eight-speed automatic that is both economic and well suited to load carrying. There are no complaints from the Daily's updated driver's air seat, either. The Euro's independent front and rear suspension convey a level of ride and handling refinement that is unmatched by typical tip trucks, with excellent bump absorption qualities and steering that is much more accurate and car-like than traditional Japanese rivals. The steering wheel is immune to kick-back and is light at low speeds, ensuring easy manoeuvres in tight spaces.
What's the payload and towing capacity?
To comply with a regular car licence (which stipulates a Gross Vehicle Mass of less than 4500kg) the Daily tipper is limited to a relatively light 1500kg payload. That is barely a patch on what it is really capable of, and limits what potential advantage it may have over traditional single cab utes, which are considerably cheaper by comparison. Towing is similarly line-ball with the regular utility set, capped at 3.5 tonnes. For those needing more weight carrying credentials, the Daily is available with a 5.2-tonne GVM – a rating which necessitates a light rigid truck licence.
What sort of tie down points does it have?
The standard tip tray is a little short on tie down points, missing out on a traditional bar which normally sits underneath the outside of the tray and is a conventional point for ropes and strap hooks. Instead, the floor of the tray is home to several pop-up anchor points which sit near the perimeter and can be stowed away flush when unused (not ideal when you want to cover a load), while the head board contains lugs and bars to tie from, along with suitable overhead bars to tie ladders and longer objects down to.
What are the load space dimensions?
This is where the Daily shines. The standard tipping tray measures 3700mm long and 2100mm wide with sideboards and a tailgate measuring 400mm high. These dimensions ensure adequate space for the rated material and/or for carrying small machines. Being tailor-made for the Daily cab chassis, the factory-fitted tray is well finished in full-steel construction comprising 1.8mm plate finished in a corrosion-resistant treatment. The underlying subframe is hot-dipped, galvanised and power coated. Galvanised steel locks which open the sideboards or tailgate are flush-mounted in place, affording practicality and safety. An integrated plastic toolbox in the undercarriage of the tray, along with matching step rails at either side, reinforce the vehicle's everyday useability.
How does it perform under load?
We loaded the Daily to its maximum 1500kg payload capacity and barely felt the difference between its unladen performance or in its ride and handling. The engine maintained a brisk low-down torque and willingness to work under load and on inclines, the transmission repeated its push for efficiency or power depending which drive mode was selected, and the standard disc brakes were unfazed by the extra load, even during an extended section of corrugated dirt road driving. On top of this, the engine spun at a miserly 2000rpm during highway stints laden or unladen, underlining the Daily's excellent fuel economy credentials.
Any special features worth mentioning?
Standard stability control is hardly a selling point in today's new car segment, but it is a welcome addition on vehicles like the Daily – particularly for fleets. The safety suite is completed by ABS brakes, a hill hold function and front, passenger and curtain airbags, while a rear-locking differential ensures reliable traction on slippery surfaces.
The cabin is another highlight, fitted with a standard air chair for comfort on long trips and isolation from bumps, along with climate control, a colour touch screen display, four-speaker stereo, USB point, AUX input and Bluetooth connectivity. Steering wheel-mounted controls and an excellent selection of overhead and door storage options bolster the Iveco's day-to-day amenity.
The instrument cluster presentation is concise and easy to read, though the Daily would benefit greatly from a digital speedometer given the Stalinist speed limits enforced by different government regimes.
We also appreciated the cornering lights, which shine a beam directly in front of the corner of the vehicle during darkness, making tight spaces more accessible.
Any criticisms?
The hydraulic ram is also slow to push the tray up in the air, with a claimed raise time of 25 seconds. That, and the hand-held remote which operates the tray is a little fickly compared with traditional dashboard-mounted levers, although it does mean you can stand outside the truck to tip if need be. It is also worthwhile ensuring level ground for side tipping, as the tray can get quite a bit of lean.
Other than that, the criticisms only really extend to minor gripes, like the noise of the diesel engine relative to others in this class, and the mirror-mounted blinker lights which tend to flash the driver in darkness.
How does the warranty and servicing costs rate?
Pretty well. The Daily is backed by a three-year/200,000km factory warranty with roadside assistance. Engine oil service intervals are pegged at 40,000km or every 12 months, whichever comes first, and Iveco offers a range of fixed-cost service and maintenance programs and extended warranty packages.
What else should I consider?
It really depends what you're day-to-day tasks are. If load space isn't a strict prerequisite, save your money and go for a traditional single cab ute with an aftermarket steel tray and hydraulic ram. Otherwise, look at what's on offering from Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubishi and co, or even the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Renault Master or Ford Transit rivals.
Verdict:
The Iveco Daily tipper brings a new level of refinement and comfort to this class, but consider its credentials carefully. While it is impressive and refined, its limited payload and hampered tipping ability will not suit everyone's needs. But with great safety credentials and creature comforts, the Daily is sure to be a legitimate option for the right buyer.
Iveco Daily tipper specifications
On sale: Now
Price: $64,000-$69,950 drive away
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder
Power: 125kW
Torque: 430Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual/eight speed automatic, RWD
Fuel usage: N/A
Payload: 1500kg to 2200kg
GVM: 4495kg to 5200kg
Load testing weight: 1500kg of compost and a second 1000kg load of bark mulch