IVECO DAILY BLUE EDITION

It’s a little unusual for NZ Company Vehicle to review a limited edition anything, but the IVECO Blue Edition van offers something a little special to commemorate Iveco’s successful receipt of the Van of the Year for 2018.

This is more than a cosmetic tickle up of the latest (sixth) generation of the Daily van, though you could be forgiven for thinking the blue painted exterior highlights, blue alloys and blue interior features such as steering wheel stitching, unique headrests, blue dashboard and blue shifter are the key elements of the Blue Edition.

IVECO’S Blue Edition is an excellent demonstration of what has made IVECO such a celebrated van in Europe. It’s strength, versatility, consideration for the user and the brand’s commitment to delivering excellence in light commercial vehicles especially, is well encapsulated in all aspects of the Daily Blue Edition.

The most obvious elements are found in the cabin, which has seen a significant revamp, though happily, the company so well known for building trucks has retained the most endearing feature in the Daily – namely the suspended driver’s seat.

This heated seat – against which all others should be measured – controls vibration transmission and reduces discomfort while minimising health risks to drivers.

The centremost seat’s lower squab folds forward to reveal a massive under-seat storage area, while the vertical squab pulls down to provide a workstation, allowing for a much cleaner dashboard which accommodates the new IVECONNECT multimedia system with integrated satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity and audio interface.

The multifunctional steering wheel means you don’t have to use the touch functionality of the screen and in fact, the wheel allows for voice command to further make life easier and safer for the driver.

Safety is, of course, a high priority for IVECO, which is why the Daily Blue Edition is equipped with the superior stopping power of front and rear disc brakes with

ABS and IVECO ‘ESP 9’ safety programme which includes an Electronic Stability programme, and a host of other active safety equipment.

The Blue Edition features the fully automatic eight-speed Hi-matic transmission. Those familiar with IVECO and the brand’s propensity for automated manual transmissions, will probably need to re-read that bit: yes, I did say fully automatic, which is mated to a three-litre engine common to two of the three varieties of Daily’s.

This one is the mid-range 170bhp/

125kw, direct injection, variable geometry turbocharger developing 430Nm of torque from 1650 to 2500rpm. Based on the 35S17 model, the Daily Blue Edition is the most versatile configuration of the Daily range.

With its 3520mm wheelbase and 12m3 load area – newly lowered by 55mm for ease of access through either the 270 degree rear barn doors and single side sliding door – this model has a GVM of

3.5 to 5.2 tonnes, making it an extremely productive unit, as it can carry more than many of its competitors, yet still be driven on a car licence.

And that is the ultimate beauty of the Daily Blue Edition – it has the convenience of a van, the strength of a truck and the ability to be driven like a car. Furthermore, the Daily Blue Edition has a five year/200,000 km factory warranty, which includes a standard three year / 200,000 km Iveco New Vehicle Warranty plus a two-year Iveco Extended Warranty – and the price?

Just $59,990 and that is not a misprint. You do, however, need to be quick as – at time of writing – there were just five Daily

Blue Editions left.