Looking at the Iveco Daily seven-tonne van, you are struck by the sheer size of it. A typical 3.5-tonne, 17cu m van is a big van. But, when you put one up against the seven-tonne Daily, you go to another level. The gross vehicle weight (gvw) is literally double the gvw of a ‘standard van’, but, interestingly, only half again of the unladen weight. So measured by gvw-to-payload ratio, the seven-tonne Daily wins hands down.

Perhaps the most valid comparison would be a 7.5-tonne truck, and, here, the Daily remains a worthy competitor with a load length in excess of 5m and a payload of almost four tonnes.

Iveco has a reputation for world class drivelines, specifically in the diesel engine domain with the aid of its in-house supplier, Fiat Power Train. The four-cylinder Euro VI-d compliant diesel engine uses both exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and develops a maximum 182PS (132kW) @ 3,500 rpm and 430Nm of torque @ 1,500 rpm.

Behind this proven engine is an aluminium-cased Hi-Matic eight-speed automated gearbox with a direct drive on sixth gear and overdrive on both seventh and eighth. The rear axle has three ratios, with a 4.3 as standard, which is matched to 225/75R16 on both axles.

Daily has one 4,100mm wheelbase, but has two body lengths of 4,680mm and 5,125mm and there are also two roof heights allowing for 1,900mm and 2,100mm internally.

The front axle rated at 2,500kg has independent suspension and the rear rated at 5,350kg sits on parabolic springs. All have anti-roll bars and shock absorbers. The maximum payload weights range from 3,973kg-3,920kg dependent on the body size.

There are disc brakes all round supported electronically by ESP9 which incorporates, among other things, EBD, ABS, hill holder, brake assist and, importantly, trailer sway mitigation as well as roll movement intervention and roll over mitigation.

Sitting on the three-way adjustable driver’s seat you face the comfortable and oddly-shaped steering wheel with controls for the infotainment system and cruise control. The instrumental panel has two dials, on the left for the speed and the right has the rev counter. In the middle is a smart five-inch TFT (thin film transistor) display controlled via the steering wheel.

The centre console houses the infotainment system, heating and ventilation with air conditioning, and tucked at the bottom is the tachograph.

The cab is trimmed in a pleasant blue and black combinations and has an overall feel of high quality.

Driving is an absolute pleasure, mainly helped by the very smooth and responsive eight-speed automated gearbox matched to a low level of cabin noise.

The Iveco Daily seven-tonner has great potential, first in terms of offering a very competitive solution for traditional 7.5-tonne truck operators and, second, for its high level of comfort and modern van style driving experience.