IVECO Daily - ten cubic meters on methane

The sixth generation IVECO Daily can hardly be called a newcomer - the model has been produced since 2014 and has already undergone two restylings, the last one in 2019. That is, the next, seventh generation is already somewhere on the way. So why would we be here discussing a car that is about to retire?


Well, firstly, this is the second restyling in Europe, which very significantly changed the face of the Daily, happened in 2019. And the updated cars reached our market with a delay of more than a year. So, consider it new!



Secondly, this time the Italians made a presentation of a not quite ordinary van. The shown Daily does not feed on diesel fuel, but on compressed natural gas - methane.

IVECO, unlike its main competitors, has been selling small-tonnage vehicles with LPG (gas-cylinder equipment) for a long time and very successfully. The more interesting it is to meet a newcomer.

Power point

The most important feature of the methane version is, of course, under the hood.
The engine block head is unified with the 3-liter F1C diesel. However, the gas engine can no longer consume diesel fuel. Either compressed methane or gasoline. Yes, yes, if the gas cylinders are empty, the Daily is able to move on gasoline. For this, a fuel tank is provided - although, more correctly, a tank, since its volume is only 14 liters. The filler neck is located on the left side, behind the driver's door.

Power in the gas version is 136 hp. The indicator is not a record, of course, but for a light small-tonnage vehicle it is enough to move around the city.



Gasoline is proposed to be used precisely as a backup fuel, and not as a full-fledged alternative to methane. Actually, the tiny size of the gas tank already eloquently hints at this installation. And to make it even clearer, the power in the gasoline version is reduced by one and a half times - up to 82 hp. This is so that for sure no one would have any thoughts of riding only on gasoline. However, the very possibility of dual-fuel nutrition in our conditions is very useful. Finding a gas station in Russia is another task. So the ability of the Daily, in which case, to get to the gas station on the 95th gasoline, greatly contributes to the preservation of the driver's nervous system.
The gas/petrol switchover only takes place in automatic mode. When the gas in the cylinders runs out, the engine itself switches to gasoline. As soon as the methane reserves are replenished, the supply of gasoline stops. The driver is not allowed to select the type of fuel manually.
Gearbox - eight-speed Asin. Interestingly, the "parking" mode is activated by a button on the end of the lever. Not the best solution that can provoke accidental clicks.

Appearance

It is possible to understand that we have a “gas” van in front of us without opening the hood. A light hint of passion for "blue fuel" are blue accents in the trim of the radiator grille. For those less imaginative, a "Blue Power" badge was placed on the tailgate. Those who do not understand any hints at all will be helped by the massive protection of gas cylinders protruding under the bottom. By the way, there are four of them and they can contain a total of about 30 kg of compressed methane.



A pleasant innovation of the restyled version was the front bumper, which now consists of three parts, each of which can be changed separately. It is very convenient for small accidents or after "contact" parking.

If in the basic version the headlights remain halogen, then in more expensive trim levels, the lighting technology is completely LED. Including foglights. It's nice that the Daily's headlights are located in such a way that it is almost impossible to damage them in the event of a small accident. Given the cost of an LED headlight in spare parts, this feature will help to spoil the mood a little if a traffic incident happens.



By the way, contrary to fashion trends, IVECO retains the classic frame design. Most Western manufacturers have already switched to the so-called. "integrated frame". Someone will say - "Loyalty to traditions", someone will say - "Archaic", but this does not prevent the "Daily" from demonstrating worthy habits on the road. Which once again confirms the thesis that the matter is not so much in the hardware, but in the ability to properly configure it.

Cabin

The interior of the Daily looks modern and is distinguished by excellent functionality. The number of "glove compartments", drawers, shelves, pockets and "hooks" is simply amazing!
In the upper part of the dashboard, on the right and left, there are two boxes closed with lids, between them there is a tray, which provides a platform for wireless charging and two USB connectors. There is a lockable "glove compartment" in the lower part of the center console and another one - in the traditional place, in front of the right passenger. In the doors - as many as three floors of pockets of different shapes and sizes. Under the passenger seat cushion is a huge container where you can hide a small corpse. In the back of the central seat there is a reclining table in which a removable tablet for papers is hidden. Above the windshield - capacious shelves for documents.



The driving position is comfortable. The steering wheel itself, with a mass of buttons, is fashionably trimmed along the lower chord. Unfortunately, the steering column is only adjustable in one direction. And, on departure, which is unusual. But there is no tilt adjustment. However, this does not prevent finding a comfortable fit.



There are no problems with visibility. Side mirrors - two-section. Additional small segments look at the rear wheels and rear overhang. For those for whom this is not enough, a rear-view camera is provided. So there shouldn't be any problems with the feeling of dimensions.

Body

The cargo compartment of the presented version has a volume of 10,8 m3. At the same time, the load capacity is less than 900 kg. This is retribution for heavy HBO. On the other hand, with such an indicator, you can freely enter the center of Moscow, without issuing a pass.



Inside - high-quality plywood trim, rigging loops and a voluminous shelf in the front, above the cab roof. Very comfortably!
The spare wheel is traditionally for IVECO mounted on the side wall behind the left wheel arch.

In operation

The cruising range on one gas station is approximately 300 km. For urban work - more than enough. And given the presence of a gasoline reserve, it is not scary to go on more distant trips.
What is the main charm of "methane" machines? In lower fuel costs compared to diesel. The manufacturer declares consumption in the combined cycle of 9,4 kg / 100 km. With the cost of gas almost twice as low as diesel fuel, the benefits are obvious. However, there are also pitfalls.
Firstly, the car itself, equipped with LPG, is more expensive than its diesel counterpart. The difference between versions comparable in terms of power is now 700 thousand rubles. Not a lot!
Secondly, cylinders require periodic inspection, which also implies additional costs.
Thirdly, we have indecently few gas stations, and it's good if the nearest one is nearby. Otherwise, you can drive many kilometers, just to refuel. And given the small power reserve, you will have to do this often. Plus, there are often queues at CNG filling stations.



I have already spoken about the reduction in carrying capacity.
Another limitation that the "gas" IVECO has is cross-country ability. Remember, I talked about the metal protective cover under the bottom? So, with proper skill, you can kiss them even when driving through a speed bump. And given that gas cylinders are hidden under the casing, you need to think three times before moving off the asphalt.

But, despite all the difficulties and problems, the popularity of commercial vans on methane is growing. Because, with intensive exploitation, the economic balance is in favor of gas. Yes, and environmental too.