Connectivity is all the rage in commercial vehicles, and the updated 2021 Iveco Daily has been given a mid-life refresh that introduces Amazon Alexa voice control to the cab.
It's part of the Iveco Driver Pal system, which adds voice control co-developed by Amazon and allows users to check on their vehicle's status, book servicing, plan routes and even connect with fellow users of the Iveco Driver network. This allows users to share information, such as weather and hold-ups. Driver Pal will be available on the Daily van and the Iveco S-Way truck, too.
In addition to the new connectivity, the Iveco Daily gets an updated look. It's a subtle evolution, with new satin silver grille highlights, updated tail-lights and improved seats inside. Memory foam has been added to the chairs to boost comfort and safety, while the seats are claimed to be more supportive, too.
Elsewhere, the new Iveco Daily has the latest Euro 6-compliant diesel engines that are more efficient than before. There are 2.3 and 3.0-litre diesels, and the former now comes with the same six-speed manual gearbox used by the larger engine. This gearbox delivers a smoother shift and doesn't require an oil change, which helps to reduce running costs. As before, Iveco's big-selling Hi-Matic auto will also be available, and this has been further refined for smoother driving.
As well as the diesel engines, the Iveco Daily also comes with a petrol engine that has been converted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). This offers large fleets the opportunity to carbon offset their emissions while still offering a long range - something that the latest large electric vans are unable to do.
Also included on the Daily for the first time is the option of air suspension. This set-up is designed to deliver a more comfortable ride and greater stability, which helps keep cargo safe and the driver relaxed on longer journeys. This system is also available on the Iveco Daily chassis cab, which will help comfort on camper versions, as well as custom built ambulances and other private hire variants.
The Daily's connectivity also includes Iveco Control room, which is its fleet telematics system, and integrates with Iveco On, the firm's service package.
The new updates will be available later in the year.
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