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IVECO DAILY MINIBUS RANGE EXPANDS: 22-SEAT SHUTTLE

ADDITIONAL CHOICE within the fiercely contested people-mover market is now available after Iveco today launched its new 22-seat ‘Shuttle’-trim minibus option into its Daily range.

This new Daily Shuttle minibus complements Iveco’s existing 11- and 16-seat models, providing operators with additional choice, “…while increasing the brand’s access to new markets with its many class-leading benefits,” the company explains.

The latest 22-seat model in ‘Shuttle’ trim level is based on a 4100mm wheelbase with a generous H2 roof (1820mm standing height), and with a GVM of 6.1 tonnes, Iveco confirms.

The ‘Shuttle 22’ provides comfortable fabric seats with integrated safety belts, pleated curtains, modesty panels with handrails and overhead luggage rack with integrated air conditioner diffuser, the company states.

All Daily minibus models bring the market-leading features of the award-winning Daily van range to the people-mover segment, including the ‘Hi-Matic’ eight-speed full automatic transmission, a powerful yet efficient engine and an abundance of safety features, Iveco confirms. 

Powering the entire range is Iveco’s Euro 6, F1C, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with ‘Unijet’ common-rail injection and four valves per cylinder. This power plant produces 180 horsepower (134kW) and features a flat torque curve with a maximum of 430Nm from 1,250rpm, Iveco states.

The engine meets the stringent Euro 6 emissions measure using a combination of DOC and DPF control, and boasts impressive fuel efficiency, it adds.

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MYRIAD FEATURES

The market-leading ‘Hi-Matic’ eight-speed fully automatic transmission is also used exclusively across the range, delivering crisp and seamless power delivery while reducing driver fatigue, says Iveco – an important consideration when operating in congested traffic conditions or on longer journeys, it adds.

On the safety front as standard, all models are equipped with a driver airbag, front and rear disc brakes with ABS along with Iveco’s ‘ESP9’ stability program, which includes myriad features such as: electronic brake-force distribution, anti-slip regulator, drag-torque control, hill-hold control, adaptive load control, trailer-sway mitigation, hydraulic rear-wheel boost, hydraulic-fading compensation, roll-movement intervention and roll-over mitigation. The new minibus also features a lane-departure warning system, it states.

To deliver a comfortable ride, all models are equipped with front independent torsion bar and rear electronically controlled air suspension, while the driver is treated to a heated, air-suspended seat as well, it adds.

Also standard is the touchscreen Iveconnect multimedia system boasting radio, CD player, MP3 and DVD player, GPS and reversing camera.

Another benefit of the Daily minibus is an electric bus plug door, allowing easier access for passengers while providing additional seating because of the swing-out configuration, Iveco explains.

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MANY BENEFITS

Iveco national sales manager Steve Heanes says the Daily minibus range, including the new 22-seat variant, provided many benefits compared to others in the market.

“The combination of full automatic transmission, extensive safety equipment, an efficient Euro 6 engine plus high comfort levels make the Daily minibus range an attractive proposition across a variety of industries such as charter services, airport shuttle work, for hotels, aged car facilities, schools and the like,” Heanes said.

“The Daily minibus is the only entrant in the market to offer rear airbag suspension to deliver a more supple and refined ride.

“The Daily’s semi-forward front axle also leads to a more comfortable drive as the operator isn’t sitting atop the wheels and feeling every bump in the road.

“A full automatic eight-speed transmission is another benefit of the Daily, providing instant throttle response and a more relaxed driving experience compared to competitors’ AMT and manual offerings.

“An additional benefit of our eight-speed automatic is its generous 200,000-kilometre service intervals, which complement generous engine service intervals of 40,000km/two years*, which go a long way to delivering outstanding low total cost of ownership benefits for operators.”

Heanes adds that the new model would significantly strengthen Iveco’s position in the minibus market.

“By adding a 22-seat option to the range, Iveco is now in a great position to better compete in the 12- to 24-seat minibus segment, an area that we’ve identified as having considerable growth potential.”

“An additional ‘Executive 22’ model is also under consideration for later in 2021.”

The Daily minibus range is available exclusively through selected Iveco dealerships nationwide, it states.

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ABOUT IVECO

IVECO Trucks Australia is a proud manufacturer and importer of commercial vehicles spanning the light, medium and heavy-duty truck segments and also has a range of small-to-large buses, it states.

The commercial vehicle range includes on and off-road models from car licence vans through to prime movers rated up to 90 tonnes GCM and buses from 11 seats to 61 seats, it adds.

The IVECO range of vehicles includes locally designed and manufactured models and is complemented by a range of imported models which are all designed and tested to meet Australia’s demanding operating requirements, Iveco confirms.

The Iveco product range is extensive and includes Daily, Eurocargo, ACCO, Stralis, X-Way, Trakker and Astra models. Iveco vehicles are supported in Australia by a dedicated network of more than 60 dealerships and parts and service outlets strategically located nationwide, offering aftersales services that include extended warranties, breakdown support packages and personalised maintenance contracts, it confirms.

*Some conditions apply.

Photography: courtesy Iveco Australia

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