SAFETY AND RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
 

The New Daily is a “solid” vehicle, the result of superior construction quality. At its base is a robust design which, ever since the beginning, has three precise objectives: maximum safety, maximum handling within the payload limit and the best quality of on-board life for professionals behind the wheel.

First and foremost, the vehicle guarantees complete control under all road conditions, straightforward driving and maximum road holding. The sum of its individual parts combines to form a comprehensive solution, making this one of the safest commercial vehicles in the segment. The level of safety is visible at first glance, as demonstrated by an external contour which immediately conveys the impression of strength, reliability and robustness. This impression is confirmed by the care and high level of innovation which has gone into the construction of the Daily. It’s no coincidence then that the vehicle offers the most sophisticated electronic devices both in terms of protection of occupants and dynamic response control (from braking to traction). Besides a high-performance braking system, the New Daily offers ABS brakes complete with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) sensors. It may also be fitted with sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program, for regulating vehicle handling during steering and braking) and ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation, to limit slipping of the driven wheels during acceleration, thus preventing oversteer or understeer and improving traction on surfaces with poor grip). These are all version-8 features and thus represent the state-of-the-art active security measures. In terms of passive safety, besides the driver’s airbag, the New Daily can be equipped with passenger-side and double window airbag (still with pre-tensioned seatbelts).

Furthermore, the New Daily has undergone numerous high-speed crash test simulations, with results being measured against structural and biomechanical parameters in accordance with some of the strictest standards in the world. For example, the Daily MPV is subject to an anti-roll test, which is not required by European standards for this type of vehicle. Nevertheless, the vehicle passes with flying colours. Finally, the New Daily also continues to play its part for the environment: all engines satisfy Euro 4 emission limits, even without the diesel particulate filter (DPF). In order to comply with stringent regulations adopted in most urban centres, the DPF system is offered as optional on all engines (it is only standard on vehicles intended for the transportation of people and 6.5t GVW vehicles). The following is a description of the extensive equipment which is currently available for the New Daily.

Braking system

In line with higher active safety targets, the New Daily is equipped with a high-efficiency braking system, an outstanding modular system which ensures prompt and progressive braking. Power-assisted both for higher GVW versions and medium weight versions (3.5 t), the biggest change is seen in the braking system of lighter class (up to 3.5 t) vehicles. The front and rear disc diameters have been increased and self-ventilated front brake discs have been adopted. The final result is shorter vehicle braking distance: from 100 to 0 km/h in 42 metres with a full payload. At half-load (a common occurrence for most applications) this distance is further reduced to only 40 metres. Finally, the integration of the handbrake into the rear brake calliper (on the 35C model) allows for easier handling and a reduction in unladen weight of around 9 kg.

ABS8 complete with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)

Besides a high-performance braking system, the New Daily is equipped with an ABS8 Antilock Braking System, one of the most advanced on the market today, complete with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). The latter distributes the braking action over the four wheels in order to prevent the brakes locking, thus guaranteeing full vehicle control under any conditions.
 

Furthermore, the system adjusts itself to the level of grip provided by the wheels themselves as well as to the efficiency of the brake pads, also reducing the latter from overheating.

ESP8 (Electronic Stability Programme) with Hill Holder

The Daily was the first light commercial vehicle to adopt the sophisticated ESP8, the latest generation stability control programme. This new function “recognises” the distribution of the vehicle’s payload, thereby adjusting its response during tight turning circles. This is how it works: The ESP checks the continual grip of the tyres to the ground both longitudinally and laterally and, in the event of the vehicle skidding, compensates to restore the structure’s direction and stability. It actually uses sensors to detect the rotation of the vehicle on its vertical axis (yaw speed), lateral acceleration and steering wheel angle, as positioned by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then compares this data with parameters calculated by an onboard computer and uses a complex mathematical model to stabilise the vehicle depending on whether it is gripping safely during cornering or if the nose or tail is about to skid outwards (understeer or oversteer). To bring the vehicle back to the correct trajectory, the device generates a skid to counter this instability by individually braking the appropriate wheel (internal or external) and reducing engine power (using the throttle).

An integral part of the ESP8 is the Hill Holder system which assists the driver during hill starts. It turns on when the ESP control unit perceives a variation in the vehicle’s inclination by means of a longitudinal acceleration sensor. During hill acceleration, the control unit responds when it senses that the vehicle is in first gear, with brake pedals and clutch depressed. In this way, pressure on the front brake callipers is maintained for around 1.5 seconds after release of the pedal, allowing the driver to set off with ease. During downhill starts from first gear, the Hill Holder function remains inactive. The opposite is true when in reverse gear: the system is activated during downhill starts and deactivated during uphill starts.

ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)

An integral part of the ESP8 is Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) system which ensures optimal traction with the aid of brakes and engine control at any speed. Depending on the number of wheel revolutions calculated by the ABS sensors, the device assesses the degree of slip and activates two different control systems to restore wheel grip. When excessive power demand causes both driven wheels to skid (for example in the case of aquaplaning or when accelerating on uneven, icy or snowy road surfaces), the control unit responds by reducing engine torque. If only one wheel slips (for example the internal wheel during cornering followed by acceleration or under dynamic load variations), the wheel is automatically braked without the driver needing to depress the brake pedal. This produces a similar effect to that produced by the limited-slip differential. This allows the New Daily to smoothly manage low-grip road surfaces.

ASR response is automatic at each engine start-up, but can be deactivated at the press of a button. Finally, ASR override is compulsory only when using snow chains. This is because in order to transmit torque onto the ground, the wheel must be able to “collect“ snow using small skids which the ASR would prevent.

Window-bag

Window-bags are airbags which inflate along the side windows, to safeguard the heads of occupants during a side-on collision. In relation to other solutions, the window bags adopted by the New Daily offer more protection (because they always assume the correct position), inflate more quickly and are less invasive for passengers. In fact, they open from top to bottom and their motion avoids risk of secondary injury to the arms of passengers. The two airbags (one on each side, right and left) are situated under the roof bars, folded into a covered panel. The panel folds open at the
right moment, allowing the bag to inflate and drop down.

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

To fulfil Euro 4 regulations (significant reduction in NOx and particulate emission levels), the New Daily adopts EGR technology (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). This technology reduces NOx emissions by lowering combustion temperature, thanks to recirculation of a controlled quantity of exhaust gases which are refrigerated and re-emitted into the combustion chamber. The combustion temperature is reduced and formation of NOx is kept under control. The system is controlled by the engine’s electronic control unit (by means of an airflow gauge), no matter what the speed or payload. For applications and situations which call for further reduction in emissions, the EGR is assisted by a DPF (diesel particulate filter, or so-called “trapdoor”), which is fitted as standard for heavy-duty vehicles and people carriers.