Iveco introduces Daily Hi-Matic the first eight-speed automated gearbox in its class

Tuesday 14th April 2015

CV Show, Stand 4G10, Hall 4, NEC, Birmingham, 14 – 16 April 2015

Iveco is using the occasion of the CV Show to launch a new generation of automated gearbox in its New Daily light commercial vehicle range, offering drivers and fleets best-in-class flexibility, efficiency, fuel economy and driving comfort.

Developed with ZF, and previewed at the IAA Show in September 2014, the new Hi-Matic transmission represents the first eight-speed automatic to be offered in a vehicle range in its class. Iveco says Hi-Matic is a perfect match for Daily, which features powerful and efficient engines offering up to 205 hp.

The ZF eight-speed automated transmission is already found in premium cars manufactured by sister group companies Jeep and Maserati, as well as in cars made by other global brands including Bentley and Rolls Royce.

Commenting on its launch, Martin Flach, Iveco UK’s Product Director, says: “Daily Hi-Matic offers an average four per cent reduction in fuel consumption and a 4 kg weight saving versus the previous generation AGile gearbox.

“Having eight speeds makes it easier for drivers to ensure they are always in the optimum operating range. Hi-Matic also changes gear quicker and more precisely than even the best driver on the planet, needing less than 200 milliseconds for a gear shift when greater acceleration is required. Its wider range versus a traditional six-speed transmission also ensures a faster and more precise gear change.”

Daily Hi-Matic range

The Daily Hi-Matic product family is available in three different versions, allowing it to be mission-matched to its primary application – with options comprising Urban, Regional and International.

The Daily Hi-Matic Urban is perfect for those who have to face town and city centre traffic on a daily basis, delivering maximum driveability and comfort thanks to a self-adaptive shifting strategy which adjusts the gear shifting control logic, choosing between 20 different programs.

For ultimate flexibility, the Daily Hi-Matic Regional offers outstanding performance, with a choice between Eco mode, offering smooth and low speed gear changes which are carried out to keep fuel consumption to a minimum, or Power mode, which carries out gear changes at higher speeds for enhanced performance. There is also a third option – manual mode – which permits sequential shifting via the gearstick.

Completing the line-up is Daily Hi-Matic International, featuring a double overdrive gear ratio and turbine-torsional-damper torque converter to guarantee improved fuel efficiency on long journeys at high average speeds.

Iveco says the Hi-Matic has been proven the best in its class with a score of 8.5 using the SAE ranking benchmark, which measures every aspect of performance from hill starts to sequential gear change comfort. It has also been praised under testing for its exceptional flexibility, efficiency and fuel economy.

The towing strength of the previous generation AGile transmission has been retained, with the ability to tow loads up to 3,500 kg and guaranteeing optimal acceleration even from a standing start on an incline, assisted by the Hill Holder system (an anti-rollback function for uphill starts) that comes as standard with all New Dailys. Hi-Matic is suitable for use on Dailys operating with up to a 10.5 tonne gross combination weight (GCW).

The Hi-Matic transmission can be specified on New Daily van and chassis cab models from 3.5 to 7.2 tonnes, and with engine options including the 106 hp and 126 hp 2.3 litre engine, as well as on 3.0 litre engines at 170 hp (light-duty & heavy-duty variants) and 205 hp.

Stand exhibits

Iveco is exhibiting two Daily Hi-Matic models on its stand, including a New Daily 35C21 panel van offering 19.6mᵌ of loadspace – the largest capacity 3.5 tonne panel van on the market. It is joined by a New Daily 35S13 ‘Platinum-edition’ van, finished in matching metallic blue paintwork.

There is also a stand-alone Hi-Matic transmission mounted on a plinth on the stand, enabling visitors to get a close-up and unobstructed view of this next-generation transmission.

Iveco is operating a pair of New Daily 35S13 panel vans, also featuring the Hi-Matic transmissions, which are available to test drive in the outdoor demonstration area.