Like a phoenix emerging from the flames of an Italian electrical fault the new Iveco Daily has put the CM technical test team in a state of shock. Not since the Editor decided to hand out Christmas cards in the style of a P45 have we been left speechless and confused.

If you know the old Daily you'll know it to be as uninspiring as watching a Holly Oaks omnibus while sporting a severe hangover. It felt ponderous to drive, was as reliable as Government statistics and bits fell off.

So if the old version was a bit Inspector Clueso the new model is more like Shaft. It drives with real composure, turning into corners with confidence and holds the road - whether laden or unladen - without feeling stressed.

Inside the Fisher-Price play centre that was the cabin has now been replaced by a sound and intelligently laid out interior designed by no less than the famed Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also reshaped the Iveco's front giving it some much needed character.

And you can now add the mystical words 'decent build quality' to the happy list as well, yes, we know!

Full the full road test see the 21June issue of Commercial Motor