Fiat's popular Ducato range moves to more efficient engines for 2012. Previously compliant to the Euro IV emissions standard, the Ducato now complies with the tougher Euro V standard.
According to the marque's local distributor, Ateco Automotive, the Ducato's fuel consumption has been reduced also, by as much as 15 per cent.
“These new engines will further extend the Ducato’s enviable reputation for economy, durability and a long service life, whether it is taking an urgent load across a city or doing a lap of Australia as a motorhome,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager of Fiat Australia. “These engines are at the cutting edge of diesel technology combining low emissions and fuel consumption with an ease of driving that is car-like, especially when combined with the MTA self shifting gearbox, which combines the best features of an conventional automatic with those of a conventional manual.”
Changes to the MultiJet II engines include improved injectors and injection pressure raised from 1600 to 1800 bar. An electronically-controlled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve handles partial recirculation of exhaust gases, which are cooled in a heat exchanger and then reinjected into the cylinder. Previously, the EGR valve was pneumatically controlled.
Fiat claims the new engines run quieter and produce fewer particulate and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. The 2.3 130 engine produces 96kW of power — up by eight per cent — and 320Nm of torque, for an overall reduction of nine per cent of emissions and consumption. Developing 109kW of power (a 24 per cent gain over the Euro IV 130hp engine) and 350Nm of torque (nine per cent better), the 2.3 150 engine is a new unit featuring a variable-geometry turbocharger. The output of the new engine is just five per cent shy of the redundant Euro IV 3.0-litre engine. Fuel consumption is 7.1L/100km and CO2 emissions are rated at 186g/km.
As part of the update, all Australian-delivered vehicles also come with Tom Tom satellite navigation and a docking station, plus Blue&Me telematics system. Minor changes to the interior include a new glovebox lid, restyled door mouldings, revised instruments and a dashtop with a more prominent hood to block sunglare reflecting off the instruments. In addition, seats are trimmed in new red fabric and feature revised headrests
Driveaway pricing for the Ducato starts from $39,990 for the mid-wheelbase low-roof model with Dual Seat. The high-performance 2.3 150 engine is only available with the Extra-long wheelbase model, which features medium-height roof as standard.
Ducato pricing
Medium Wheelbase/low roof Dual Seat manual $39,990,00
Medium Wheelbase/low roof Dual Seat auto $42,990.00
Medium Wheelbase/Medium roof Dual Seat manual $42,990.00
Medium Wheelbase/Medium roof Dual Seat auto $45,990.00
Long wheelbase/Medium roof Dual Seat manual $45,990.00
Long wheelbase/Medium roof Dual Seat auto $49,090.00
Extra long wheelbase/medium roof Dual Seat manual $49,590.00
Extra long wheelbase/medium roof Dual Seat auto $52,890.00
Cab chassis manual $44,990.00
Cab chassis auto $47,990.00
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