Fiat's new-age load lugger

The vehicles were developed as a joint exercise by the three Euro manufacturers and are said to represent an important milestone in the partnership between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroen.

First things first: we will receive the new Ducato (it's the blue van in the adjacent picture) in the first half of 2007, but neither the Citroen nor the Peugeot version is earmarked for Australia.

As is the case with the existing vehicle, the new Ducato will be pitched against the likes of the Renault Master, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Iveco Daily.

Predictably, the Fiat press material suggests the revamped Ducato will set "new standards in terms of range variety, load capacity, performance, comfort and running costs".

The new model retains the mechanical layout of its predecessors (front-wheel drive and transverse engine) and will be offered in an assortment of guises, including goods transport versions, people-carrying variants and in 'naked' form as bases for conversions and coachbuilders.

Gross vehicle weights range from three to four tonnes and buyers will be able to choose between three wheelbases, four lengths and three heights for van versions. The cab-chassis range will come in four wheelbases and five lengths.

Engine choices comprise the latest-generation common-rail direct-injection 16-valve turbo-diesel units with power outputs ranging from 75kW to 117kW. All engines meet Euro 4 emission regulations and are mated to either five- or six-speed transmissions.

Fiat says the engines punch out high torque -- 250Nm to 400Nm -- at low revs to provide lively off-the-mark acceleration and good fuel economy.

The Ducato's safety arsenal includes ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and a driver's airbag as standard over the entire range. Up-spec versions in some markets will be offered with traction control and side/curtain/passenger airbags to further boost safety levels.

Fiat also boasts of a car-like driving position and an assortment of storage spaces (drawers, compartments and shelves) for stowing stuff such as a laptop, street directories and mobile phones.

Other technical highlights (that may be part of the options list) include self-levelling suspension and infotelematic equipment ranging from a Bluetooth hands-free phone to a multimedia player for MP3 files.