Rod Chapman•7 Nov 2014
NEWS
New Fiat Ducato on sale
The next generation of Fiat's Ducato light commercial vehicle has gone on sale at Fiat Professional dealerships around AustraliaFiat's heavily revised Ducato van has arrived in Australia, with the refreshed LCV available now in a choice of three wheelbases, four lengths, two heights and two GVMs.
In Australia the new Ducato is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The most powerful of the three engine formats available in Europe, it produces a claimed 130kW at 3500rpm and 400Nm at 1400rpm. That makes it the most powerful front-wheel-drive van in the segment, says Fiat.
A total of six variants are available; five vans and one cab/chassis. Two models have a GVM of 3510kg while the remaining four have a GVM of 4005kg, with payloads for the full range spanning 1560kg to 2110kg.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the short- and medium-wheelbase van models (and the cab/chassis) while Fiat's Comfort-Matic six-speed automated manual transmission is standard on the larger-wheelbase vans (and optional for the shorter ones).
Fiat claims the new model's fuel economy can dip as low as 7.2L/100km.
The new Ducato is said to bring passenger car comfort, safety and technology to the LCV sphere, with the revised cab boasting a new five-inch colour touch screen infotainment system (with Bluetooth and MP3 functionality), a two-person passenger bench seat (with two three-point seat belts), air-conditioning and a bulkhead with viewing window (van variants only). An optional reversing camera can be integrated with the touchscreen.
The Ducato's stability control system now encompasses rollover mitigation, along with a load sensing system, hill start assist, traction control and electronic braking assistance. Fiat's 'Traction+' system with hill descent control is available as an option, as is a lane departure warning system.
Other niceties include electronic cruise control and rear parking sensors (van models only).
Externally, the restyled front end features a new grille design and Daytime Running Lights with optional LEDs, along with a three-part front bumper to minimise repair costs.
Fiat says it's ploughed significant effort into minimising the Ducato's kerb weight to enhance fuel economy and payload, employing composite materials in the vehicle's rear suspension, among other measures. The brand also says the new Ducato delivers a stronger chassis, improved braking and performance, and a more durable suspension and clutch, while the 48,000 kilometre service intervals are sure to catch many a prospective buyer's eye.
Pricing for the new Ducato range is as follows:
SWB/low roof – $38,000
MWB/low roof – $40,000
MWB/medium roof – TBA
LWB/medium roof – $48,000
XLWB/medium roof – $52,000
Cab/chassis – $44,000
The pricing is certainly competitive with that of its main opponents, Ford's Transit (from $47,680), Iveco's Daily (from $40,000), Volkswagen's Crafter (from $45,500), Renault's Master (from $44,990), and Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter (from $46,290).
Competition is certainly heating up in this segment, with Ford's new Transit only reaching Australia in September, and revised models looming from Renault, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz.
Fiat Professional will be hosting the Australian media launch of the new Ducato – and the new Fiat Doblo – in early December. We'll bring you a full report on both models after that launch.
Tags
Fiat
Ducato
Car News
Light Truck
Tradie Cars
Written byRod Chapman
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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