Fiat Ducato scores new engines, more safety, price rise

FIAT Professional has axed its short-wheelbase Ducato van as part of a range-wide update which sees its entry price rise by almost $8000.

With the previously mid-range MWB (mid-wheelbase) Low Roof now opening the range up from $46,300 plus on-road costs, prices have risen by more than $3300 across the board with the biggest price jump being $3510 for the top-spec XLWB (extra-long wheelbase) Mid Roof.

Much of these price increases can be attributed to the Ducato’s new powerplant; an all-new 2.3-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine developing 130kW of power at 3500 rpm and up to 450Nm of torque (+50Nm).

A six-speed manual transmission remains as the default transmission choice for all variants besides the flagship XLWB which scores a new nine-speed ZF automatic as standard, a $2890 option on all other variants.

The new mill itself is Euro 6D compliant and features and Adblue tank, but like many current diesel engines, has its peak torque figure neutered when paired with the manual transmission, down from the aforementioned 450Nm to 400Nm – no official fuel consumption or CO2 emissions figures have been released yet.

Despite this however, FCA Australia says the new engine provides a smoother and torquier driving experience with Fiat Professional Australia brand and product strategy director Guillaume Drelon describing it as providing “ultimate comfort”.

“Whilst delivering more torque and a smoother drive, we’re also thrilled to now offer additional standard safety and convenience features within the Fiat Professional Ducato range,” he said.

These added safety features, including full brake control and lane departure warning, reverse camera, brake assist, roll-over mitigation and a hill holder, are the other contributing factors in the Ducato’s increased pricing.

An optional ($2910) ‘safety plus pack’ adds rain sensing wipers, and dusk sensing headlights, automatic high beam, traffic sign recognition, bind spot assist and rear cross path detection, fog lights, traction+ and all-season tyres.

The rest of the standard equipment list goes on largely unchanged, encompassing cruise control, a 5.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio with Bluetooth connectivity, leather multifunction steering wheel, manual air conditioning, bulkhead with viewing window, two-person passenger seat with three-point central seatbelt, 270-degree rear door opening, height adjustable driver’s seat and electric side mirrors.

For those wanting more equipment, the optional ‘comfort and tech pack’ ($2190) ups the ante with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

With no structural changes made to the body itself, the Ducato goes on offering between 10 cubic metres and 15 cubic metres of cargo space depending on the variant with a payload rating of between 1510kg and 2190kg.

FCA Australia shifted 408 Ducatos through the first seven months of this year, accounting for 4.2 per cent of the 3501-8000kg heavy commercial segment.

2020 Fiat Ducato pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs