Fiat unloads new Ducato

FIAT'S largest light-commercial vehicle has landed in Australia priced from $38,000, plus on-road costs, bringing more power, better fuel economy and a new shorter wheelbase entry level variant to the Ducato range.

A raft of new 'car-like' features and technology also accompanies the new version with more comfortable interiors, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5.0-inch touchscreen and reversing camera available range-wide.

Despite the more car-like features Fiat says the latest version of its big van has even more workhorse durability, reducing running costs with easy repairs and 48,000km service intervals.

Power across the range has been given a boost with a new larger four-cylinder MultiJet diesel engine growing from 2.4-litres of the previous generation to 3.0-litres, but despite the increase in capacity, fuel consumption is as little as 7.2 litres per 100km.

Australian versions of the 3.0-litre diesel engine lose 4kW over European equivalents at 130kW but share the same 400Nm of torque, and unlike the previous generation, all variants will get the same engine output.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, but an optional six-speed Comfort-Matic automatic transmission is also available for all variants.

Fiat's previous-generation Ducato range kicked off with 3450mm wheelbase variant, but in its sixth incarnation base versions have a shorter 3000mm stretch between front and rear axle centres.

The short-wheelbase Ducato has a low roof, 8000 litres of cargo area and a maximum payload of 1560kg.

Customers wanting the previous entry-level wheelbase can move up to the next variant which offers a larger 10,000 litre cargo area but a reduced payload of 1480kg.

Two medium height roof options are available with either 3450mm medium or 4034mm long wheelbases offering 11,500-litres and 13,000-litres of space and 1915kg and 2110kg payloads respectively.

An extra long wheelbase tops out the range with 15,000 litres of space and a 2065kg payload, while a Cab Chassis variant allows the retrofitting of custom bodies to its 3800mm wheelbase.

Largest versions of the Ducato have a gross vehicle weight of 4005kg allowing the whole range to be driven on a passenger vehicle licence.

All versions have a three seat front row with a centre spot that can convert into a work table for paperwork or similar, new information and entertainment systems, driver and passenger airbags and three interior trim levels.

On the outside, the new look Ducato has optional LED running lights, facelifted styling and a three-piece front bumper which allows cheaper and easier repairs.

The Ducato's rear suspension incorporates composite materials for overall vehicle weight saving, while testing in various global regions has given the new van range a tougher chassis, improved braking and more durable suspension and clutch components.

ESC, load centre of gravity detection, rollover mitigation, hill-hold, anti-slip and electronic brake assistance systems are all fitted as standard, while Traction+ with hill-descent control and lane departure warning are optional.

All versions have reversing sensors and 270-degree opening rear doors, except Cab Chassis versions.

The new Ducato range is available to order through Fiat Professional dealerships now.

2014 Fiat Ducato range*

Short wheelbase/Low roof	$38,000
Medium wheelbase/Low roof	$40,000
Medium wheelbase/Medium roof	$TBC
Long wheelbase/Medium roof	$48,000
Extra long wheelbase/Medium roof	$52,000
Cab Chassis	$44,000

*Excludes on-road costs.