New Euro 5 Ducato hits UK showrooms

Fiat Professional dealers have added a new weapon to their armory this month with the arrival of a new line-up of Euro 5-engined Ducatos. While it was about it, Fiat also took the opportunity to give the cab interior and dash a makeover.

Gross vehicle weights range between three and four tonnes, while payloads go from 1,000kg to 2,000kg, including the driver. There’s a choice of four body lengths, three wheelbases and three roof heights resulting in load volumes spanning 8.0m³ to 17.0m³.

Based on the previous generation 2.3- and 3.0-litre diesels, the four new powerplants offer a choice of outputs ranging from 110hp to 177hp. They offer more torque than their predecessors while at the same time being significantly more fuel efficient — and consequently cleaner — and service intervals have stretched to 30,000 miles.

The 2.3-litre units can be specified with Start&Stop; it cuts the engine when the Ducato comes to a standstill in neutral, and restarts it automatically when the clutch is depressed. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on every model, but the 3-litre can be specified with the six-speed Comfort-Matic automated manual ’box.

Other options include Daytime Running Lights and the Traction+ system. The latter uses the ESP system to simulate the behaviour of a self-locking differential. When one of the driven front wheels spins on a slippery surface, or over poor terrain, the brakes are applied to that wheel as torque is transferred to the wheel with better grip simultaneously. The system is operated by a dash-mounted button and can be engaged at speeds of up to 19mph.

Inside the cab, the new Ducato gets new, more supportive seats and the dash has undergone a re-design to freshen it up. This includes a built-in powered cradle for a Blue&Me TomTom LIVE sat nav head unit. The integrated MP£-compatible radio/CD player can integrate with the latest generation of Blue&Me. Specify this from the options list and it can be mated to eco:Drive Professional, an LCV-specific version of Fiat’s eco:Drive Fleet. It lets drivers and fleet managers monitor how vehicles are being driven and alter habits accordingly to improve economy and lower fuel costs.

Naturally, Ducato isn’t just available as a panel van. It can also be had as a crew van, chassis cab, chassis crew cab and a minibus. Fiat will be rolling out a selection of the most popular off-the shelf conversions in the near future.

Click here for a PDF of the price list.

For more detailed information check out our Launch Report from the European press introduction.