After three decades
and five generations, the new Fiat Ducato goes on sale in October 2011.
With an extended range of completely
new engines, the latest Ducato is cheaper to run than the model it replaces. A
new interior gives it a much more car-like cockpit while retaining the Ducato's
trademark functionality. And with more versions than ever before, Fiat is
offering the commercial vehicle buyer huge variety.
The three power outputs from the
previous Ducato's three engines will be replaced by four outputs from two
engine capacities on the new model. With a range of 110, 130, 148 and 177bhp
engines, buyers have the opportunity to specify one that's exactly suited to
their requirements.
Whichever engine they choose it'll
benefit from Fiat's latest MultiJet technology and comply with strict Euro 5
emissions legislation. It's also more powerful than the engine it replaces and
more economical, produces fewer CO2 emissions and has longer service
intervals.
The new Ducato's upgraded interior
employs the sort of high quality materials that up until now have been alien to
the commercial vehicle sector. New seats mean it's comfier while a complete
re-design of the dash makes it more stylish to look at.
With this new sense of panache comes
improved practicality. The re-designed dashboard now has a slot to accommodate
the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation unit. The integrated radio/CD
and MP3 player not only looks smart but can accommodate the latest generation
of Blue&Me. Vehicles specified with Blue&Me can also have eco:Drive
Professional, a version of Fiat's award-winning eco:Drive Fleet. This lets
drivers and fleet managers monitor how vehicles are being driven and alter
habits accordingly to improve economy and lower costs.