Fiat has launched the latest version of its Ducato large van, complete with an all-new range of Euro 5 engines. As with the recent Volkswagen Crafter and Iveco Daily launches, the engines are the big news and buyers should expect:

• Euro 5 compliance on all models;
• Improved fuel consumption;
• Reduced emissions;
• Improved power and torque;
• Improved performance and refinement.

Initial reviews of the Ducato have been very positive, especially with in terms of the performance, handling and comfort of the new van.

Engines & Transmission

The new UK model range is built around two engines – a 2.3l diesel and a 3.0l diesel. The 2.3l engine will come in three power outputs for the UK – 110bhp, 130bhp and 150bhp. Each will have a six-speed manual gearbox and Fiat says that the entry level 110bhp model will offer a 10% improvement in fuel consumption, 11% reduction in emissions and a 20% increase in torque when compared with the 100bhp 2.2l model it replaces.

The range-topping 3l engine offers 177bhp and a stonking 400Nm of torque from just 1,400rpm – an improvement on the old engine’s 1,700rpm figure for the same torque.

The dashboard of the new Ducato, showing the optional TomTom Blue&Me system

Service intervals on all of the new Ducato engines have been extended from 25,000 to 30,000 miles and all engines have a timing chain designed to last the lifetime of the engine – so no cambelt changes will ever be required.

Fiat’s Comfort-Matic automated manual transmission is available as an option with the 3-litre engine. This is a traditional manual transmission except there is no clutch pedal and the manual linkage to the gearbox is replaced by actuators controlled by a Transmission Control Unit. The shift is either performed automatically or the driver can use the gear lever to prompt changes by pulling backwards or pushing forwards.

The 2.3-litre engines (110, 130 and 150) are available with Fiat’s Start&Stop system. This automatically stops the engine when the van comes to a halt and is put in neutral. Releasing the brake or pushing the clutch re-starts the engine automatically. It’s estimated this can reduce fuel consumption by 15 per cent around town.

Sizes & Conversion Options

The new Ducato panel van is available in a range of sizes and shapes:

• Three wheelbases
• Four lengths
• Three heights
• Gross vehicle weight of 3,000kg – 4,000kg
• Payloads from 1,000kg to 2,000kg

A range of conversion options will also be available, including a minibus and single and twin cab chassis cab models.

Interior

The interior of the Ducato has been upgraded for this new model. The new cab features improved materials, upgraded seats, better sound proofing and more storage, as well as an adjustable steering wheel.

It is also possible to specify a TomTom ‘my port’ when ordering the van. This can then be used with a TomTom Blue&Me system to gather date for Fiat’s eco:Drive fleet management software, which allows drivers and fleet managers to monitor fuel consumption and driving habits in order to reduce running costs.

Final Thoughts

The Ducato has never been massively successful in the UK panel van sector, with neither courier firms nor tradesmen embracing the model very widely. Despite this, there are a lot on the road and it does have a strong presence in the conversion market, where its low, wide, front-wheel drive chassis cab platform has been hugely successful. The Ducato dominates the motorhome market throughout Europe and has sold more than 2.2m units in total in the 30 years it has been in production.

This new Ducato may look similar to its predecessor, but under the skin there are a raft of worthwhile improvements – not least the new engine range, which should provide improved performance with lower fuel consumption and emissions. It remains to be seen whether the Ducato will gain a stronger foothold in the UK van rental market – but initial impressions are good.