Ducato tops new Fiat van range - Galway Independent

Home

Motoring

Ducato tops new Fiat van range

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 03 January 2007

The new Fiat Ducato van is available in 25 versions from launch. Fiat's new Ducato van range has arrived with entry prices from €21,800, incl. VAT.

2669

The new Ducato Panel Van range, which is designed to be the most versatile in its segment, encompasses panel van, drop-side truck and crew cab truck variants, chassis cabs as a base for conversion and a nine seat Commercial Passenger Vehicle, the Combinato.

It features larger dimensions, both within the passenger cab and to the length, height and width of a load compartment which now offers a maximum volume of 17m3. The new Ducato range offers an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) to a maximum of 4.0 tonnes and a driver-inclusive payload of up to 1850 kg.

The new Ducato LCV range has a choice of three Fiat MultiJet common rail, direct injection, 16 valve turbo-diesel engines - a 2.2 litre 100bhp unit, a 2.3 litre 120bhp variant, and a 3.0 litre engine producing 157bhp. To reduce NOx emissions, all three engines are fitted with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, with cooling of exhaust gases by recirculation controlled directly by the engine ECU. The exhaust gas post-treatment system completes gas oxidisation to ensure EURO 4 emission limits are met.

All three engines are transverse mounted, providing front-wheel drive through a range of robust, durable, manual gearboxes. Both 2.3 and 3.0 litre MultiJet engines are mated to new 6-speed manual transmissions, whilst the 2.2 litre MultiJet unit is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The front design of the new Ducato shows a higher position of the headlamps, which Fiat claim gives improved driver visibility. The higher position means that light lens are less vulnerable to damage, which Fiat claims helps to reduce annual running costs.

Another useful design feature is the use of a three section bumper. This gives lower repair costs in the event of an accident.

The new Ducato has a larger cab interior, to provide what Fiat claims is best-in-class cockpit room, driver and passenger seat position and posture, switchgear and instrumentation ergonomics, storage practicality, and acoustic, climatic and vibrational comfort. Fiat claims that the new van is quiet on the road, recording an outstanding 'articulation index'. This is the ease with which a conversation may take place at high speeds - of 49; an improvement of 5 over the outgoing model.

The new Fiat Ducato is available in one trim level, and boasts a comprehensive standard equipment specification which includes Servotronic variable power assisted steering, remote central locking with deadlocks, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a dual stage driver's airbag, electric windows, cargo area side panelling and load restraining belts, wax protection and an Autoradio 'high' stereo radio/CD/MP3 player.

In addition, the working capabilities of the new Ducato range may be further enhanced through self-levelling suspension, a second sliding door, 270 degree rear door opening, larger door mirrors, a fixed, full width steel bulkhead, a larger fuel tank and a tachograph, (standard equipment on versions above 3500 kg GVW).

Compared to the previous model, the new LCV's torsional rigidity has been increased by 30 per cent even though the new Ducato is 300 mm longer and the load compartment is bigger.

The new Fiat LCV also offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available today: ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends, which incorporates Fiat's Load Adaptive Control (LAC) for the first time. Vehicles fitted with the optional ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.

Comments (0) »