ESP is a safety device that uses information supplied by various sensors to check whether a vehicle is cornering safely or not. If the ESP computer believes the vehicle is going to skid, it brakes the appropriate wheel or reduces engine power to counteract the imbalance.
ESP also incorporates a host of other technologies, including LAC,HBA and ASR systems. Load Adaptive Control (LAC) identifies the size of the load and the vehicle’s centre of gravity to enable the systems to work at peak effectiveness. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) increases braking pressure under emergency conditions, and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) acts on individual brakes or temporarily reduces the power delivered to the engine to counteract the effects of wheels skidding.
A traction control system that improves vehicle handling on difficult terrain, called Traction+, is also available across the Ducato range. Priced at £150, the system comes with a choice of multi-season or winter tyres, priced at £200.
Sebastiano Fedrigo, director, Fiat Professional UK, said: ‘The addition of ESP as standard on Ducato reinforces further Fiat Professional’s commitment to its customers.
‘We have acted positively, in advance of any future legislation, and are committed to providing safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly transport solutions to businesses and fleets.
‘Together with our latest MultiJet II engine technology, the addition of ESP has further differentiated our product against the competition, making it one of the best options for operators not only in terms of running costs but also for comfort and safety.’