As announced last month, the latest Ducato goes on sale alongside sister models the Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay focused on robustness/reliability, efficiency/low running costs and new high-tech content.
The latest model features a new exterior that’s intended to combine state-of-the art “car design” with LCV features to showcase functionality, efficiency and robustness. The new front end features new headlights with integrated daytime running lights, LED on Tecnico models, and a bold new grille design, finished in "chrome shadow" or "piano black" depending on the model. The chunky new front bumpers help to define the muscular look of the new Ducato and, because they're comprised of four sections, they also help reduce running costs by allowing repairs to be carried out on damaged portions only. Other measures intended to reduce maintenance and repair bills include headlamps located on sliding guides and a new single-piece bonnet that does away with separate plastic panels and offers greater access to the engine compartment.
There’s also a new interior intended to offer a comfortable, attractive and superbly functional cabin environment. While other markets offer a number of interior variants, the UK adopts the updated Techno cabin as standard across the range, with new seats, improved features and an exclusive, integrated Multifunction Tablet Holder. Meanwhile Bluetooth and MP3 playback is standard, while Tecnico versions feature five-inch colour touchscreen with a reversing camera, satnav and DAB
And the line-up offers advanced safety and driving-assistance devices available across the range, with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with ROM (Roll-Over Mitigation), LAC (Load Adaptive Control) and Hill Holder as standard. Further driving assistance features such as Traction+ with Hill Descent Control and cruise control with speed limiter are optionally available.
The engine line-up is said to offer the lowest emission and consumption levels in the segment thanks to its MultiJet II power units, with all models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. CO2 emissions for the entry-level 2.3 MultiJet II 110hp start at 170g/km with a fuel economy figure of 44.1mpg on the NEDC cycle. Both the 2.3 MultiJet II 130, which produces 130hp and 320Nm, and the 2.3-litre MultiJet II 150, with 150hp and 350 Nm, return even better economy and emissions figures when equipped with optional Start&Stop – 164g/km and 45.6mpg for both engines. The heavy-duty, 3.0 MultiJet Power 180, with 180hp and 400Nm of torque, has CO2 emissions of 203g/km and returns 36.7mpg on the NEDC cycle and, like every other engine in the FIAT Ducato range, has 30,000 mile service intervals to help lower service bills and reduce time the vehicle spends off the road for maintenance.
Other features include a claimed best gross vehicle weight (up to 4.25 tonnes), rear axle payload (up to 2,500kg) and overall payload (up to 2,100kg for vans) of the entire “single wheel” class.
The new Fiat Ducato is available to order now with first deliveries expected to take place in July 2014. Pricing for the new Ducato starts at £19,995 – an increase of £350 over the outgoing Ducato whilst prices for the FIAT Ducato chassis cab starts at £22,845.
