Launched alongside sister models, the Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay, the Ducato arrives as its predecessors having sold more than 2.6 million units from 1981 to date, with the model currently marketed in more than 80 countries worldwide.
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. Among the new features, are two different colours for the grill, skid plate, new 16-inch rims, new LED headlights and a three-part front bumper to reduce repair costs.
On the inside there’s three trims – Classic, Tecno and Lounge – with features including new seats and the exclusive Multifunction Tablet Holder that can be used with all devices such as smartphones, tablets and even pads of paper.
The new Ducato is said to boast the lowest emissions and fuel consumption in the category: starting from 5.8l/100 km and 158g/km of CO2 thanks to MultiJet II power units with 115-180hp. The Comfort Matic gearbox is available on all MultiJet 2.3 and 3.0 engines, with optimised configuration to match the various driving conditions and uses of the vehicle.
The latest model is also said to offer enhanced reliability and robustness thanks to reinforcements on the body and the closures, to optimised braking comfort and performance and enhancements to the lifespan of the suspensions and clutch. The brand adds that the Ducato boasts the best gross vehicle weight (up to 4.4 tonnes), weight on the rear axle (up to 2.5 t) and payload (up to 2.1 t for vans) of the entire “single wheels” category.
The new Ducato also improves on efficiency and running costs, focusing on kerb weight reduction and increased payload, both through the materials and elements employed – such as, for example, the special rear suspension in composite material – and the wider range of power units based on the "one-mission – one engine" strategy of the model.
Also included are new safety and driving assistance devices, as well as the new infotainment system. As standard on the whole range is the electronic stability control system (ESC) complete with rollover mitigation system, load and centre of gravity detection system (LAC) and Hill Holder. Servotronic is offered as standard on the MultiJet 2.3 and 3.0 engine versions, while further driving assistance systems are available on request, such as Traction+ (complete with Hill Descent Control system), lane departure warning system and road sign recognition system.
Infotainment has also been upgraded and all radios come complete with Bluetooth technology and MP3 player, up to the top-of-the-range version including 5" colour touchscreen, reversing camera, built-in navigation and digital radio (DAB) playback.
Finally, the new Ducato is said to offer the widest front-wheel-drive range on the market, with the various options in terms of body, engine and mechanics giving 10,000 variants for commercial vehicles, passenger transport and bases for conversions. Within the van range, there are eight different capacities, ranging from 8 to 17m3 and boasting the best efficiency in the category, according to Fiat, whilst new Ducato will be available in four lengths and three heights for vans, and six lengths for chassis cabs.
