New Fiat Ducato Van Range

When It Comes To The Basic Qualities That You’d Expect From A Large Modern Panel Van, Fiat’s Latest Ducato Commercial Vehicle Can Tick All The Boxes. Steve Walker Finds Out If It’s Got What’s Needed To Go Above And Beyond Some Stiff Competition In The Sector…

When the Fiat Ducato first hoved into view at UK Fiat dealerships, the ‘Kevin Keegan’ bubble-perm was still a socially acceptable male hairstyle, Shakin’ Stevens was franticly twitching away at the top of the hit-parade and the holiday camp shenanigans of ‘Hi-De-Hi’ were gracing the nation’s TV screens. The year was 1981 and, thankfully, the world has moved on a bit from there. Today, the original Ducato is a rare thing indeed with most of them having long since bitten the dust (or been bitten by rust), but the model line lives on through the current version. A vehicle far removed from its 80s ancestor, incorporating modern engines with functional interiors, and one of which the Italian manufacturer justifiably expects great things.
Naturally, in the 21 years since its inception, the Fiat Ducato has gone through more image changes than chameleon on a traffic-light. In stages throughout the model’s lifespan, Fiat have thrown out everything bar the name and the current version represents yet another step forward from its immediate predecessor. There’s only so much you can do to update a panel van styling-wise. The prerequisite large load area restricts designers to boxy dimensions, so cosmetic updates are usually confined to minor detail tweaks rather than dramatic overhauls of the vehicle’s basic form. If you ever have to pick the current Ducato out of an ID parade, its distinguishing features include a prominent grille with double horizontal bars and a large Fiat badge. Below, three deep air-intakes characterise the front bumper. On each side, thick black rubbing strips run along the Ducato’s length and at the back, the long light clusters feature inclusive air vents, while a non-slip step has been cut into the rear bumper.

"Fiat’s JTD gives more power in a more accessible rev range to outperform its stablemates, so it could serve as the Ducato’s ace in the hole."
It’s worth pointing out that, by virtue of Fiat’s close commercial vehicle cooperation with Citroen and Peugeot, the Ducato is bordering on being identical to the large panel vans offered by the two French marques. There are some important differences however, and perhaps the most notable of these presents itself in the engine bay. The Ducato, like Citroen’s Relay and Peugeot’s Boxer, can be ordered with one of four engine options. There’s a quiet 2-litre petrol unit and three common-rail diesel options, including a 2-litre and a 2.8-litre. Where Fiat differ from the Gallic contingent of the alliance is in the fourth engine option. Ducato buyers can specify 2.3-litre JTD power, producing 110bhp at 3600 revs, where as the Relay and Boxer ranges are completed by a 2.2-litre HDi with 100bhp at 4,000rpm. Fiat’s JTD gives more power in a more accessible rev range to outperform its stablemates, so it could serve as the Ducato’s ace in the hole.
From a driver’s point of view, the Ducato gives a comfortable ride and Fiat have taken extensive steps towards reducing noise levels. There’s widespread soundproofing in the cab designed to cut road and engine racket but don’t expect too much. You are, after all, piloting a large metallic box and a fair amount of echoing background sound is to be expected – especially if the load bay is unoccupied. The Ducato’s hydraulic clutch system works well to curtail vibrations that can be felt through the pedal and the steering is power assisted - light enough to aid complex manoeuvres but still stable at higher speeds.
Without any input from the options list, the Ducato comes with a single passenger seat but a dual bench is available at no extra cost. If the latter is specified, it comes with a fold-down surface at the back that doubles as a desk for completing paperwork etc. Meanwhile, the driver gets to park him or herself on an ergonomically moulded, foam padded seat that’s adjustable enough to accommodate all but the most outlandishly proportioned users. Fiat have uprated the air distribution around the current Ducato; this means faster demisting of windows and more efficient heating on those bitter winter mornings. The standard heating system can also be supplemented by a choice of independent, stand-alone units, so chilly occupants don’t have to rely on the engine for warmth. Buyers get a drivers airbag as standard but will have to reach into their pockets to secure the passenger and side equivalents. Head-restraints are also standard specification.
The same front wheel drive layout is replicated across the Ducato range and after the engine brings you up to speed, Fiat have included a few hi-tec methods to stop you again safely. ABS brakes are undoubtedly a life saver and it would have been nice to see them included in the sticker price. As it is, they cost extra but the system includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and customers can also specify ASR - a gadget that reduces torque delivery or applies the brakes as required, if the front wheels begin to slip.
Choice isn’t going to be a problem for Ducato buyers. There’s an options list as long as your arm so, if you’re willing to pay for it, you can tailor a model to your precise needs. This is even before we get into the numerous bodystyles that take in payload capacities from 1,025kg to 1,545kg, three wheelbases, three vehicle heights as well as a plethora of chassis cabs, chassis cowls and minibuses. What might be a problem is justifying your purchase of a Ducato in light of the strong competition in the large panel van market. There’s certainly not much to fault the vehicle on and you should get solid back-up from a network of Fiat dealers with facilities geared strongly towards commercial vehicle users. In the end, any decision might come down to the kind of deal that your local Fiat outlet is prepared to offer but rest assured, the Fiat Ducato is a well-rounded value for money package. If you rate economy, technology and practicality highly, it’s unlikely to let you down.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Fiat Ducato range
ENGINES: (petrol) 2.0 / (diesel) 2.0 JTD, 2.3 JTD, 2.8 JTD
MAX SPEED: (2.3-litre JTD SWB) 93mph
MAX PAYLOAD: (panel vans) 1025kg-1545kg

Call Simon or Kam on 0845 371 1227.
> Click HERE to email us.