The Fiat Ducato van range has proven to be a major sales success in Australia, with sales up 62 per cent so far this year and 80 per cent in October alone, and Fiat plan to build on this success in the large van sector with the addition a new short wheelbase version of the Fiat Ducato which, at a recommended retail price of just AUS$35,990, makes Ducato more affordable than ever before and takes it into a whole sector of the market. "The new short wheelbase Ducato retains everything that has made Ducato a success and delivers it in a new smaller, more affordable size," says Chris Swann, General Manager for Fiat Commercial Vehicles in Australia. "This means it is comfortable, fully equipped, easy to drive, quick to load, economical and very durable. The new 2.3 litre JTD Turbo diesel suits this size of vehicle perfectly, with the ideal blend of performance and economy that this market sector demands. The new Ducato SWB delivers the goods, both to customers and the company accountant."

The key figures for the Ducato - 2.3 litre 81 kW advanced turbo diesel engine, a 1.5 tonne payload and 6.7 cubic metres of space accessible through rear barn doors and side sliding doors on both sides - indicate that the new Ducato SWB clearly starts of ahead of the pack. But this is just part of the story. First of all, it is very well equipped, boasting an interior clearly designed for work and all the features required on the road, such as AirCon, remote central locking for both load area and passenger doors, Radio/CD player, electric remote control door mirrors, twin mirrors on both sides for extra safety and a driver's air bag. Secondly the drivetrain is much more than the advanced turbo diesel engine.
 

The Ducato has a chassis that makes the Ducato comfortable and easy to drive, regardless of the load in the back. This reduces driver fatigue, boosts safety and improves productivity. The arrival of the new Ducato SWB expands the Fiat Ducato range to include three vans, the new SWB with a 6.7 cubic metre load area, the medium van with 8.1 cubic metres and the high roof, long wheel base with 12 cubic metres of load space. All vans have a 1.5 pay load, adding to their flexibility and versatility. The medium and high roof vans, as befits their larger size, are powered by the 2.8 litre 93.5 kW JTD engine. In addition, there is a range of cab chassis versions of the Ducato, available to special order, and the High Roof/Long Wheel Base Ducato is also available fully glazed for motor home and minibus conversions.

"The Fiat Ducato now offers versions and variants to cover the vast majority of light commercial applications and it is priced and equipped to beat its rivals," says Chris Swann. "I am sure there can be little doubt that the outstanding success that the Ducato has already enjoyed in Australia is just the beginning and the new Ducato SWB will take our sales to new levels!"