19.09.2006 FIAT AUSTRALIA INTRODUCE THE DUCATO LUXURY BUS

Fiat Australia has launched a luxury bus version of the Fiat Ducato which is aimed at the tourism and VIP transport market and it debuts with an automatic gearbox that is now an option available on the 2.8 litre versions of Fiat’s top-selling van.

Based on the acclaimed Fiat Ducato MaxiVan, the Ducato Luxury Bus inherits all the advantages that have made this vehicle so popular with motor home converters. By moving the entire drive train to the very front of the vehicle, the Ducato provides a low entry height — aided by a fold away step — and a spacious interior. The Ducato is both wider than and not as long as its rivals and this not only translates into additional interior space, it also means that a Ducato Luxury Bus can fit into a standard Australian parking space, adding to its versatility and ease of use.

The Ducato Luxury Bus is fitted with ten seats in the passenger compartment, all with full cloth upholstery and lap sash seatbelts. Additionally they are fitted with child safety seat attachments and folding armrests at the end of the two middle rows of seats. The interior of Ducato Luxury Bus is cloth lined with bright interior lighting. An additional air conditioning unit provides ventilation. Oversize windows ensure that the Ducato is also the ideal tourist vehicle.

Behind the rear most set of seats is a large luggage area, which is easily accessible through twin rear doors that open through 270° to go flat against the sides of the bus, making loading luggage in tight spaces easy and quick.
 
FIAT DUCATO LUXURY BUS

FIAT DUCATO LUXURY BUS

FIAT DUCATO LUXURY BUS


As with the normal Ducato, standard equipment is comprehensive with power steering, full remote operation of all door locks, ABS brakes, front air bags, digital CD audio system, four way door remote door mirrors and air conditioning all standard.

AUTOMATIC OPTION NOW AVAILABLE FOR DUCATO

With the arrival of the Fiat Ducato Luxury Bus, Fiat’s top selling van is now available with a sophisticated automatic gearbox that makes driving easier, safer and less demanding. The new gearbox is a four speed, fully electronic gear with three operational modes and fuzzy logic control to adapt to the driver’s style and road conditions. The lock-up torque converter boosts fuel economy.

In normal automatic mode the gearbox aims for economy and smoothness. Move into performance mode and the gearbox provides additional acceleration and engine-braking for demanding conditions and loads. Finally, the gearbox can be used in Tiptronic-style manual mode for complete driver control. All these operational modes are available from a gearstick control that is less than hand span away from the steering wheel.

“The Fiat Ducato has developed an enviable reputation as the ideal basis for motor home conversions,” says Chris Swann, General Manager for Fiat Commercial Vehicles in Australia. “With the arrival of the Ducato Luxury Bus we have taken all the in-built advantages that are in the Ducato for the motor home business and used them to produce the ideal vehicle for the VIP transport and tourism industry. The Ducato is spacious and comfortable, yet will slot into the standard Australian parking space. With the additional of the automatic gearbox, which will also strengthen our position in the motor home business, the Ducato is the ideal vehicle for the prestige tourism sector.” The Fiat Ducato Luxury Bus will have a recommended retail price in Australia of AUS$69,990.
 
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03.09.2006

The new Fiat Ducato has been the vehicle most in evidence at the Düsseldorf Camping and Caravan Show the most important European Fair in this sector, which attracts over 150,000 visitors each year

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