Fiat New Zealand has added a new Ducato version to its range that is ideal for today’s tough business conditions as its big enough to replace full size vans, but compact enough to also work as an urban delivery van and, with its new low A$52,990 cost plus low running costs, it can replace both a big and small van for a fraction of the cost.

With its new low roof and Short Wheelbase, the compact Ducato has a big van payload of 1.7 tonnes and a more than respectable capacity of eight cubic metres. Fitted with an advanced 2.3 litre 88 kW Turbo Diesel engine, the new compact Ducato is efficient, clean and powerful.

“The new compact Fiat Ducato is ideal for the changing face of business in New Zealand,” explains Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Fiat in New Zealand. “The new version of the Ducato can replace both smaller and bigger vans. Its 1.7 tonne payload and eight cubic metre load space means that it can compete with most big load carriers, but, at the same time its excellent running costs and, thanks to the low roof and compact size, its ability to get into car parks and tight spaces, it can also replace smaller urban delivery vans, making it the idea multi-purpose van. Add it in the new low cost and low running costs and the new Ducato makes an ideal tough van for tough times in the business world.”

The first generation Ducato was launched in Europe during 1981 and Fiat has now delivered more than two million Ducatos worldwide. The Fiat Ducato offers a distinctive cutting-edge look; it ensures top level comfort and performance; it offers a wealth of equipment - and it ensures low running costs. Not to mention the fact that load compartment access, productivity and payload are all class leading.

Higher load capacity and reduced running costs

Light commercial vehicle customers have always focused their attention on the practical and the rational: such as load capacity and running costs. The new Ducato meets these needs through an increase in size (greater volume) and also in load capacity (GVW and payload): both versions for New Zealand are now available with GVWs  of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of up to 1.7 tonnes. Plus vans with effective volumes up from 8.0 m3 to 13 m3 and interior length  from 2.6 to 3.7 metres. Not to mention the fact that the Ducato is built to ensure that goods loading and unloading operations can be carried out with greater ease: this is partly due to the reduced load platform ground clearance, which has been cut from the previous figure of 56 centimetres to 53 cm. The new Fiat light commercial vehicle is also outstanding for its reduced running costs: achievements include a significant reduction in fuel consumption (up to 16% less than the current Ducato); an increase in service intervals (45,000 km for a major service with oil and filer change at 22,500 km) and a significant reduction in repair costs.

Flexible and powerful engines

Customers who use the New Ducato as a working tool will prioritise reliability, low fuel consumption and reduced running costs but also driving flexibility and great torque available from low speeds for a responsive, satisfying drive even in town traffic. For this reason, the new model differs from the previous version in offering a new state-of-the-art Common Rail direct injection 16 valve turbo diesel engine with Multijet injection, the 2.3 litre 88 kW Multijet unit. This new engine is gentle on the environment, with Euro 4 compliance, and it is combined with a new six speed gearbox. It offers greater power, improved flexibility and, above all, a higher torque (from 250 to 400 Nm) at low rpm: for customers this means lively take-off and pick-up, great driving satisfaction, optimum comfort but above all reduced fuel consumption.

Maximum safety

Safe driving: this, in a nutshell, is the concept followed by designers throughout the development of the New Fiat Ducato. The aim was to ensure maximum practicality and qualities as far as preventive, active and passive safety are concerned. The improvements carried out set the new model at the peak of its category. Examples include a body with differential crumple zones, new braking systems with four disc brakes, the adoption of ABS with EBD and twin airbags throughout the entire range.

Driving comfort and onboard wellbeing

The new model confirms that the greatest attention has been paid to factors linked with ergonomics and also acoustic, climatic and vibration comfort. Onboard wellbeing is of paramount importance to the user of a commercial vehicle who spends long hours at the wheel under often demanding conditions. For this reason, the passenger compartment has been designed as a welcoming, well-lit, comfortable and quiet mobile office with a car-type driving position for ideal mental and physical conditions on the road. Plenty of space is also available (drawers, compartments and shelves) for possessions (PC, road maps and mobile phones).

One of the most versatile vehicles in its sector

The New Ducato maintains the tried and tested mechanical layout of its predecessors (front wheel drive and transverse engines) and offers two versions ideally suited for the New Zealand market: goods transport versions, people carrying conversions and bases for conversions and bodybuilders; 2 mechanical structures: 15” and 16” wheels and tyres; gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes; payloads from 1614 to 1714 kg; 2 wheelbases, 2 lengths and 2 heights for Van versions; 2 load compartment volumes from 8 to 13 m3; and a choice of glazed or unglazed vans.

Fully equipped

As with the previous Fiat Ducato range, the standard equipment list is extensive. All versions of the Fiat Ducato are equipped with such essential safety and security items as twin airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), twin mirror electrically adjustable door mirrors and remote control central locking, with a front passenger airbag and ASR traction control standard on the medium vans and the cab chassis. Comfort is ensured with folding armrests for the driver and front passenger, AirCon, power windows, cloth upholstery, digital audio system with CD player and controls on the steering wheel and windows in the rear doors with demisting elements.