Fiat Professional has introduced into the showrooms a 'sports' trim specification, lifestyle application focused version of the Fullback, its recent rebadge of Mitsubishi’s L200 pickup, which it has dubbed the Fullback Cross.
The Fullback Cross aims to appeal to the fast growing pickup leisure market segment, which now accounts for almost a quarter of sales in the markets where the Fullback is being sold, primarily Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Pickup sales overall as also growing in these markets and the Fullback gives Fiat Professional a ready-made entry into the sector.
The Fullback is based on Mitsubishi’s L200 fifth generation pickup truck (widely badged as the ‘Triton’) and is assembled at Laem Chabang in Thailand. On the standard Fullback the upper and lower front grilles are swapped for Fiat’s own styled versions as are the badges all round. It debuted at the Dubai Auto Show at the end of 2015 and sales started last year.
The new Fullback Cross, which has been widely trailed in ‘show truck’ format, sees new style front grilles introduced as part of a sporty trim makeover. The chrome finished body styling details of the Fullback are now finished in a black texture to add further to this theme, including the rear bay sport bar, door mirrors, door handles and the wheel arch covers while the 17-inch wheels are now finished in matte black. The side steps are of a new design and are also finished in black to complete the makeover.
The trim upgrade is complimented by a high specification standard equipment list which includes bi-Xenon headlights, LED DRLs, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and leather seats and steering wheel. The front seats are also heated, with electric adjustment on the driver's side. The standard features list is completed by the navigation system with 7" touchscreen, DAB radio, CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth, USB port, seven airbags (including driver's kneebag), electronic stability control, trailer stability assist, lane departure warning (LDW) and hill start assist.
The Fullback Cross carries over the four different modes, as well as rear differential lock. The touch of a button allows the user to switch from two-wheel drive mode, ideal for fuel-saving, to all-wheel drive with a Torsen central differential for off-road use. In addition, Fullback Cross offers its driver the option of low-range gears and, for the most extreme terrains, mechanical locking of the rear differential.
In double cab configuration, the Fullback Cross’s dimensions are, length 5.28 m - width 1.81 m - height 1.815 m - wheelbase 3.00 m. In spite of its size, the Fullback Cross leads its segment in terms of agility: the turning circle diameter - just 11.8 metres - is best-in-class. As yet another plus factor, the rear parking camera is supplied as standard while the Fullback Cross is able to transport up to 1.1 tonnes and tow 3,100 kg, enough to overcome any challenge.
Under the bonnet is a 2.4 litre aluminium turbodiesel engine of 180 HP (133 kW) with torque of 430 Nm at 2500 rpm, with electronic variable valve timing All this optimises fuel saving and emissions while delivering optimal torque and power throughout the operating range. The Fullback Cross also offers two transmissions: manual six-speed or automatic five-speed, the latter with steering wheel paddles for a dynamic, exciting driving experience.
Complementing the standard equipment is an optional weatherproof aluminium retractable tonneau cover branded by Mopar. Ideal for protecting the load from dirt and weather, hard-wearing and secure, it’s made of black, aluminium-clad polymer fabric and is quick and easy to install; what is more, it has a lock and key to keep the cargo safe. This accessory extends the already wide selection of over one hundred available for the Fullback. The expansion process will continue next year with the introduction of new specialised accessories, like a winch, front bar and new 18-inch rims, which can be ordered when the car is configured and fitted directly at the production plant.
