Italian marque rolls innovative van offerings into the competitive Australian fray
Fiat’s large van offering, the Ducato, has been given a boost with a raft of new features, a new look and a boost in power.
The front wheel drive Ducato has been given a more serious face said to have been inspired by a gladiator’s helmet.
However, optional LEDs out front, daytime running lamps and a new three piece bumper and radiator grille square off what was previously a rather bulbous front end.
The 3-litre multijet engine provides 130kW of oomph and 400Nm of pull to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automated transmission.
Wheel bases across the range start at 3,000mm and stretch to 4,035mm and there is now the option of a medium wheel base cab chassis.
Payloads start at 1,560kg and top out at 2,110kg for the LWB medium roof van. While load area volumes start at 8 cubic metres and go up to 15 cu m.
The “Robotized” Comfort-Matic transmission is now standard kit on the long and extra-long wheel base versions of the Ducato.
An interior revamp also includes a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The new Ducato starts at $38,000 manufacturer’s recommended price (MRP).
The Doblo mini-van however is an all-new vehicle for the Australian market.
The new van joins the sales tussle in a segment that was kick started by and dominated ever since by the Volkswagen Caddy.
The Doblo features the car-like layout that makes these vehicles increasingly popular.
Four engines are available a 1.6-litre diesel with 66kW and 200Nm, 77kWand 290Nm, a 2-litre diesel with 99kW and 320Nm, and a 1.4-litre petrol with 70kW and 127Nm.
The base petrol powered model uses a 5-speed manual transmission while the diesel models get an extra gear. Interestingly for this kind of van an automated transmission is available with the SWB diesel model.
Payloads start at 750kg at max out at 1,000kg. Cargo area volume is 3.4 sq m for the SWB model and 4.2 sq m for the LWB Maxi model.
Double sliding doors are standard and there’s the option of either barn doors or tailgate at the rear.
Climate control and Bluetooth are standard kit and diesel variants get cruise control and parking sensors.
The Doblo starts at $22,000 MRP for the 1.4-litre petrol variant.