Let's be honest, up until now in the UK, the Fiat Ducato has not set the Light Commercial Vehicle world on fire, at best it has been seen as a cheap way of buying yourself a 'big Transit sized van' or offering an opportunity to acquire a shiny, brand new van as opposed to a 2 year old 'previously owned' up-market Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Volkswagen LT.
Of course the situation is not helped, from a sales perspective, by the fact that it's 'badgeengineered' through the SEVEL Group as the Peugeot Boxer and of course the Citroen Relay (or Jumper in the rest of Europe).
For those of you unfamiliar with SEVEL (Societa Europea Veicoli Leggeri) it was established in 1978 and is a joint venture between Fiat Group and the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group.
By 1981 the group had built a factory at Val di Sangro in Italy and in its first year output was 350 vehicles per day. The plant was then extended to cope with the manufacture of more products, until levels reached the current capacity of 900 vehicles per day. In fact at the end of last year a total of 3 million vehicles had been built, meaning that if these vehicles were placed end to end, they would form a line 15,000 km long, roughly the distance between Val di Sangro and Sydney.
As John Fife reported last month when he visited the plant, the joint venture between the Groups has been 're-signed' and extended to 2017. This has allowed all parties to invest significantly with more than 1.1 bn Euros having been invested, of which 700 million are earmarked for the development of the new product and equipping of the suppliers. The other 400 million Euros have been set aside to extend the panel and assembly shops, add new production machinery, produce a new logistics depot and a new paint shop equipped with the latest technology.
Whilst these types of badge engineered products create issues for the respective dealer networks the advantages at manufacturer level is enormous as three manufacturers basically share the overheads and cut two thirds off their development and production costs!
Ducato - The Story so Far
The original Ducato was 'born' in 1981 and sales increased steadily until it reached a turning point in 1994 with the launch of the second series which resulted in Ducato being awarded the title 'Van of the Year 1994'.
In 1997, we saw the arrival of the Sofim 2.8 i.d. TD engine (122 bhp, 285 Nm of torque), a natural development of the 2.5 TDI. Two new versions of the Fiat Ducato were also created: the Panorama and Combi with medium wheelbase and high sides that offered greater roominess, more comfort and more luggage space. The conversion base range also benefited from specific options and version variants able to help bodybuilders.
In 2000, came the arrival of the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD Common Rail engine with 127 bhp and 300 Nm of torque (the most popular member of the range). Two years later the third generation Fiat Ducato arrived which even included a Bipower version - duel fuel methane and petrol systems - while more recently the lively 2.8 JTD POWER was introduced, a common rail turbo diesel with variable geometry turbine and intercooler that developed 146 bhp and a torque figure of 310 Nm (as opposed to the 127 bhp and 300 Nm of the 2.8 JTD with fixed geometry turbo).
The Light Commercial Vehicle Market
Over the past ten years, the European light commercial vehicle market has enjoyed a growing trend, rising from some 1,300,000 units in 1995 to more than 2 million in 2005. Ducato is one of Europe's best sellers (100,000 sold in 2005). In the leisure conversion sector, the Fiat model has achieved European leadership in recent years as two out of three camper vans are now built on Ducato bases.
Range Overview
Whilst developing the new vehicle Fiat have obviously taken the opportunity to expand the range and tackle a few of the apparently 'sacred cows' - in fact you have the impression someone at the top has been reading 'sacred cows make the best burgers' as we have 4 important firsts :
No petrol options at all in the line-up
A 4 tonne vehicle
17 cubic metre van version
2400 kgs on a single wheel rear
axle (3.5 / 4 tonne GVW)
All this translates into New Ducato offering an extremely diversified range and more than 2000 versions, 150 options and 120 colours. These are distributed between:
Vans with single and crew cabs, people carrying versions (Panorama, Combi; Minibus and School bus) and Chassis cabs, Chassis cowls, Crew cabs
2 mechanical categories: 15" wheels (GVW from 3, 3.3 and 3.5 tonnes) and 16" wheels (3.5 to 4 tonnes !)
Payload (including the driver) from 1 to 2 tonnes
3 wheelbases (3000, 3450, 4035 mm) and 4 lengths for Vans
Exterior length: from 5 to 6.4 metres
Interior length: from 2.7 to 4.1 metres
Load compartment interior
width: 187 centimetres.
Width between wheelarches greater than 142 cm (a true record for the segment)
3 interior heights from 166 to 217 centimetres
7 load compartment volumes from 8 to 17 m
3 different sliding side door and rear door sizes
Reduced load platform ground clearance (53 centimetres);
4 wheelbases (3000, 3450, 3800, 4035 mm) and 5 lengths for chassis cab and chassis cowl versions
Maximum permitted loads up to 2100 kg on the front axle and up to 2400 kg on the rear
As far as tyres are concerned versions with 15" wheels are fitted as standard with 215/70 tyres (225/70 tyres are optional). Versions with 16" wheels are fitted as standard with 215/75 tyres (options are 225/75 for camping /motor homes).
Fiat are also developing a methane gas engine as well as an automatic gearbox for the 3 litre engine and of course PV< will keep you posted.
The full UK line-up has yet to be confirmed so please wait and check with your local dealer before ordering that 4 tonne 17 cubic metre Tipping Ambulance!
Outside
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, for me at least, I liked the Ducato. With its very high profile front bumper and headlights, it's a bit like a cross between the Vivaro / Trafic / Primastar and the Iveco Daily.
Don't panic about parts pricing though as that exceptionally large front bumper is divided into 3 sections. This helps to save replacement costs with the high sections on the corner also helping to reduce 'parking damage'.
The large polycarbonate headlights, also incorporating the direction indicator functions, are placed above the bumper to reduce the chances of accidental damage and as a pleasant surprise the drag coefficient of 0.31 places it amongst the best in its sector.
As you walk around to the side the plastic protection extends along the full length of the vehicle although the front and rear wheelarches are only protected on the Maxi or big cube versions.
The rear side-opening doors are equipped, at the bottom, with a moulding to protect against impact while the rear bumper protects the vehicle and is equipped with a sill coated in an anti-slip material that allows easy access to the load compartment. The original upright, two-tone (red/white) tail lights frame the rear doors and the third brake light is incorporated in the aerodynamic spoiler located in the upper architrave of the rear doors. The number plate holder, flush with the body, is fitted on the left door flap with the Fiat logo above it.
In Cab
The driver's seat is equipped as standard with 3 way adjustment for backrest height, reach and rake adjustments (as an option, it may be heated and come with lumbar and armrest adjustments). The seats are designed for wraparound comfort and are covered in cloth, velvet and imitation leather (according to the specification) and you can also adjust
the steering wheel and height of the armrest. Passenger seats are available as single or dual and I think the standard UK specification will have the dual seat.
The dual passenger seat comes standard with an equipped central console that may be folded down to make a practical table with two can holders, a paper holder and a compartment for housing a portable computer, for example. Storage compartments are located under the driver's seat, under the passenger seat and also under the bench. Versions used for camping car conversions may also be fitted with rotating front seats with a double armrest, height adjustment and integral seatbelt.
Dashboard
The new dashboard features a two-tone treatment (grey outer frame and dark grey inner body) and Fiat has designed it with various controls, dials and compartments arranged at various depths. This gives the dashboard a 3D effect and emphasises the breadth of the passenger compartment.
The central module encloses all the main vehicle controls in an easily accessible area, from the dash-mounted gear lever to the climate control adjustment knobs, from the 'Blue&Me' (more about this later) system buttons to the radio controls.
The four-spoke steering wheel is made out of soft, energy-absorbing foam material and the side spokes can optionally be fitted with controls for operating the Cruise Control and radio without taking your hands off the wheel. Otherwise the two column switches are for controlling the exterior lighting controls while also managing the windscreen wiper, Trip Computer and Cruise Control functions.
Storage
Next to the gear lever is a bottle holder, cigarette lighter and a compartment that may contain an ashtray. The roomy compartment lower down (lockable) can also conveniently house a laptop computer.
On the right side a module (for left hand drive versions) contains the following, starting at the top: a refrigerated box (combined with the climate control system) that can hold a 1.5 litre bottle, a passenger airbag (optional) or a roomy open compartment divided into two. Below, is also a compartment with a flap.
Desk
There is a 'desk' section located in the upper part of the New Ducato dashboard and it provides a place for documents and note-pads and also folds down when not in use and acts as a paper holder.
Instrument panel
The new elliptical instrument panel is located under a prominent antiglare dome and allows information to be read easily and immediately under all lighting conditions. From left to right you will find the speedometer, rev counter, water temperature indicator and fuel gauge. At the bottom, the digital trip computer display is available in two versions according to the specification. This offers clock and trip counter or milometer functions. It can also indicate the engine oil level, remind you when your next service is due and indicate faults by means of warning lights.
Engines
There's a full range of diesel only power units all using the latest generation Common Rail direct injection turbo diesels (Multijet) with ratings between the 100 bhp 2.2 Multijet, the 120 bhp 2.3 Multijet (a 130 bhp version is available for the Motorhomes) and a 157 bhp 3.0 Multijet. It's perhaps a surprise considering the power offering in Sprinter, Volkswagen and also Fiat's sister company Iveco.
The 2.3 and 3.0 Multijet units were combined with two new 6-speed gearboxes that are differentiated on the basis of the levels of torque delivered by the engine, while a 5- speed device is fitted to the 100 bhp 2.2 unit.The Multijet system fitted to second generation JTD engines. This system represents the most technologically advanced solution for controlling high injection pressures (up to 1600 bar), irrespective of engine rpm and the quantity of fuel injected. Compression is not linked only to engine rotation speed, but also to various parameters indicated by the control unit by means of dedicated sensors (air and diesel temperature, engine rpm, accelerator, brake and clutch pedal position, vehicle speed, air and diesel pressure).
The key element of this system is the electronic control unit, which may make a series of injections that can be very closely spaced (hence the term Multijet). During each engine stroke, the number of injections may rise to as many as five instead of the conventional two. Fiat says the advantages include lower running noise, reduced emissions and an increase in performance.
Architecture of the Three Power Units
All the new Ducato power units feature four cylinders in line - with four valves per cylinder and a twin overhead camshaft - and a fixed geometry turbine with intercooler. The engine cylinder head is manufactured from aluminium alloy while the engine block is in cast iron. The pistons are equipped with a cooling gallery (the geometry of the intake and exhaust ducts
has been optimised).
To favour fast cold starts, the electric fuel pump is submerged in the tank. This also offers the benefit of increasing the durability of the diesel filter and, if the fuel runs out, allows immediate restarting of the fuel supply without the need for service operations. This new pump allows improved overall performance.
To reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, all these engines are equipped with an EGR system with cooling of exhaust gases by recirculation, controlled directly by the engine control unit. The exhaust gas post-treatment system (consisting of a pre-catalytic conversion and a main catalytic converter) complete gas oxidisation to ensure the new Euro 4 emission limits are met.
2.2 100 Multijet
This engine offers a steady torque curve from 1500 to 2700 rpm, which helps with better urban use. It's a four cylinder in line unit with a capacity of 2198 cc and 16 valves, which develops a maximum power of 100 bhp (74 kW) at 2900 rpm and a torque of 250 Nm at 1500 rpm.
The combustion system uses a new design of air intake ports in the cylinder head and the pistons are equipped with a new piston bowl geometry plus cooling galleries.
As far as service intervals are concerned, an oil change is required every 40,000 km and the timing chain is guaranteed for life.
2.3 120 Multijet
This new engine, a development of the tried and tested 2.3 JTD 110 bhp unit on the previous Ducato, and according to Fiat it has been designed for a longer effective life (300,000 km) and much longer service intervals, oil and filter change every 45,000 km (5.5 litres of oil) and timing belt change every 240,000 km. Due to its Multijet injection system, the brand new 2.3 Multijet engine delivers a maximum power output of 120 bhp (88 kW) at 3600 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 2000 rpm, with a constant torque from 2000 to 2800 rpm. It utilises a turbocharger with wastegate valve that allows partial, progressive return of a proportion of exhaust gases at engine speeds higher than 2200 rpm.
For Euro-4 legislation, the 120 bhp 2.3 Multijet is also fitted with a system incorporating an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve that is controlled by the control unit and partly recirculates the exhaust gas to contain emissions while the heat exchanger cools recycled gases before returning them to the combustion chamber.
A motor home only version of the 2.3 Multijet develops 130 bhp (95.5 kW) at 3600 rpm and 320 Nm torque at 2000-2800rpm.
3.0 160 Multijet POWER
This is the most powerful engine in the new Ducato range with a capacity of 2999 cc, a maximum power of 157 bhp (115.5 kW) at 3500 rpm and maximum torque of 400 Nm at a practically constant 1700 to 2500 rpm.
As with the 120 bhp 2.3 Multijet unit, the 157 bhp 3.0 also uses a turbocharger with wastegate. The injectors are located directly inside the combustion chamber and controlled by the ECU while an EGR valve recirculates the exhaust gas flow. This unit also makes use of an electric fuel feed pump submerged in the tank. This offers the advantage of increasing the durability of the diesel filter and, if the fuel runs out, allowing fuel delivery to be restored immediately without the need for servicing.
Suspension
The new Ducato retains the same basic front wheel drive system (with front transverse engine) and suspension layout (MacPherson system at the front, rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear) as before but with slight improvements to the coil springs and wheel struts. The story is the same at the rear, but the load height has been reduced and the track has been increased for the motorhome versions.
Perhaps the two key elements of the rear suspension are the ability for Ducato to carry 2400 Kgs on the rear, due to the new square section tubular axle, and secondly there is a very impressive self levelling rear air suspension which I had the opportunity to experience during the ride and drive.
It ensures constant attitude under all load conditions and allows the rear load threshold to be reduced (up to 70 mm) to facilitate goods loading/unloading operations or to raise the vehicle at the rear to improve the ramp angle and/or passing over an obstacle beneath the vehicle. Compared to normal suspension systems, the load threshold level is lower and allows the user to lower it still further by means of buttons on the dashboard. For safety reasons, the attitude may be adjusted only with the vehicle at a standstill while the buttons are active even with the engine off. In detail, 11 positions may be selected (5 lifting, 5 lowering in addition to position 0, which corresponds to the driving level). Once adjusted, the attitude remains set to a speed of 15 km/h. Once this speed has been exceeded, the attitude is automatically restored
to the nominal driving height.
Chassis Safety & Security
All variants are front wheel drive and incorporate ventilated discs on the front and solid discs on the rear helping the next generation ABS8 anti lock braking system consisting of an EBD electronic brakeforce distributor. As an option ESP is available and cuts in under emergency conditions to control the vehicle in dynamic manoeuvres. With ESP you also get:
LAC (Load Adaptive Control): The new Ducato is the first Fiat vehicle to offer this new product. It takes the form of an adaptive load control system that identifies the vehicle's load conditions while driving, in particular, the total mass and the centre of gravity. As these parameters change, the settings and operating thresholds of the ABS, ASR and ESP functions are adapted.
Hill Holder: This system assists the driver on hill starts. It operates when the ESP control unit perceives a change in vehicle gradient by means of a longitudinal acceleration sensor located on the cab floor under the passenger seat. During hill starts, the control unit cuts in when first gear is engaged and both brake and clutch pedals are pressed. Front caliper pressure is thus maintained for about 2.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released so that the driver can set off with ease.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance): This hydraulic braking assistance automatically increases brake circuit pressure during emergency braking.
ASR (Anti Slip Regulation): The ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system, an integral part of the ESP, optimises traction at any speed with the aid of the brakes and engine control.
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung): The MSR system, an integral part of the ASR, cuts in in the event of sudden gear changes, while shifting down, to restore torque to the engine and thus prevent excessive driving of the drive wheels that could lead to a loss of vehicle stability, particularly under conditions of low grip.
Cargo Area
New guide rails have been fitted to the side loading door and the rear cargo doors can open to 90 and 180 by means of a pushbutton located on the door panel (as an option, the doors may also be provided with a 270 opening).
It is also much more convenient to get into the vehicle from the back now a footboard has been built into the bumper.
An optional 12 volt power point maybe fitted near the right side pillar near the two sideopening rear doors and connecting a torch or a lamp for lighting the load for example. Higher volume vans can be fitted with up to two 15 watt courtesy lights (as an option, one may be removed and used as arechargeable torch). The rear courtesy light comes on automatically when the doors are opened and is also on a timer to prevent it being left on too long.
Dependent on the wheelbase a number of load hooks are fitted as standard to the floor that fold away so they do not get in the way during loading and unloading operations. Another 4 hooks at the level of the side panel waistline are also positioned near the structural nodes.
To protect the vehicle walls from impact due to load movements, the exterior sides are coated with thermoformed panels up to waist height.
Two types of partition are also available to separate cab from load compartment. The first fully glazed and coated with soundabsorbent material (cab side), the second equipped with a sliding door communicating with the load compartment. Both partitions meet DIN 75410 safety regulations for the protection of the driver from possible intrusions of the load into the cab.
The standard specification of the new Ducato offers a steel ladder to protect the driver.
The Blue&Me system
'Blue&Me' is a 'Windows' Mobile based device arising out of a joint venture between Fiat Auto and the mighty Microsoft Corporation and basically it combines in-car communication, information and entertainment. The device allows you to make/receive phone calls and listen to music while driving in a simple, safe manner. Bluetooth technology allows you to communicate with the outside world from the vehicle via your own personal devices such as mobile phones or hand-held computers.
In the not too distant future it will allow access to the numerous new products from full multimedia capability to satellite navigation plus bespoke sets of services .
The 'Blue&Me' offers a sophisticated handsfree system with voice recognition that allows customers with Bluetooth mobile phones to use their phones even when in their jacket pockets or handbags. This system automatically lowers the radio volume (if turned on) and allows you to hear the person you are speaking to through the stereo speakers. The system also features a high level of compatibility with mobile phones currently on the market and may be updated to new
standards and to future telephones.
In detail, the 'Blue&Me' is fully integrated in the vehicle. The control keys are located on a panel in the centre of the dashboard to allow immediate and safe access to the system. It is also possible to find a number in your phone book by scrolling through the control panel display or mute the device for a private conversation.
Among the main features included is the ability for your personal phone book to be transferred fully and then updated automatically whenever the system detects the mobile phone. No voice learning stage is required and device is also able to store up to 5 mobile phones, thus permitting more than one user in the same vehicle to make immediate use of the handsfree set.
It also allows you to listen to music recorded on your mobile, the new smart phones, an MP3 player or on a USB flash drive. This is achieved by means of a USB port (Yes, it has a USB cable dangling from the front centre console storage glovebox !) allowing you to connect any digital device with an analogue connection. In this way, you can play music audio files (MP3, WMA and WAV) directly through the stereo.
Out on The Road
With such a wide range of models in this new line-up, when we arrived at the ride and drive centre I was like a kid in a caddy store, but I had less than 2 hours to pick 3 different vehicles to take to the road out of the 30 or so on offer.
So which one first?
The choice was obvious the 3.5 tonne 2.3 JTD rated at 120 bhp with the 11.5 cu metre body as this is probably going to be as near to the UK best seller I could see.
Cab entry is via a low step and wide door with a prominent fabric covered armrest and a very high quality 3 way adjustable drivers seat. The driving position is very car like and completely different, for instance, to the Iveco Daily even though they both cater for the same markets.
Once you're out on the road the cab is very quiet with virtually no noise from the 2.3 JTD engine and the standard 6 speed gearbox has a conventional pattern with a very obvious indent to the right on 6th gear. At first this caused a little embarrassment to yours truly, but of course, all the models were left hand drive and so this particular setup will not be the same for our right hand drive market.
Visibility is first class as are the large mirrors which incidentally incorporate a set of indicator repeaters, surprisingly no one could find a replacement parts price - hopefully by the time we get our hands on a final UK spec Ducato
that can be rectified.
Compared to its predecessor, the in-cab storage appears to have been at least doubled with plenty of room for bottles, paperwork and even laptop - but not much in the way of cup holders!
It is obvious that Fiat Commercial Vehicle has learned a lot from its car division about improving fit and finish and also better quality fabrics. This manifests itself in the warm looking grey and blue fabric with well padded seats and exceptionally deep door pockets, I could have sworn Shegar was in there!
But it's not all plain sailing for Ducato. It wasn't a particularly hot day, around 21 / 22 C, but the air conditioning unit or more accurately the 4 speed fan didn't seem up to the job.
The instrument cluster is simple, but effective and I think the LCD screen is the same as the Iveco Daily which really isn't a surprise since they are both owned by the same company!
Overall this exact model with the 2.3 JTD engine is unique to Ducato ie neither Peugeot nor Citroen will have access to it and perhaps this could be the jewel in the crown for Fiat!
Next I tried the highest horsepower 3 litre 157 bhp 3. 5 tonne with the 13 cubic metre body matched to the same 6 speed gearbox, and whilst I felt it drove well, I wouldn't pay much more for this than the 120 bhp version as in most driving conditions the extra power wasn't too obvious.
Finally I went for the 3.3 tonne GVW 100 bhp with the 8 cubic metre body and this 2.2 litre engine has a 5 speed gearbox and drove completely differently to the other two. This is very definitely an urban delivery vehicle with slightly shorter gear steps for around town which is excellent, but it tended to lose breath on the autostrada. The message is clear, make sure you chose the right vehicle for your particular job!
