Fiat Ducato Review

Fiats equivalent to Ford's Transit or Mercedes Sprinter, the Ducato was launched in 1981 with significant changes developing to try and compete in this competitive marketplace. A huge range to choose from so be clear on your needs and Fiat are sure to have one to fit the bill.

The Fiat Ducato first arrived in 1997 with the arrival of the 2.8 TD engine with 122 bhp developed from the 2.5 TDI followed in 2000 by the arrival of the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD Common Rail engine with 127 bhp. 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 .The range has been expanded with 2000 versions, 150 options and 120 colours, so for the used Ducato buyer make sure you know exactly what you are looking for and have a good chat over the phone before travelling miles to view.Vans come with single and crew cabs, people carrying versions -Panorama, Combi; Minibus and School bus. 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. 7 load compartment volumes from 8 to 17 m. 3 different sliding side door and rear door sizes.To the exterior the large are placed above the bumper to reduce the chances of accidental damage and the huge bumper comes off in 3 parts so if you damage one section while parking you won't have to replace it all. For more accident prone drivers lengths of plastic run along the sides to prevent panel damage. The rear side-opening doors allow easy access to the load compartment. 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 comfort and are covered in cloth, velvet and imitation leather and you can also adjust the steering wheel and height of the armrest. Passenger seats are available as single or dual.It is worth pricing up against its more expensive competitors and you may find you can afford a newer model by opting for a Ducato rather than a Mercedes, Ford or VW equivalent.

Verdict :
This range is huge. The main piece of advice we can give is research exactly what you are looking for and make sure your Ducato fits your needs.

For :
Huge range to choose from
Practical
More for your money

Against :
Make sure you choose wisely
Watch cost of replacement parts

Overall : 4
Handling : 4
Comfort : 3
Quality : 3
Performance : 4
Reliability : 3
Practicality : 4
Cost : 3
Value : 4
Stereo : 2