The top-selling Ducato is about to go four wheel drive with Fiat New Zealand announcing it will launch the Fiat Ducato 4x4 at this year's NZ National Motor Show, to be held from18 to 20 March 2005.  
 
"The Ducato has more than proven itself in New Zealand," says Chris Burger, General Manager for Fiat in New Zealand. "The sales figures speak for themselves, but to maintain growth we want to open the Ducato to new market sectors by enabling owners to be able to take their Ducatos to places they have never previously been. The Ducato 4x4 will provide emergency service operators with an addition level of ability and a new margin of safety." 

The Fiat Ducato saw 12 per cent growth in sales during 2004, driven by the attractions of a choice of a spacious van and highly flexible cab chassis, matched to a high level of a comfort and safety specifications. The Ducato 4x4 will capitalise on this popularity by combining the Ducato's renowned abilities with the advantages of a 4x4 drivetrain.

Adding to the versatility of the Ducato 4x4, it will be available with two different four wheel drive systems. One variant will provide constant four wheel drive whilst the other offers the versatility of an engageable rear drive with a high/low range transfer case and differential lock. The driveline is protected within a steel tube DeDion axle and includes a viscous coupling to provide limited slip between the drive axles.

The low load height and the compact drivetrain that have made the Ducato such a versatile and flexible basis of for a wide range of conversions, including a benchmark range of motorhomes, are maintained in the Ducato 4x4. This is achieved by the rear drive differential being mounted to the chassis above the rear axle.

The driveshaft from the independent half shafts takes the drive to the rear wheels, whilst only adding a total of 130 kg to the overall weight of the vehicle. This provides a low centre of gravity, enhancing off-road performance and stability.
 

The new 4x4 version of the Fiat Ducato is equipped with the powerful and economical JTD 2.8 litre 94 kW direct injection common rail turbo intercooled diesel injection engine. It will be available in both the cab and chassis and Maxi Van versions, enabling all wheel drive ability to be available to full range of users.

As with the other models in the Fiat Ducato range, the new 4x4 will retain all of the performance, economy, comfort, safety and styling features synonymous with Fiat Ducato. These features include ABS braking with EBD, halogen headlights, driver's and passenger's airbag, air conditioning, radio/CD audio system, remote central locking and electric windows and mirrors.

"Demand for the 4x4 versions of the Ducato is strong in Europe and we expect this to be repeated in New Zealand, " says Mr Burger. "Interest to date has centred on the Ducato's ability to provide all weather service for first response emergency vehicles and we expect other rural service and government agencies to be interested in the vehicles capabilities. Such has been the interest in the Ducato 4x4 that the first shipment has already been sold and we expect demand to be strong with the formal launch of the model."

As a specialist vehicle with a wide range of versions, Fiat will supply the Fiat Ducato 4x4 based on individual customer orders, tailoring specification to specific customer needs. Pricing will be based on specification and conversions.

The first Fiat Ducato 4x4 conversions will be on display at the National Motor Show, held at Mysterycreek in Hamilton from 18 to 20 March 2005.