Fiat Veicoli Commerciali are present at the Bologna Motor Show this week giving the Brazilian-built Strada "Adventure" pick-up its European debut, showing it on a compact stand next to the special 'Ducato for Ducati'.

The "Adventure" branded model range, which is developed and sold in Brazil and other South American countries, comprises of cost-effective off-road vehicles. The Strada is one of four members of the Adventure family of vehicles. The pick-up joins the Doblò, Palio Weekend and the newest member of the range, the Idea, in receiving the styling treatment that seeks to imbue these models with an off-road appearance as well as a practical application.

This includes deeper, chunkier front and rear bumpers, wheel arch and sill moulding plastic covers, aluminium protection plates, a raised ride height and bigger, rugged alloy wheels. Other identifying features include quad mist lights in the front bumper and a compass on the dashboard. In the case of the Strada Adventure it includes roof bars, a roof-mounted spare wheel, full-length sill step and aluminium step plates on the sill and the rear bumper. Fiat LCV are now looking to replicate the South American market success of the Strada Adventure by selling the model in Europe.

Meanwhile the second model on the Fiat LCV stand in Bologna is the 'Ducato for Ducati', a version specially built this summer for Ducati Corse. The new Ducato van's load area is uniform and very spacious, the accessibility is great thanks to the way in which the rear doors open, and the fact that the bottom of the Van is not too high from the ground. These features are all complimented by the fact that its driving aspects are that of normal car, thanks to its front wheel drive that gives the van an excellent manoeuvrable character, as well as the precise nature of the steering and flexible acceleration of the engines.

The powerful, stylish looks of the Ducati 'bike' range are in perfect harmony with the strong and aggressive front design of the new Ducato van. One can't of course miss the thick white stripe running over the full length of the red van which represents this famous Italian motorcycle brand. This is complemented by the tradition Ducati Corse triangular logo. Inside, the interior has been realised by outfitters Sortimo Italia, and its a great ambiance for everyone who loves two wheeled machines.
 

Perforated aluminium-finished side panels allow for implements be securely fixed while removable storage units (on small wheels) allow for carrying all kinds of loose materials. Other equipment associated with motorbikes have dedicated storage points, such as tyres (which are mounted in racks located under the roof) as well as jerry cans, jacks and compressors.There is also a hydraulic aluminium-plate lift ramp fitted at the rear of the van to allow a quick and easy action in moving the bikes in and out of the vehicle, which incorporates a system that then keeps the bikes firmly secured in place whilst the van is in motion.

Inside the new Ducato there is room enough to for mechanics to work flexibly. The back of the van has a volume space of 13m3, a length of more then 3.7m, and the internal height is 1930mm. There is always light available thanks to an internal 220 volt power supply and an efficient lightning system. The Ducato's engines, all fully Euro 4 compliant, also neatly fit the Ducati image: The newest version of the Turbo Diesel Common Rail assures great performances coupled to low consumption and excellent comfort. The most powerful one in range is the 3.0 MJet 16V Euro 4 with power of 157 CV and 400 Nm of torque.

The new Ducato for Ducati is thus an innovative and well thought out solution for all those who could find ample use for such vehicle and is expected to carve out a respectable niche market. This highly equipped special Ducato model went on sale across Italy in the autumn for anyone who is looking for the best and safest way to transport their motorcycles.