The all-new Fiat Ducato has arrived in Australia, providing a new range of commercial vehicles with bigger payloads, vans with larger interior volumes, a range of new more powerful and economical engines and all at value for money prices that will ensure the success story of Fiat’s commercial growth in Australia will continue and expand.

“Fiat brought the original Ducato to Australia in 2002 and it was immediately welcomed by a wide range of commercial vehicles users thanks to its versatile, easy to use functionality and keen pricing,” says Chris Swann, General Manager for Fiat Commercial Vehicles in Australia. “As in other markets where it is a dominant player, it also took the motor home market by storm, with six local converters now using the Ducato prominently in their ranges, accounting for 60 per cent of total sales.”

“The new Ducato lifts its game in every area. Payloads are up across the range, the vans offer increased interior volumes from eight to 15 cubic metres, we have a choice of two advanced new third generation Multijet Turbo diesel engines mated to six speed gearboxes for maximum performance and economy and the driving experience is even better than the existing Ducato. Of course, being a Fiat, the new Ducato is extremely well equipped and it is keenly priced,” explains Mr Swann. “Given that the new Ducato covers a significantly wider spread of the market, offers our key motor home customers the ability to expand their ranges with the Ducato and provides a long list of improvements, we know that the new Ducato will appreciably increase both our sales and Fiat’s share of the Australian vehicle market.”

The first generation Ducato was launched in Europe during 1981 and Fiat has now delivered more than 1.7 million Ducatos worldwide. The new Fiat light commercial vehicle offers a distinctive cutting-edge look; it ensures top level comfort and performance; it offers an even greater wealth of equipment - and it ensures low running costs.

Not to mention the fact that load compartment access, productivity and payload have all been improved. The New Ducato, designed by the Fiat Style Centre, is distinctive for its original shape and well-balanced volumes. The new commercial vehicle’s design, inspired by the piercing, aerodynamic lines of high-speed trains, immediately conjures up an impression of dynamism, strength and distinctive personality.

The New Ducato’s design is clever as well because, though function is treated as a priority, its looks have not been overlooked in the least. For example, the bumper is divided into three parts in order to ensure lower repair/replacement costs in the event of an accident and thus lower insurance costs in certain countries. The windscreen pillar rake also offers one of the best drag coefficients in its category (0.31) while sharp, squared-off lines contribute to a more linear load compartment with greater load volume.

Inside, the vehicle offers linear, elegant styling featuring new colours, fabrics and seat, dashboard and door panel designs. The passenger compartment also boasts a well-lit interior and excellent visibility, achieved by oceans of glass that optimise working conditions by ensuring the greatest comfort. The new dashboard is designed to ensure excellent practicality and stylish shapes, all within easy reach of the hand or eyes, to make driving easier and reduce the number of distractions to the driver.