Photo: Fiat
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September 24, 2014
In the first half of 2014, the Fiat Ducato was Europe's best-selling van in the 2,8 to four-ton weight class, reports Fiat – and recently introduced the sixth generation.
When a model enters its sixth generation, it has to have something that sets it apart in the market. In the case of the Fiat Ducato, one of the reasons is likely that, according to the manufacturer, three out of four camper vans manufactured in Europe are based on the chassis and panel vans. In the first half of 2014, the Fiat Ducato was Europe's best-selling van in the 2,8 to four-ton weight class. Currently, more than 500.000 families use a Fiat Ducato-based camper van for relaxed and worry-free vacations.
Photo: Fiat This dominant position is apparently not going to change. Under the motto "Fiat Ducato – born to be a motorhome," numerous suggestions from camper manufacturers and users have been incorporated into the current model generation. The chassis of the new Fiat Ducato also offers, depending on requirements, structurally reinforced roofless cabins, swivel seats for the driver and front passenger, a wider rear track for more usable space and greater driving stability, springs designed for high loads – optionally made of plastic for weight-saving on the rear axle – and prefabricated connectors for the body's electrical system.
Even the design of the new Fiat Ducato – whose chassis, according to Fiat, is available in more than 600 possible variants – took the requirements of motorhome manufacturers into account. The short front overhang not only guarantees good maneuverability but also allows for a high proportion of the living area within the overall vehicle.
Mobility - Commercial vehicles
Mobility
Mobility - Commercial vehicles
The choice is exclusively made up of turbodiesel engines with outputs ranging from 115 hp to 177 hp. These engines are particularly economical and, equipped with the second-generation MultiJet direct injection system, all meet the Euro 5+ emissions standard. The best-selling motorhome is the Fiat Ducato 2.3 130 Multijet II, powered by a 130 hp, four-cylinder turbodiesel with a 2,3-liter displacement. With 150 hp, a maximum torque of 350 Newton meters, and low weight, a second variant of the 2.3-liter turbodiesel offers a compromise between performance and fuel economy. The base model is the Fiat Ducato 2.0 115 Multijet II with 115 hp, which is built with a five-speed transmission. The top engine is a 3,0-liter four-cylinder. 177 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Newton meters are impressive figures that make the Fiat Ducato 3.0 180 Multijet Power the vehicle especially for large motorhomes.
Photo: Fiat The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) comes standard on all versions, and now also includes the load-dependent Rollover Mitigation System (Rollover Mitigation System), Hill Holder, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA). Further enhanced safety is provided by Load Adaptive Control (LAC), which monitors loading conditions while driving. If the total weight and center of gravity change, the system transmits the values to the ABS, ASR, and ESC functions, allowing them to intervene with optimal efficiency at all times.
All radios feature Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones and are MP3-capable. The top-of-the-line version is operated via a 12,7-centimeter (5,0-inch) touchscreen, which also transmits the image from a rearview camera or displays the graphics of a navigation system. Radios that also receive digital radio stations (DAB) are also available.
Photos: Fiat
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