FIRST DRIVE

Across Europe, Fiat somehow lost its way under the Marchionne era. With respect to the late Sergio Marchionne, head of Fiat Automobiles from the mid-noughties to his death in 2018, he concentrated practically all of his time and effort in taking over Chrysler in north America and integrating the long established and once-leading US brand into the newly formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles global group. While all of this was going on, Fiat’s market share in Europe began to slide through lack of investment in product renewal, both on the car and commercial sides of its business.

With the 500 and the Tipo model lines waving the Italian flag on the passenger car side, the Ducato has kept soldering on in the van sector, mainly through its ongoing success in the growing camper van segment. With regard to the other commercial models within the Fiat Professional range, the Doblo small van is now dated compared to its competitors, while the Talento, based on the Renault Trafic has never worked as a suitable replacement for the popular Scudo. At the compact end of the market, production and sales of the Fiorino city van trickled down dramatically following PSA Groupe’s withdrawal of the Peugeot Nimo and Citroen Bipper from the joint manufacturing project. Fiat also tapped into the pick-up market with a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi L200, called the Fullback, albeit with limited success.

However a new dawn is now emerging for flagging Fiat, thanks to the amalgamation of FCA and Groupe PSA (Peugeot/ Citroen/Opel/Vauxhall) to form Stellantis in 2020. Almost immediately a major focus was centred towards vans and this is already proving beneficial for Fiat Professional. Ducato has benefited from a major overhaul, featuring the latest in high levels of technology covering active and passive safety equipment and broader elements to its driver interface systems. A new Scudo is coming, this time based on the multi-award winning medium vans from PSA, and is due to enter markets soon.

It is expected that the new Doblo will also come from the PSA small van family. Meanwhile, independent of the Stellantis merger, Fiat Professional’s engineering team has developed a stand-alone hi-tech electric version of the Ducato, now on sale across Europe.

A week test driving the new long wheelbase, high roof Ducato brought home the message that Fiat Professional is back. The newly shaped grille and a revival of the vintage Fiat badge set the tone on what to expect inside. And yes, it’s a revelation. Impressive indeed. Well fitted and kitted out. From the well-padded seats, to the steering wheel that features a host of convenience systems, to the digital mirror, all contributing to raise the bar further.

In fact, Fiat Professional’s latest

New Ducato highlights the changing face and times at Fiat Professional

Ducato is the first ever commercial vehicle to benefit from Level 2 autonomous Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Inclusion of technology like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Jam Assist provides independent assistance while driving and during acceleration and braking. Additional standout features include speed limitation, braking control for unexpected obstacles such as pedestrians and cyclists, road sign recognition and driver attentiveness monitoring.

The broader driver assistance and parking system specs are further enhanced with the aforementioned Digital Central Mirror, which shows a digitally enhanced rear view for the driver. Drivers also benefit from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system with Cross-Wind Assist, Trailer Stability Control and Active Park Assist; the latter a semi-autonomous assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres. Additional advanced connectivity features available include a Uconnect 10-inch radio navigation with touchscreen colour display and updated wireless connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. At first it takes a little time to discover and get used to the technology. Best to take time on it while stationary to avail of all the info that is offered. Ergonomically the Ducato layout works well. Having all the main elements of operation located on the steering wheel is a big advantage. Switchgear positioned on front of and behind the steering wheel, means that functions such as cruise control and phone and radio channels and audio volume are just a finger-tip away. ‘Ducato, the flagship model of the Fiat Professional range, launched in 1981, wears its 40-year history with pride, having already celebrated its status as the best-selling light commercial vehicle in Europe in 2020’ With regard to other everyday aspects of the van’s operation, there are some issues however. Firstly, a grab handle on both A-pillars, right and left, would be a great advantage, especially for getting into the high positioned seat. With the key in the ignition, the steering has to be locked before releasing and starting up the engine. Maybe it’s a security trick, not a serious matter, but worth noting. Launched at the 60th edition of the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf last August, Fiat Professional’s ongoing success in the leisure market sector looks set to continue, with the new Ducato voted “Best Motorhome Base Vehicle” for the 13th years running. But whether as a motorhome base, panel van or any number of variants for specialised use, the Ducato deserves serious consideration. NEW DUCATO 2022: DETAILS IN BRIEF

The Ducato confirms its traditional strengths, adding practical and functional innovations that increase its appeal even further.

STYLE AND COMFORT:

New vintage Fiat logo Revised grille LED headlights 30% brighter than halogens New interior, with smaller steering wheel with various fingertips controls Electronic parking brake

CONNECTIVITY:

All-digital configuration of the internal instruments New Uconnect interfaces with 10” screen including TomTom 3D maps and built-in wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

PERFORMANCE:

Euro 6D Multijet3 diesel engines with four levels of output (120, 140, 160 & 180 hp) with a new and improved 6-speed manual transmission 9-speed automatic transmission, available with 140-hp, 160-hp & 180-hp variants Self-adjusting electrically assisted drive system, to make it easier to park

SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE:

Full range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Jam Assist Wireless cellphone charging Digital Central Mirror