Over time, Fiat regularly upgrades its Ducato. If the basis of the current model dates from 2006, the various modifications made, including the latest ones, allow the bulk of Fiat utility vehicles to remain in the game.
The current generation of Fiat Ducato was launched in 2006. An eternity, even for a very well-born utility vehicle. Fortunately, Fiat Professional has updated its utility regularly. The latest modifications concern the engines (now Euro 6 Final) as well as the appearance of new comfort and safety equipment. Enough to allow the Ducato to stay in the game even if its lines do not change, which is its biggest fault against more recent competitors or more visible restyling.
Fiat Ducato 2021 price
The Ducato range is still as plethoric as ever. It remains available in a panel van (useful volumes ranging from 8 to 17 m3), glazed van, extended cab, as well as single or double cab chassis. It is therefore impossible not to find a Ducato that meets your needs. Four trim levels are available: Pack, Business, Pro Lounge and Evoluzione. The Pack version remains stripped down while the Business and Pro Lounge versions include most of the equipment of comfort expected by professionals. As for the high-end Evoluzione finish, it allows you to take advantage of all the cutting-edge equipment. The vans are available in four lengths and three heights. Their prices vary, depending on the version, engine and finish, from € 30,710 to € 41,510 excluding VAT (PTAC of 3.5 T).
Driving
The Fiat Ducato has been very comfortable and has a pleasant road handling since its launch in 2006. Over time, Fiat engineers have managed to improve the quality of manufacture of the Ducato and to develop its technology. The 2021 version thus adopts a new electric power steering allowing to be able to have the active maintenance in the file, the Ducato being able to offer an autonomous driving of level 2. This new direction is rather pleasant and still makes it possible to apprehend well what occurs at the level of the front axle.
Under the hood, takes place an evolution of the previous engine which, in passing, loses a little displacement (for its part, the E-Ducato remains based on the old version). It receives complete equipment (including a new post-combustion gas treatment system) to meet the Euro6 Final standard. This block 2.2 Multijet is available in four power levels: 120, 140, 160 and 180 hp. It is attached to a new six-speed manual gearbox which allows, in passing, to benefit from a more precise and less rubbery selection of reports than on previous generations. It is quite pleasant even if the upper gears are very long in order to favor fuel consumption. As an option on the 140, 160 and 180 hp, it is possible to have the excellent 9-speed automatic transmission. The latter also has several driving modes to best adapt the law of changing gears to the needs of the driver.
Driving a Ducato is just as enjoyable as ever. Despite a certain size, most Fiat utility vehicles are easy to drive. The suspensions provide good comfort in all circumstances even if the body movements can become important in the case of “sporty” driving. The new soundproofing is a real plus and the sound level is clearly down, especially with the BVA 9 which makes it possible to avoid going too high in the towers, the sound level of the 2.2 Multijet can then become overwhelming. The front axle guidance is good and you really have to adopt a sustained pace to trigger the ESP anti-skidding. Something almost impossible with the 120 hp engine, there above all to have an attractive price. Better to turn to the 140 and 160 hp versions (which represent the bulk of Ducato sales) showing great versatility. As for the 180 hp version, it is especially intended for users with very intensive use of their LCV or motorhome owners.
On board
Time passes, the Ducato cabin evolves slowly. However, the efforts made on the numerous storage spaces, especially in the front doors, should be emphasized. Previously there was not much. There many small spaces appear. Very practical, they allow the driver to have many objects within reach. The space of induction charging for smartphone, on the central console, is also very well positioned. The new digital dashboard and the new multimedia systems (with Android Auto and Apple Carplay) allow you to enjoy a pleasant and easy to understand environment. Note that even the standard versions benefit from a new dashboard (classic needle) with a more modern central display and allowing more data to be displayed. The digital central mirror system, instead of the usual central mirror, is of good quality and the very large display is pleasant. The Ducato is also adorned (as standard or optional depending on the trim level), hands-free access, adaptive cruise control or electric parking brake.
Competetion
The Fiat Ducato has to face a large number of competitors. Starting with the cousins of Stellantis who are distinguished from the Italian by their original PSA engines. The Citroën Jumper and Peugeot Boxer will be joined by the new Opel Movano at the end of the year. Impossible, at least in France, to ignore the Renault Master, leader in the category. Without forgetting the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit 2T or Volkswagen Crafter available in van, chassis cab and in traction, propulsion and 4×4 which is not the case of the Ducato, only offered in traction. Neither the Iveco Daily, particularly appreciated by professionals looking for a heavy enduring LCV.
