I drove the new Fiat Ducato with a “robot”. I tell you why he has no alternative

BODY ELEMENT

The main element of trucks (chassis) is the frame. It became lighter without losing strength: it was strengthened in loaded areas and light openwork crossbars were added.

The load-bearing bodies of vans weaken large doorways: driving loaded vehicles on broken roads results in the bodies naturally bursting at the seams (this applies to vans; all of them have become stronger: the torsional rigidity of the body has increased by as much as 30%. New door hinges and locks have been used, since closed doors also play the role of strength elements.

Particular attention was paid to the attachment points of the front doors. Previously, a door that had been thrown open by a gust of wind could have torn out the fastening pads. Now the doors seem to be sewn to a concrete wall.

Ducato saves the ruble

MOTOR METHOD

The new Ducato is equipped with modernized Multijet II turbodiesels. The two-liter sixteen-valve engine develops 115 hp. and 280 Nm. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 6.3 l/100 km.

The next one is a 2.3‑liter engine, equipped with a turbine with variable performance, with two levels of boost — 130 hp. (320 Nm) or 150 hp. (350 Nm). The declared fuel consumption for both versions is 6.4 l/100 km. And the largest engine, a 3-liter, produces 180 hp. and 400 Nm. It is recommended for cars with the highest gross weight - “Maxi” and “Maxi XL”.

New turbodiesels are 15% more economical than the previous ones with better external speed characteristics. They have become quieter and smoother in operation. We achieved this by improving the workflow in the combustion chamber. If on the previous engine the nozzle could spray diesel fuel five times during the compression stroke, now it’s already eight! With such a supply, it is much easier to prepare a fuel charge of the required quality, smooth out peak loads, reduce vibrations and increase efficiency.

The 3-liter dual-fuel engine, designed to operate with compressed gas (CNG), stands out.

The relatively new six-speed gearboxes, inherited from the previous Ducato X250 model, work well with all engines. They are identical in design and differ only in gear ratios.

Ducato with 2.3 and 3.0 liter engines can be ordered with the same gearbox, but in the Comfort-Matic version, with an automated drive.

General purpose industrial goods van

Designed for transportation of large-sized goods, furniture, equipment that do not have special requirements for temperature conditions and do not require the van to have a hygiene certificate.
The main objectives of such a van are protection from precipitation and from exposure to direct sunlight. The cargo van body
(
hereinafter referred to as KFG
) has a rectangular shape with a rear double-leaf hinged door. The roof of the van has a sloping shape, is assembled by spot welding from a steel sheet and transverse arcs, the joints are sealed with silicone sealant. The rear door flaps open to 270o and are locked in the open position. An elastic, wear-resistant seal is installed around the perimeter of the door leaves, which serves to prevent dust and dirt from getting inside the van. To prevent possible damage to the skin elements by the load, several rows of laminated plywood sheathing are installed inside the van.

Table of correspondence between vehicle modification and standard dimensions of the chassis superstructure:

• It is possible to manufacture and install onboard platforms with modified (increased/reduced) overall dimensions within the limits permitted by OTTS. Detailed information from our specialists.

As standard, the vans are equipped with:

1. The outer frame is made of galvanized steel with an enamel coating. The roof and front wall frames have a rounded profile, which improves the aerodynamic properties of the van. Vans are equipped with side lights (2 front white and 2 rear red)
2. Rubber bumper (2 pcs.)
3. Handrail
4. Retractable ladder
5. Plastic fender liners with mudguards
6. Floor covering - laminated plywood mesh wear-resistant

Optionally, vans can be equipped with:

1. Additional doors/windows
2. Changing standard sizes of KFG
3. Imported stainless steel fittings
4. Rings for securing cargo
5. Rigging rail for securing cargo
6. Aluminum frame KFG outside (semicircular corner)
7. The inside of the van is covered with 6mm plywood.
8. Aluminum/steel quintet flooring
9. Placing your advertisement on the van

Chassis Specifications

AT WHEEL LEVEL

In the chassis, the biggest changes affected the brakes: brake discs of a larger diameter and with different ventilation channels appeared, more powerful calipers and, accordingly, larger pads.

The list of electronic active safety systems has expanded, and many of them are already included in the basic configuration. These are stabilization systems, brake force distribution and assistance when starting uphill, as well as a system that prevents rollovers. Some electronic assistants have migrated from the X250 model, but almost all of them have new settings.

Ducato saves the ruble

Fiat Ducato Chassis Specifications

1. Brochure
2. Price list

• Review
• Exterior
• Interior
• Engine
• Load capacity
• Modifications and prices
• Brochure

• Price
• Specifications
• Colors and upholstery

* - when ordering a car with the option of an aluminum platform assembly ** - when ordering the option of increased visibility of side mirrors 235 mm, standard mirrors - 210 mm

UP THE MOUNTAIN AND ON THE SERPENTINE

From the variety of vehicles for the test route, which ran along winding mountain roads, I chose the one that would be in greatest demand among us - a van with a medium wheelbase (3450 mm) and an average roof height (2254 mm). With a car length of 5413 mm, the body volume is 11.5 m³. The power unit is a 130-horsepower Multijet II diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The equipment is top-notch: there is navigation, separate climate control and even an additional center console for bottles and other small items. Probably, in Russian deliveries the configurations will be a little simpler. At least, without this console.

The driver's seat with a lot of adjustments and self-suspension impressed me. But I couldn’t find the optimal driving position, despite the reach-adjustable steering wheel. If you sit back in your seat, you can reach far for the gear shift lever.

Passengers will not be comfortable for long: the seating is vertical, and your back will get tired on a long journey. The solution is a compromise, but when you realize that you can carry 10 cubic meters of goods in the back, you forgive your mistakes. And you completely forget about them after you start the engine. It is very lively, soft, elastic.

Standard chassis equipment:

DIRECT SPEECH

Valentino MUNNO, Head of Fiat Professional in Russia

The new generation of Fiat-Ducato could not have come at a better time. In times of crisis, people count money with special care and will not throw it away. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who invest money where the highest profits are expected. For example, in our car. Give it a little time, and you will see that Ducato will become a leader in Russia and will even defeat Gazelle-Next in the on-board vehicle segment.

Additional options for ordering:

• Air conditioner
• Heated rear window
• Oil level sensor
• Exterior mirrors with side view at 2.20 m
• Electric drive and heated rear view mirrors
• Exterior mirrors with 2.35 m side view
• Rain sensor
• Audio preparation
• Fog lights
• headlight washer
• Driver's seat with lumbar support and armrest
• Additional car cabin heater
• Webasto programmable heater
• Body paint metallic enamel (453, 506, 600, 611, 632, 691)
• Engine crankcase protection
• Electric folding side mirrors
• Wiring for connecting additional equipment
• ESP Hill and Holder system (hill start assist system)
• Heated passenger seat
• Heated driver's seat
• Single adjustable passenger seat
• Passenger airbag
• Tachograph
• Velor seat trim (175 - red-black)
• Rear bumper and tail lights
• Front mudguards
• Shelf above the driver's seat
• Wheel covers
• Cigarette lighter
• Radio, CD+MP3 radio
• Athermal windshield
• Large fuel tank (125 l)