FIAT

Ducato: innovative in terms of technology and ride comfort

Safety and driving assistance...The Fiat Ducato, which has always been innovative in terms of technology and driving comfort, continues its evolution and proposes itself as the first large van with level 2 assisted driving, offering a complete range of advanced systems driving aid (ADAS) both on the road and when parking.

What the ADAS package includes is truly amazing: from speed limiter to brake control for unexpected obstacles like pedestrians and cyclists; from traffic sign recognition to controlling driver attention levels, including adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function; Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, the latter maintains active control over the vehicle's trajectory, taking into account traffic conditions. The combined use of the last three ADAS devices allows the new Ducato to achieve level 2 assisted driving, in which the vehicle provides independent assistance during driving, acceleration and braking.

To the extensive content of the parking system and driving assistance is added the digital central rear-view mirror, which digitally improves and shows the rear view by replacing the corresponding rear-view mirror, in addition to the ESC system (electronic stability control) with crosswind assistance, trailer stability and Active Park Assist, the latter a semi-autonomous assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres.

Dynamic and elegant style...The Ducato, already best in its class in terms of capacity thanks to the widest 'all-forward' range on the market, aims not only to confirm its leading position, but also to improve to ensure you are always ready for each mission and to meet all your customers' cargo and mobility requirements. The same customers have always recognized the model's leadership in terms of efficiency, flexibility and constant development, with the aim of seizing opportunities and driving new challenges in the market.

The appearance of the Ducato marks a new development in the dynamic and elegant style that can be seen immediately in the design of the new headlamps with high-performance Full LED technology. The optical groups are divided into three sections, with the lower section dedicated to the LED light guide, which develops the Ducato's characteristic luminous 'signature'. As always with the Ducato, 'style meets functionality'. The three center lights not only look modern and high-tech, they also offer 30% more brightness than conventional halogen headlamps. Finally, the upper section is dedicated to the turn signals, the style of which has also been renewed with an LED light guide with a slide switch, an effect much appreciated and used in cars, now available on a commercial vehicle for the first time. On the outside, the grille and protective plates are added to the iconic FIAT emblem that proudly highlights the production of the model by the Italian brand at its Atessa plant. The Lanzarote Gray color highlights the Ducato's 'adventurous' spirit and is specifically dedicated to customers in the recreational sector.

Onboard technology and comfort...In terms of the interior, the cabin offers a series of solutions designed to improve the quality of life on board and the practicality of use: a keyless opening and starting system to lock and unlock the cabin and cargo compartment and start the engine without the key; electric parking brake to facilitate movements; the Eat-and-Work passenger seat, which converts into a comfortable space to work or have a snack; a compartment for charging mobile phones by induction; dual USB-A and USB-C inputs; a 230V high-voltage power outlet; heated windshield with internal electrical resistance for quick defrosting.

The interior design is embellished with a redesigned dashboard, with more functional and spacious door panels, and automatic air conditioning controls. The seats have a more up-to-date look, with soft upholstery and offer more space and comfort; Electric power steering is standard across the range and adds precision and maneuverability in all driving and load conditions, along with a steering wheel with a reduced turning radius that accentuates car-like handling and redefines the concept of comfort in the new cabin of the Ducato, for the benefit of ergonomics and to reduce the stress of drivers and passengers.

The instrument panel has a fully digital configuration, courtesy of the Full Digital Cockpit, which can provide alerts and practical information about the route immediately and clearly, from the 3D satellite navigator to the driving assistance systems, and offers a great flexibility, with reconfiguration options and interaction with the Uconnect infotainment system. In this way, the vehicle can best adapt itself to the driver's needs. On top of all that, there are new Uconnect interfaces with up to 10.1-inch screens, a high-end full-featured sat-nav system that includes 3D TomTom maps and built-in wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. These latter systems provide one-touch access to the most used vehicle controls. The 7.0-inch Uconnect, also with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, completes the offer.

Performance...The Ducato range offers engines developed to comply with the Euro 6D-Final standard and extends the available range with Heavy-Duty type approval. The MultiJet3 diesel engines, now in their third generation, are based on the new H3 Power architecture developed by Stellantis for Fiat Professional.

The range is available in four power levels with two transmissions: 6-speed manual and 120, 140, 160 and 180 hp, and 9-speed automatic available in 140, 160 and 180 hp versions. The 6-speed manual gearbox is new on the 120 and 140 hp models, which guarantees a more fluid gear shift than the previous version.

Connectivity...The Ducato represents the best in terms of Connectivity. The gateway to this world is the Uconnect system, which can be improved in many ways: Uconnect Services and the FIAT app will allow you to manage and monitor the vehicle directly from a mobile device, wherever and whenever you want. There are many services available, starting with My Assistant, to guarantee safety and assistance during the trip, providing geo-located help in the event of an accident or breakdown. Each month, a Ducato health report is also sent out, with recommendations on the best way to take care of the vehicle.

My Remote offers interaction with the vehicle, even when you are away from it, to lock and unlock doors, check your location and set up alerts about speed, zones and time slots. Furthermore, if a voice assistant is used, it is possible to send instructions directly to the car and receive information about the vehicle's status, all with a simple voice command.

My Car is the service package to monitor the Ducato's health at any time, including fuel level, tire pressure and odometer, and to receive direct notifications about maintenance or repairs.

With My Navigation, you can reach any destination quickly and without stress, with real-time traffic, weather and radar information. Maps are always kept up-to-date online, without having to visit a dealership.

With My Wi-Fi, with the built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot, up to eight devices can be connected and use the Amazon Alexa voice service in the vehicle, for example, to search and configure a destination, listen to streaming music or communicate remotely with compatible home devices. For alerts in case of attempted theft and receiving assistance in case of vehicle theft.

Autonews