New Fiat Ducato goes Autonomous
Launched in 1981, the Fiat Ducato has been the lynchpin of the manufacturers product line-up. The latest generation New Ducato is the first ever commercial vehicle to benefit from level 2 autonomy with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes a variety of safety systems all under one ‘roof’ to offer a degree of autonomy.
What counts as Level 2 Autonomy?
The New Ducato has included technology like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Jam Assist which provides independent assistance while driving and during acceleration and braking. Subsequently, this enables the New Ducato to achieve level 2 autonomous driving.
New Fiat Ducato other systems
As well as the advanced driving systems the New Ducato as other features such as speed limitation, braking control for unexpected obstacles such as pedestrians and cyclists, road sign recognition and driver attentiveness monitoring. There’s also Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system with Cross-Wind Assist, Trailer Stability Control and Active Park Assist which is perhaps best described as a semi-autonomous assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres. The broader driver assistance and parking system specifications are also enhanced with a Digital Central Mirror showing a digitally enhanced rear view for the driver.
Connectivity
Fiat professional have always been quite strong in the connectivity area, and the New Ducato includes additional advanced connectivity features such as an optional Full Digital Cockpit, combining a 7-inch digital TFT colour touchscreen display and two side digital gauges for RPM and fuel level. A ‘Uconnect’ 10-inch radio navigation with touchscreen colour display and updated wireless connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. In combination with the ADAS technology, the 7-inch central digital display provides clear driver assistance systems information and warning.
Orders are now open at all Fiat Professional showrooms for the New Ducato.
New Renault Trafic Driveline
The van features a set of upgraded and improved Blue dCi diesel engines with four powertrain options ranging from 110 to 170 horsepower, offering more torque for stronger pulling power. All Blue dCi 110, 130, 150 and 170 versions are coupled with a manual transmission, while the Blue dCi 150 and Blue dCi 170 are also available with an EDC dual-clutch automatic gearbox. All 2.0-litre Blue dCi engines meet the latest Euro 6D-Full standard and are equipped with Stop & Start to reduce fuel consumption.
Trafic Warranty / Servicing
Renault has launched the New Renault Trafic with 5 Year PRO+ Promise package which integrates 5 Years’ 0% APR Finance, 5 Years’ or 100,000 miles Free Servicing, 5 Years’ or 100,000 miles Warranty and 5 Years’ Roadside Assistance. This is all included in one monthly payment helping customers reduce their running costs. and as an example their Hire Purchase is available from £370 per month. The New Trafic is available to order in the UK now, with prices starting from £25,200 plus VAT.
