Fiat Ducato 2020 preview
Introduction
The Fiat Ducato is receiving a minor update next year, bringing it in-line with the latest Euro 6D emission requirements and an update of the safety and comfort features. The Fiat Ducato 2020 also gets a new 9-speed automatic transmission, although the exterior and interior styling largely remains the same.
Background
The Fiat Ducato is one of the oldest nameplates on our roads, which the first generation being launched back in 1981. This van was built in Fiat’s Val di Sangro and also badged as a Citroen, Peugeot, Talbot and Alfa Romeo.
The second generation was launched in 1993 and this third came along in 2006. Having received only minor facelifts since 2006, the Fiat Ducato is now the oldest van on the commercial market.
New safety features
Like the exterior, interior architecture of the Ducato hasn’t changed but the technology inside has. At the centre of the upgrade is the roll out of new ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and new comfort features including:
- Blind spot assist (BSA). This helps identify approaching vehicles in blind spots using the radar in the rear bumper.
- Rear Cross Path detection (RCP). Again, using the radar sensors, this identifies vehicles approaching from the side, when the vehicle is reversing.
- Full brake control (FBC). This ‘looks’ at the road ahead and checks for imminent danger of collision and, in such a case, alerts the driver and intervenes by automatically triggering emergency braking.
- Lane departure warning system (LDWS). This is widely available in large van and uses cameras to detect whether the van is leaving a lane on a motorway. If so, there are determines whether the vehicle is leaving the lane which triggers acoustic and visual signal alerts.
- Traffic sign recognition (TSR). Another camera-based system that recognises the speed limits from road signs, and then displays them on the instrument cluster.
- High beam recognition (HBR). This reduces the beam and therefore the dazzling effect on oncoming drivers at night.
- Rain and dusk sensor. Rain sensors detect the intensity of rain and activate the windscreen wipers to the according speed. Meanwhile, dusk sensors automatically activate the headlights.
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the pressure of the tyres constantly, indicating any loss in pressure directly on the on-board display.
Fiat Ducato 2020 engines and driveline
The 2.3-litre engine, developed by Fiat Powertrains (FPT), has been altered slightly to achieve the Euro-6D emission standard. Not only is the engine less polluting, but the engineers have managed to increase the performance and fuel economy.
There are four power ratings; 120hp/320Nm, 140hp/350Nm, 160hp/400Nm and 180hp/400Nm, although the latter is uprated to 450Nm when selected with the automatic transmission, placing itself as class leader.
All engines are hooked to a six-speed manual transmission although there is the option of a new 9-speed automatic. There are three settings (Normal, Eco and Power) with Eco providing smoother acceleration and gear shift patterns focused towards reducing fuel consumption and Power generating prompt throttle response and gear changes for optimal performance even in tough conditions.
The driver also has the option of selecting ‘Autostick’ mode, whereby they can manually change gears as desired.
New infotainment system
The 2020 Fiat Ducato comes with a new 7-inch touchscreen display developed by Mopar (the parts, service and customer care organisation within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). It includes a built-in navigation system, USB ports and DAB radio.
Integration with smartphones has now been made possible with the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Apple CarPlay allows drivers to access certain apps, to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and listen to music and show up-to-date road conditions while remaining focused on the road. It also works alongside Siri for voice control.
Android Auto, meanwhile, allows drivers to benefit from the ‘Android’ experience by “projecting” apps and services on to the central display.
Fiat Ducato 2020 price and availability
The new Ducato is available to order now and is priced from £24,670 plus VAT for the 2.3 Multijet 120hp and includes Fiat Professional’s 3-year, 120,000 mile warranty. Service intervals remain the same at two years or 30,000 miles.
