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New generation of the Ducato concludes Fiat’s commercial vehicle lineup renovation

Now imported from Europe, the model promises lower operation costs and competitive price

By Décio Costa | 4/5/23 | Translated by Jorge Meditsch

Fiat is concluding the renovation of its commercial vehicle lineup with the new generation of the Ducato.
The new model will arrive at the brand’s 230 stores dealer net this week in five versions, depending on cargo space and seat configuration:

• Ducato Cargo (11.5 m³): R$ 245.990;
• Ducato MaxiCargo (13 m³): R$ 249,990;
• Ducato Multi (13 m³): R$ 261,490;
• Ducato Minibus Comfort (19 seats): R$ 309,990;
• Ducato Minibus Executivo (17 seats): R$ 319,990.

“The cargo and passenger transport market has changed with the pandemic and keeps growing. With the new Ducato, we expect more opportunities to grow. Nevertheless, we have a solid experience in the segment since 1998, when the first generation was launched in the country”, said Herlander Zola, Fiat South America’s senior vice president, at the vehicle presentation.

Previously imported from Mexico, the Ducato will now come from the Sevel plant in Italy. In its fourth generation, the model got some improvements and higher headlights with running lights (which avoid damage in small collisions), rubbered bumpers, plastic side protections and lowered cargo compartment access.

It also got convenience and safety items, such as hill start assistance, stability and traction control, driver seat height adjustment, cooled compartment and adaptive cargo control, a useful resource that balances braking according to cargo distribution.

The brand offers as optional rearview camera and wireless connection for Android and Apple devices.

The Ducato has a new FTP 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine with 140 cv and 34.7 kgfm. According to Fiat, despite being more powerful, the vehicle is now 13% more economical and can average 10 km/l in the city and 9.9 km/l on highways. The transmission is a six-speed manual.

With a 90-liter fuel tank, the Ducato has 900 km autonomy. The consumption is also lowered by the start-stop system, unprecedented in the segment.

Fiat promises the best total cost of ownership (TCO) in the segment. The brand calculates R$ 2.78 by kilometer, while the competitors’ average is R$ 3.13. The Ducato also offers advantages for scheduled maintenance. The first three cost R$ 4.3 thousand, the cheaper among the rivals.