Fiat Ducato updated for 2012
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10th February, 2012
The Fiat Ducato, the medium and large vans and the base vehicle for eight
Australian motor home converters, gains a new range of engines for 2012 all of which meet Euro V emissions standard as
well cutting fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent, and further helping operational efficiency, all Ducatos are now
fitted as standard with the Tom Tom Sat Nav docking station and Tom Tom portable SatNav which is fully integrated with
the Blue&Me telematics system.
Also making operation easier, Fiat will continue its policy of national driveaway, all inclusive pricing for the range
of Fiat Ducato commercial vehicles, with the range opening at a recommended retail price of $39,990 driveaway.
“These new engines will further extend the Ducato’s enviable reputation for economy, durability and a long service
life, whether it is taking an urgent load across a city or doing a lap of Australia as a motorhome,” says Andrei
Zaitzev, General Manager of Fiat Australia. “These engines are at the cutting edge of diesel technology combining low
emissions and fuel consumption with an ease of driving that is car-like, especially when combined with the MTA self
shifting gearbox, which combines the best features of an conventional automatic with those of a conventional
manual.”
MultiJet II technology
The new MultiJet II engines provide economy, ecology and performance levels that are competitive on the market. The
fuel system is different from the first-generation MultiJet engines in that it contains faster reacting injectors that
can carry out multiple injections close together. More specifically, it can perform a main modulated fuel injection in
separate phases and bring forward subsequent injections. The MultiJet II can manage eight injections per firing cycle
thanks to the new servo valve with balanced shutter, which offers more speed, flexibility and precision in the various
stages of operation.
Everything is more economical and reliable owing to a simpler construction with 40 per cent fewer components.
The 1,600-bar fuel injection pressure from the first-generation MultiJet system increases to 1,800 bar in MultiJet II,
and the new type of injectors makes it possible to implement even more advanced combustion optimisation technologies such
as rate-shaping injection, which involves two consecutive injections so close together that there is a continuous and
modulated flow of fuel into the cylinders. This allows improved combustion with less noise and lower particulate and
nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. MultiJet II engines are fully compliant with Euro 5 standards and they are a decisive
step forward towards meeting future and more stringent emissions legislation.
Engine architecture
All engines for the 2012 Fiat Ducato have four in-line cylinders, with four valves per cylinder and a double overhead
camshaft. The cylinder head of the engines is made from aluminium alloy, while the block is made from cast iron. The
pistons have a cooling tunnel, and the geometry of the intake and exhaust pipes has been optimised.
In order to ensure a quick start from cold, the electric fuel supply pump is inside the fuel tank. This prolongs the
life of the diesel filter and, if the fuel runs out completely, it enables the driver to restart the supply without
emergency assistance. The pump also improves overall performance. The diesel filter is hugely effective at separating
water in order to avoid damage to the pump and the injectors. All the engines have an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
cooler, which is controlled directly by the engine control unit.
2.3 130 MultiJet II
The 2.3-litre MultiJet generates maximum power of 96 kW at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1,800 rpm.
These are big numbers that make the engine perfect for mixed usage: robust and reliable with excellent performance,
agile in traffic and superb over long distances, the engine is ideal both for transporting people and distributing goods
locally. Its high torque also enables the vehicle to pick up easily, even with a heavy load.
The engine's emissions and consumption are 9% lower than the previous Euro 4 2.3-litre engine, but with 8% more
power. Performance is also good: depending on the chassis configuration, the top speed is between 145 and 155 km/h
(where legal).
The engine has a cast iron block with integrated bearings to minimise vibrations and the timing system features a
toothed belt drive with an automatic belt tensioner. The engine has a turbocharger with a wastegate valve which, at
more than 2,200 rpm, enables the partial and gradual outflow of some of the exhaust gases. This optimises available
torque delivery at all revs, making the vehicle easier to drive. The glow plugs are located directly inside the
combustion chamber: they are controlled by the ECU, which significantly reduces cranking and pre-heating time and helps
to limit the stress put on the engine when starting from cold in low external temperatures. The water/oil heat exchanger,
the oil pump, the vacuum pump and the centrifugal water pump are integrated.
In order to comply with the limits set by Euro 5 standards, the 96 kW 2.3-litre MultiJet has a system with an EGR
valve which, controlled by the ECU, manages the partial recirculation of exhaust gases to reduce emissions, while the
heat exchanger cools the recycled gases before they are re-injected into the combustion chamber. Compared with the EGR
technology on the Euro 4 engines, the new system uses the "DC Motor", a device that enables the engine to move from
pneumatic to electronic control of recirculated gas volumes, which ensures much more accurate measurement.
2.3 150 MultiJet II
Compared with the Euro 4 Ducato, the number of 2.3-litre MultiJets available has doubled: there is now a second engine
with a high-efficiency variable geometry turbocharger, power output of 109 kW at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 350 Nm
at 1,500 rpm. When compared with the previous Euro 4 2.3-litre engine, this engine is responsive thanks to an increase in
power, which is up 24% and torque is lifted by 9%.
Robust and reliable gearboxes
In order to ensure maximum power and torque, the engines of the new Ducato are equipped with a choice of six speed
manual gearboxes, a conventional manual and the self shifting MTA gearbox that provide excellent driveability and
performance with low emissions and noise.
The manual gearbox is a two-axis gearbox with peak torque of 320 Nm and multi-cone synchronisers in first, second and
third gears. There are multi-cone synchronisers on all gears (including reverse, but excluding fifth and sixth gears),
while the cable gear control system ensures comfortable manoeuvrability in all conditions.
The MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) gearbox that combines the excellent engine performance and the low consumption
of manual transmission with the simplicity and comfort of an automatic gearbox.
The MTA is the ideal solution for various jobs: from recreational vehicles (motor homes and camper vans) to urban
delivery vans, and from urban people carriers (Panorama, mini-buses) to public service fleets.
Technically, the gearbox has traditional manual transmission with the manual linkage replaced by actuators controlled
electronically by a TCU (Transmission Control Unit). It has six gears (plus reverse) and can be either fully automatic or
manual sequential. In manual mode, the driver can select a gear by using the stick on the dashboard; there is no clutch
pedal. The MTA gearbox, like the Ducato engines, was designed specifically for this installation and programmed with the
driving pattens and loads of a commercial vehicle or motor home.
Ducato: Versatile and Flexible body choices.
The 2012 Fiat Ducato is available in a choice of five different body styles, with four vans and a cab chassis. Fiat
Australia has chosen these body and drivetrain combinations from the – literally – thousands of Ducato variants available
as they are best tuned to the market requirements of Australian medium and large van users. An additional range of
chassis and van variants are also provided direct to eight Australian motor home converters.
The 2012 Fiat Ducato Range opens with a compact low roof van ideal for urban use, with 10 cubic metres of interior
space and a 1.612 tonne payload. Adding the mid-roof lifts interior volume to 11.5 cubic metres and to enable full use
of this extra space, the second Ducato in the range has a payload of 2.009 tonnes. For users for whom space is premium
requirement, extending the wheelbase in the third Ducato variant lifts interior volume to 13 cubic metres and payload
is just under two tonnes at 1.959 tonnes. The largest Ducato van is the extra long wheelbase, medium roof, which
combines a 15 cubic metre interior volume with a 1.914 tonne payload. Rounding out the Ducato range for Australia is
the medium long wheelbase Cab/Chassis.
All versions of the Ducato are fitted with the 96 kW 2.3 litre engine with the exception of the extra long wheelbase
medium roof, which has the more powerful 109 kW 2.3 litre engine.
The 2012 Ducato: A new level of interior comfort
In addition to this new engine technology, basic practicality remains one of the core attributes of the Ducato’s cab.
The glove box gets a new lid with a sturdier lock on it. There’s a clipboard to stop those important bits of paper
getting lost; the central compartment is big enough to store a lap top computer; and it can be locked with a key. The
refrigerated compartment will hold a 1.5-litre bottle and the drinks holder can also be used to take a mobile phone.
The door panels have been remodelled to bring them in line with the rest of the cabin but they retain the practical
bottle holder and the mid-height pockets for smaller easy-to-lose objects.
The oval instrument panel, now sitting beneath a more pronounced anti-glare hood, has been redesigned to make it even
easier to read. And there’s a Gear Shift Indicator to tell drivers the most efficient point to change gear.
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
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Driver comfort is a core feature of the new Fiat Ducato. Noise insulation has improved and a great deal of care has
been taken with the seats. These are covered in a new red fabric and the driver’s seat can be adjusted six ways,
including up and down. Combined with an adjustable steering wheel and a movable arm rest, these allow drivers of all
shapes and sizes to find a comfortable position at the wheel.
For passengers there’s a choice of a standard two-seat bench featuring a central backrest that can be folded down to
make a table if required, or an optional single seat. Both driver’s and passenger’s seats feature handy storage
compartments beneath. And all front seats have seatbelts with pre-tensioners and a head restraint.
The full-size two-phase driver’s airbag is standard as is the front passenger airbag. The ABS anti-lock braking is
also standard and works in conjunction with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. This uses sensors to ensure the braking
action is divided over all four wheels to prevent locking and guarantee maximum stopping power. The braking system
employs discs all round, with those at the front ventilated for consistently high performance.
Ducato: 30 years on
In 2012 the latest Fiat Ducato to be launched will incorporate the experience gained over 30 years of van development.
During that time, the Ducato has sold more than 2.2 million examples worldwide. It’s also seen service across a huge
variety of business sectors, functioned as the basis for countless motor homes and been transformed into specialist
transportation such as mini-buses, ambulances and insulated freezer vehicles.
Even when it was first launched in 1981 the Ducato was a practical and solid machine that 'majored' on flexibility,
reliability and economy. It was restyled in 1990 before the third generation was launched in 1994. To accommodate the
varying demands of vastly different customers, this model had a family of 500 versions if you take chassis, size and
tonnage into account.
Rather than a radical reinvention, the fourth generation launched in 2002 used the looks and philosophy of its
predecessor as a basis and built on those. Just four years later the fifth generation hit the streets. It was more
stylish, comfortable, practical and driveable. And it combined safety, reliability, economy and versatility.
The Ducato is built in the Sevel plant in Val di Sangro between Atessa and Paglieta in the Italian province of Chieti.
It’s the largest commercial vehicle factory in Europe covering an area of more than 1.2 million square metres. The
bodywork part of the plant makes 300 different types of chassis, while the assembly line produces more than 6,000
different versions of the Ducato.
2012 Fiat Ducato Prices
All prices indicated in this news story are the drive away retail prices.
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Engine |
Manual |
MTA Automatic |
|
Ducato Medium Wheelbase/low roof Dual Seat |
2.3 96 kW |
$39,990 |
$42,990 |
|
Ducato Medium Wheelbase/Medium roof Dual Seat |
2.3 96 kW |
$42,990 |
$45,990 |
|
Ducato Long wheelbase/Medium roof Dual Seat |
2.3 96 kW |
$45,990 |
$49,090 |
|
Ducato Extra long wheelbase/medium roof Dual Seat |
2.3 109 kW |
$49,590 |
$52,890 |
|
Ducato Cab chassis |
2.3 96 kW |
$44,990 |
$47,990 |
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Options |
|
Metallic Paint |
$950 |
|
Bench Seat |
$975 |
NOTE: Please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the
specifications.
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