Fiat Ducato Van Review

Our Review of the Fiat Ducato

In terms of practicality and size the Fiat Fiat Ducato is arguably a contender in this range. The 2.3 Multijet high roof model has both the power and the size to shift heavy payloads over distance, and thanks to the Fiat Ducato's practical sturdy design, the Fiat Ducato will no doubt impede on the market traditionally dominated by the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, and Iveco's Daily.

Fiat has given the Fiat Ducato a hefty carrying capacity of 1525Kg, and a 14m3 loading capacity. To shift loads of this weight, the 120 bhp gives the Fiat Ducato a profound torque of 320Nm, making short work of a capacity load from a motionless position. The loading bay itself boats a distance of 1422mm between the wheel arches and half height panelling protects the load from damage. The full height rear doors are supported by sliding doors on both sides and the loading height is an impressive 535mm. The bay itself is impressively square, with little narrowing at the top of the van, which as many drivers will tell you makes a lot of difference.

Road handling could be a matter of taste but overall it is fair to say that the Fiat Ducato handles very well. The chassis rigidity has been improved by 30% from previous Ducatos, and this provides a comfortable if firm drive. Due to the Fiat Ducato flat nose, the turning circle and forward visibility is very good for a van in this class. A six speed gear box serves the Fiat Ducato well.

The driver sits behind a steering wheel which is mounted quite flat and features variable power steering. This keeps the vehicle steering light at slow speeds but heavier on long motorway journeys giving the driver better control. Soft seat padding will not be to everyone's taste especially on long days, but there is a good deal of adjustments that can be made.

The cab offers a great deal of storage options and a dash mounted gear stick. The dashboard hides a lockable glove box which by all accounts can store a laptop computer. The storage is further supported by an overhead hang and two large storage pockets in each door. Fiat has given the Fiat Ducato a clipboard which sits snugly away atop of the facia.

As standard the Fiat Ducato carries ABS brakes, adjustable steering wheel, CD stereo and a driver's side airbag. A range of other options including Bluetooth connectivity and a rear parking camera are also available.

The Fiat Fiat Ducato is an all round impressive vehicle that will tread on the heels of its main competitors and due to the quality and thought that has gone into the design, surpass them.