Fiat: Ducato with natural gas drive and 136 hp

The fact that the Ducato is so far ahead in the statistics is partly due to the fact that it is the most popular base for motorhomes in Europe: three out of four motorhomes sold are based on a Fiat Ducato. The strategy of not changing the dimensions of the chassis, including the fixing points, certainly contributes to this success.

All engines comply with Euro 6d-Temp
All 2.3-liter engines in the MultiJet II series feature variable turbocharger geometry and now comply with Euro 6d-Temp. The 120-hp unit with 320 Nm maximum torque is the entry-level model. In combination with the manual transmission, power and torque have already been improved by ten percent compared with the predecessor two-liter engine.

The centerpiece is the 2.3 MultiJet II with 140 hp and 350 Nm, which is available with both a manual transmission and the "9Speed" automatic. Above this are the 160 hp and 180 hp engines. The former, in conjunction with "9Speed", delivers up to 400 Nm to the front axle and features a reinforced crankshaft in larger bearings, different pistons and a modified turbocharger. The maximum torque of the 180 hp version is 400 Nm with manual transmission and 450 Nm with automatic transmission.

First impression in everyday traffic
Surprisingly well damped, the Ducato can be easily steered through traffic and over traffic circles in and out of town. Except when accelerating hard on the highway, the power reserves were never nearly challenged. A later comparison drive in Swiss topography should be interesting.

Natural Power variant stacks up 350 Nm
The Ducato is of course also available as a Natural Power variant with a monovalent three-liter engine with 136 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The Ducato 136 Natural Power is part of a complete range of methane-powered commercial vehicles, from passenger cars to the Fiorino and the Doblò.

We were also able to try out this variant and it impressed us with its performance on a par with the diesel and the low noise level in the cabin.

Modern nine-speed automatic transmission
A major innovation is the "9Speed" automatic transmission. The modern nine-speed automatic with torque converter makes optimum use of the engine's torque, is the lightest transmission in its category, and ensures reliability and durability as well as driving comfort. It enables optimum use of the drive torque, which reaches a record 450 newton meters on the 180 MultiJet II.

Lights depending on vehicle wheelbase
A must for every professional is the "Engine Idle Preset", which increases the idle speed of the engine in order to
additional, electrical devices on board, and to operate the LED Cargo Lights. These lights, which are available in three different sizes depending on the vehicle wheelbase, provide up to 70 lux in the cargo area.

Infotainment system from Mopar
Fiat Professional will gradually expand the infotainment range for the Ducato. Immediately available is the new infotainment system from Mopar with seven-inch touchscreen, USB connection and DAB radio and the ability to specify the dimensions of the vehicle and possibly the equipment version to avoid roads that are not suitable for the dimensions of the vehicle when navigating. This professional function is aimed at specialists and motorhome drivers. The new system integrates Apple CarPlay and compatibility with Android Auto. The Fiat Ducato model year 2020 is available from 19 990 francs.

Purely electric variant coming in 2020
The first electric vehicle from Fiat Professional is coming next year. The Ducato Electric will be available in all body variants and with the same load volume as the Ducato with combustion engine, namely from ten to 17 m3 and with a payload of up to 1950 kilos. Depending on the configuration, a total range of 220 to 360 kilometers is planned, with a maximum output of 90 kW and maximum torque of 280 Nm.

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