The Fiat Ducato celebrated its 35th birthday on October 23, with more than five million produced over the last three and half decades.
More than 10,000 variants are available depending on the country, application, and commercial requirements.
In New Zealand, six versions of the Ducato range meet the needs of local van users. All are powered by the 130kW 3-litre turbo diesel engine with a choice of manual or MTA gearboxes, depending on the version.
The range opens with the medium wheelbase, low roof van which has a recommended retail price of $56,990 plus on-road costs. It is also available long and extra-long wheelbases and a medium height roof, as well as a low roof Cab Chassis.
The first Ducato revolutionised the high-capacity van market with its front-wheel drive, engine power, and spacious loading area, rolling off the lines at the SEVEL factory (Società Europea Veicoli Leggeri), in Val di Sangro, Italy, on October 23, 1981.
Production continues today in the largest facility for medium-to-large size vans in the Europe reaching the five million vehicle mark in 2015.
The first series of Ducato (1981-1990) implemented an array of innovative solutions at the time, such as the front transverse engine with the drivetrain and the fuel tank combined in a single module with the cab.
These features made a variety of models possible. The body variants included two roof heights and Van, Combi, Bus and Truck options. The two wheelbases (2923 and 3653 mm) meant the van could total a load volume of 9.8 cubic metres and achieve an allowable gross weight up to 2800 kg.
In 1984, the use of inclined shock absorbers produced an entirely flat load area, and in 1985 the Maxi version increased the maximum amount to 3500kg. In 1989, the Fiat Ducato with Steyr-Puch all-wheel drive made an appearance.
Ten years after its launch on the market (1990-1994), Ducato achieved its first milestone with the second series, with the four-wheel drive making its grand début: on 1 October 1991, the 500,000th vehicle rolled off the production line.
The power of the 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine increased to 70 kW (95 HP) and an innovative propulsion system, the all-electric Fiat Ducato Elettra, was introduced. The range expanding through the introduction of a third wheelbase (3200 mm).
Launching the third generation (1994-2002) in 1994 saw aerodynamic drag improving (dropping to 0.35) and a new vehicle cab design inspired by practical professional requirements was introduced.
The gear lever was incorporated into the central console rendering the central part of the floor usable and facilitating access to the cab from both doors and from the cab to the loading compartment: this improved both ergonomics and productivity.
The Ducato then won the title of “International Van of the Year 1994”.
Further improvements aimed at comfort ocurred in the noughties, introducing height-adjustable seats and three-spoke steering wheels on the fourth series (2002-2006) in 2002.
A direct injection Common Rail engine was adopted for the first time in 2002. The Ducato opened the alternative fuel era with its petrol/methane engine, which laid the foundations for the success of brand as European market leader in the methane-powered van sector.
The fifth generation of the Ducato joined the scene in 2006, extending the range and further increasing flexibility: it was the first front-wheel van to offer a volume of 17 cubic metres.
It also set the bar in terms of efficient running and low maintenance costs, in addition to fuel efficiency and low emission levels, by offering a broad range of diesel engines implementing the second-generation MultiJet technology.
The sixth generation launched in 2014 boasted a front axle load up to 2100kg and a rear axle load up to 2500kg for single rear axle vehicles, as well as the highest maximum capacity.
The Ducato van could carry a maximum payload of 2100kg and, air suspension on the rear axle was made available for the first time.
New Zealand is one of more than 80 countries where the vehicle is on sale. It is now manufactured in Brazil and Mexico as well as its original Italian factory, and the latest market it has gone to work in is the USA, where it is sold as the ProMaster under the RAM brand.
