He's probably right. Celebrating 30 years of the nameplate, this latest generation is still a smart and modern looker. But the 2011 model has a whole new set of power choices.
Unfortunately, we're not going to get the newest in Ireland. Nor will the UK get the 2.0 115hp unit that breaks new ground in efficiency and specific output for the entry level powertrain. The cost of redesigning it for RHD use wouldn't justify the numbers. Which is fair enough. Instead, we'll get a detuned variant of the 2.3 intermediate engines, with a 110hp output. And there won't be anything wrong with that.
It means that in the Irish context there will be three 2.3 options, providing 110/130/148hp, and a 3.0 with 177hp, claiming the most powerful engine in the class.
The mid-range 2.3 engine uses a variable-geometry turbocharger to boost output to 148hp and 350Nm but there is no penalty in terms of emissions or economy. The top 3.0-litre engine also uses a variable-geometry turbocharger and now produces 177hp and 400Nm - 13 percent more power 157hp 3.0 unit it replaces - making it the best-performing four-cylinder engine in its class. At the same time, economy improves by nine percent (8.0L/100km) while CO2 emissions are just 209 g/km.
Compared to the previous Ducatos, all engines are Euro 5 and use less fuel, while offering increased power. Although it isn't announced yet, we expect that the entry level unit will have a similar 5-speed gearbox to the 2.0 basic on the European mainland, while all others will use a new 6-speed transmission. The 3.0 has the option of a Comfort-Matic automated manual 6-speed, which is aimed particularly at the camper-van segment where the Ducato is substantially the biggest player.
Radios are optional in the Ducato, but the ones available are of high quality and integrate fully into the stack. There's also the option of a dashtop base for the TomTom sat-nav with which Fiat are partnered, though with this you lose the clipboard that can otherwise live on that location.
You can also have a fold-down table from the back of the centre seat. All in all, the best description for the design and execution of the dashboard/storage solutions is 'elegant'.
The comfort quotient is also high. The vans have three seats up front, the passenger ones separate from the driver's but not at all compromises. And there's plenty of backward movement for even the longest-legged driver. The steering wheel is moveable in both planes, and the dash-mounted shifter a handily short distance from it.
If I have to gripe after an afternoon trying the various versions, it's the pair of dials for speed and revs. White on black and reasonably clear, there were instances of glare on the covers. And I think I'd like them brighter in daylight. This suggests that I have little to complain about with the new Ducato.
That's true. The engines I tried, admittedly in closed conditions, all seemed smooth and refined, and I reckon that given the pedigree they won't ever let the operator down. The handling of the big vehicle is, well, like a big van.
An improved ESP is an option on the 2011 Ducato, although in markets like Germany it will be standard on some variants. If you do order ESP, you'll get a Traction+ system integrated which provides different torque characteristics to opposite driving wheels if each is on a different grip surface. Gravel/pavement, for example.
The Comfort-Matic is a very smooth operator, especially considering that it is a single-clutch system, and there's also what Fiat call an 'Up' button that provides a more suitable change profile for mountain driving or full load conditions.
Once you have TomTom and the Blue & Me connectivity as part of your working life in a Ducato, a number of interesting options become available. Including the eco-Drive Fiat Professional system which can be used by fleet operators to check out the economy and driving habits of individual drivers. By sticking a pen-drive into the USB socket, a range of driving parameters are recorded. This information can be uploaded to a PC, and from there to a website where an an analysis can be carried out. Fleet operators who have used this already say that up to 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency can be achieved by using the information to train drivers to do their job better.
A stop-start system is under development, so expect even better performance potential.
The new Ducato comes to Ireland from mid-summer, and we'll take a closer look at it in Irish conditions. Meantime, the outgoing van is Fiat Professional Ireland's best selling model so far this year, so the brand has something to build from.
