2020 Fiat Ducato price and specs: New engine and transmission for Fiat’s large van

• 2020 Fiat Professional Ducato moves to all-new Euro 6D compliant engine
• Four body configurations and three wheelbase lengths offered
• New nine-speed automatic available across the range
• Safety equipment boosted with AEB for the first time
• Prices ranging from $46,300 to 57,500 plus on-road costs

Under the bonnet Fiat has switched to an all-new ‘Multijet 180’ 2.3-litre turbo diesel four cylinder engine, producing 130kW and 400Nm when matched to a six-speed manual, or 450Nm when paired with the new nine-speed automatic.

The new engine also complies with Euro 6D emissions standards, although only through the use of AdBlue exhaust treatment additive.

By comparison the outgoing 2.3-litre engine in the Series six was rated at 110kW and 380Nm in the short wheelbase Ducato or the same 130kW and 400Nm for mid, long and extra-long models and rated to Euro 6 emissions standards.

The previous Comfort-Matic six-speed automatic – an automated single-clutch manual rather than a true auto transmission – has been discontinued. The new nine-speed auto is a torque-converter design supplied by transmission specialists, ZF.

Fiat mentions efficiency improvements with the new engine and nine-speed auto, but has not yet published fuel-consumption figures for Australia.

In the Series 7 range, the previous SWB price leader has been deleted, leaving the MWB low-roof model as the price leader, from $46,300 plus on-road costs. Previously, the cheapest model started at $38,990 before on-roads.

Standard equipment has received a boost with the addition of features such as forward collision alert and autonomous emergency braking. The previously optional reverse camera and lane-departure warning has also been added as standard equipment.

"The improved drivetrain along with the transmission updates in the new Fiat Professional Ducato enhances the overall vehicle performance and provides ultimate comfort," Fiat Professional's director of brand and product strategy, Guillaume Drelon, said in a statement.

"Whilst delivering more torque and a smoother drive, we’re also thrilled to now offer additional standard safety and convenience features within the Fiat Professional Ducato range."

Other standard features that carry over from the Ducato Series 6 include a sliding cargo door on the left side, cruise control, rear park sensors, manual air conditioning, 270-degree rear barn doors, electrically adjustable side mirrors, and a fixed bulkhead with sliding window.

Inside the cabin is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a two-seat passenger seat with three-point seatbelts for all three occupants, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with radio and Bluetooth functions.

The new line-up includes MWB variants in low of mid-roof heights, mid-roof only for LWB and XLWB models, and a choice of manual or automatic transmission on SWB and LWB, while the XLWB Ducatio is only available with the new nine-speed automatic.

All configurations are front-wheel drive. Additional specifications are shown below.

Optional equipment includes an additional right-side sliding side door for $1190, and the nine-speed automatic option adds $2890.

Bundled options packages are also available with a Comfort and Tech pack ($2190) which adds a larger 7.0-inch infotainment system, in-built navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, digital radio, automatic climate control, LED running lights.

The Safety Plus pack brings auto headlights, auto high beam, rain sensing wipers, blind spot assist with rear cross path detection, fog lights, traffic sign recognition, all-season tyres and Traction+ traction control a dedicated low-speed low grip mode.

2020 Fiat Ducato pricing for Australia

MWB low roof manual – $46,300

MWB mid roof manual – $48,300

LWB mid roof manual – $50,300

XLWB mid roof auto – $57,500

Manufacturer’s list price, excluding on-road costs. Overseas model shown.