The Fiat Ducato, developed by the joint venture between PSA Peugeot and Fiat, is a light commercial vehicle produced since 1981. Sold as the Peugeot J5, Alfa Romeo AR6, Citroën C25, and Talbot Express during its first generation, the Ducato has since survived two generations with the most recent facelift version in 2014.
First Generation (1981-1983)
Though first presented in 1981, the Ducato had been in development since 1978. They were initially produced in Italy at the Sevel Val di Sangro and Sevel Campania plants. The trim levels available were base, S and SX with the model variants named according to carrying capacity. The Ducato 10 had a 1.0 tons capacity, Ducato 13 could manage 1.3 tons, and the Ducato Maxi 18 had a 1.8-ton capacity.
For the first generation, Fiat went with two engine variants;
- 1,971cc 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine rated 63kW at 5,000rpm with a torque of 160 Nm at 2,500rpm
- 1929cc 1.9L diesel engine that could attain peak power of 60 kW at 4,100rpm with a subsequent torque of 181 Nm at 2,500rpm
In 1992, Fiat developed some Ducatos with an electric DC motor from Leroy-Somer and dubbed it the Ducato Elettra.
Second Generation (1993-2006)
For the second generation, the Ducato van came with a payload of 12m3 with four SOHC 8-valve engine options to choose from, viz.:
- 1,988cc 2.0L PSA RFW petrol engine with a maximum power output of 80kW at 5,500rpm and a torque of 168 Nm at 3,400rpm
- 2,197cc 2.2L PSA 4HY diesel engine rated 74kW at 4,000rpm with a subsequent torque of 240 Nm at 1,900rpm
- 1,987cc 2.0L JTD/HDi diesel engine with a maximum power output of 62 kW at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 192 Nm at 1,900rpm
- 2,800cc 2.8 L JTD/HDi diesel engine that can attain peak power of 107 kW at 3,600rpm and a torque of 310 Nm at 1,500rpm
The range included two types of gearboxes – a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual gearbox. There is also a passenger van, the Ducato Passenger Transport, which has a capacity of six to nine individuals.
The second-generation Ducato received a restyle in 2002, which saw the addition of a revised front grille and new rear and side bump mouldings. Production of the Ducato was beefed up to nine vehicles a day in 2005.
Third Generation (2006-present)
The third-generation Ducato was launched in late 2007. It was made available in several variants, for both passengers and goods. They now come with increased capacity with the smallest one, the Ducato 30 having a capacity of 3.0 tons and the larger one the Ducato Maxi 40 with a 4.0-ton capacity. For the Ducato, the following powertrains are available;
- 2,287cc DOHC 16-valve engine with rated 96 kW at 3,600 rpm with a torque of320 Nm 1,800rpm
- 1,956cc DOHC 16-valve engine with rated 85 kW at 3,700 rpm with a torque of 280 Nm 1,500rpm
2014 Facelift
The fourth-generation Ducato was unveiled in 2014. It was just a facelift of the third generation but encompassed a myriad of new exciting features, including a heavily revised front end with modern headlight styling.
The Ducato Van has always been a reliable transport for passengers and goods. If you own one, we can help you maintain it by connecting you to sellers of Fiat Ducato genuine spare parts. Visit our website for our current listing or send us a parts request now!
- Eric Anyega