Ducat() goes diesel
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FIAT UK has added diesel-engined models to its Ducato van and chassis cab range powered by the 2.5-litre Sofim 8.144.61 engine.
The 2,445cc indirect-injection four-stroke unit has a maximum output of 53kW (72hp) at 4,200rpm and peak torque of 148Nm (109 lbft) at 2,400rpm. Its cast-iron cylinder block is fitted with removable dry liners, and the aluminium cylinder head with valve-seat inserts has Ricardo combustion chambers.
Overall weight for the Sofim engine, which is tranversely mounted in the Ducato, is 128kg (2.52cwt). It is equipped with Bosch fuel-injection, and has a belt-driven overhead camshaft.
The launch of the diesel Ducato breaks the monopoly previously held in Britain by Talbot with its diesel Express model. Although both vehicles are produced at the same Italian SEVEL light van plant, only Talbot has offered a diesel version in the UK up to now.
The option of a diesel-engine, however, will now allow Fiat to attack the large diesel van fleet market. The 2.5-litre diesel Ducato will have a price premium of around £850 over petrol-engined versions, although Fiat is expected to closely match the Talbot diesel van prices.
A choice of four or five-speed gearboxes will be offered with the Sofim engine, depending on the individual model. The kerb weight of all diesel Ducato models is 100kg (1.97cwt) heavier than that of petrol-engined equivalents, although vehicle payloads remain the same, except for the 1.6-ton long-wheelbase van and chassis cab.