Europe is a continent full of culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s also a great place to explore by motorhome, as you can travel at your own pace, stay in scenic locations, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of living on the road.
But what kind of motorhome should you choose for your European adventure? If you ask most motorhome manufacturers and customers, they will tell you that there is one clear winner: the Fiat Ducato.
The Fiat Ducato is a van produced by Fiat Professional, the commercial vehicle division of Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat. It’s also the most popular base vehicle for motorhome conversions in Europe, with a market share of over 70%. More than 700,000 families travel on Ducato-based motorhomes across the continent.
We will explore what makes the Fiat Ducato so appealing to motorhome lovers and how it has evolved over the years to meet their needs and expectations. We will also look at one of the latest examples of a Fiat Ducato-based motorhome: the CaraLife 630 LQ from Weinsberg. This German-based company offers innovative and affordable solutions for motorhome enthusiasts.
The History of Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato was first launched in 1981 as a joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën. It was designed to be a versatile and reliable van that could be used for various purposes, such as transporting goods, people, or equipment. It was also designed with motorhome conversions in mind, as it offered a wide range of chassis variants, wheelbases, engines, and transmissions that could be customized to suit different needs and preferences.
The first generation of the Fiat Ducato was produced until 1993 and sold over one million units worldwide. The second generation was introduced in 1994 and featured a more modern and aerodynamic design, as well as improved safety and comfort features. The third generation debuted in 2006 and introduced new technologies such as common rail diesel engines, six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and advanced driver assistance systems.
The current generation of the Fiat Ducato was launched in 2014 and has been updated several times since then. It is now available in more than 80 countries and has won several awards for its quality and performance. Some of these awards include the “Best Motorhome Base Vehicle” by Promobil magazine in Germany for 13 consecutive years, the “Best Camper Van” by Auto Bild Reisemobil magazine in Germany for four consecutive years, and the “Best Base Vehicle” by MMM magazine in the UK for three consecutive years.
The Features of Fiat Ducato
So, what makes the Fiat Ducato so special for motorhome conversions? According to Fiat Professional, there are several reasons why the Fiat Ducato is the ultimate choice for motorhome lovers.
Designed for Motorhomes
One of the main reasons is that the Fiat Ducato is designed with motorhomes in mind. Unlike other vans that are adapted from commercial vehicles, the Fiat Ducato is specifically engineered to provide the best possible platform for creating comfortable living spaces.
For example, the Fiat Ducato has a low frame height, allowing for more headroom and easier access to the interior. It also has a large loading capacity that can accommodate up to six people and their luggage. Moreover, it has a spacious interior that can be easily customized with various layouts and furniture options.
The Fiat Ducato also offers a wide range of chassis variants that can be adapted to different types of motorhomes. These include:
- Van: A standard van that can be converted into a compact or medium-sized motorhome.
- Chassis cab: A chassis with a cab that can be fitted with a coachbuilt body or an alcove.
- Chassis cowl: A chassis without a cab that can be fitted with an integrated body or a low-profile.
- Dropside truck: A chassis with a flatbed that can be fitted with a demountable body or a pickup camper.
In addition, the Fiat Ducato offers different wheelbases (from 3 to 4.35 meters), different rear overhangs (from 0.8 to 1.2 meters), different axle ratios (from 3.08 to 4.56), different gross vehicle weights (from 3 to 4.4 tons), different engines (from 120 to 180 horsepower), and different transmissions (manual, automatic, or electric). All these options allow motorhome manufacturers and customers to choose the best combination for their needs and preferences.
Equipped with Technology
Another reason why the Fiat Ducato is the ultimate choice for motorhome lovers is that it is equipped with advanced technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable. These include:
- Adaptive cruise control: A system that automatically adjusts the speed and distance from the vehicle in front using a radar sensor.
- Lane departure warning: Using a camera sensor, a system that warns the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane.
- Blind spot assist: A system that alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot using ultrasonic sensors.
- Rear cross path detection: Using ultrasonic sensors, a system that warns the driver of a vehicle crossing behind when reversing.
- Traffic sign recognition: A system that recognizes and displays the speed limit and other traffic signs using a camera sensor.
- Hill descent control: A system that helps the driver maintain a constant speed when going downhill, using the brake system.
The Fiat Ducato also has a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows the driver to access their smartphone’s apps, music, navigation and calls on the dashboard. The infotainment system also has a rearview camera, a digital radio, and a wireless charger.
Powered by Efficiency
A third reason why the Fiat Ducato is the ultimate choice for motorhome lovers is that it is powered by efficient and reliable engines that deliver good performance and low emissions. The Fiat Ducato offers a choice of diesel, natural gas, and electric powertrains that can meet different environmental standards and regulations.
The diesel engines range from 120 to 180 horsepower and are equipped with a turbocharger, an intercooler, and a common rail injection system. They also have a stop-start system, an eco mode, and a smart alternator that reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The diesel engines comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard, one of Europe's most stringent.
The natural gas engine produces 136 horsepower and runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It has a bi-fuel system that allows it to switch between gas and petrol depending on availability. The natural gas engine has lower CO2 emissions than the diesel engines and can also reduce noise and vibration. The natural gas engine complies with the Euro 6d emission standard, which is even stricter than the Euro 6d-TEMP.
The electric version, which will be available in 2024, will have a range of up to 230 miles. It will have a battery pack of 47 or 79 kWh and an electric motor of 90 or 122 kW. It will also have a fast charging system that can recharge up to 80% of the battery in 30 minutes. The electric version will have zero tailpipe emissions and will be suitable for urban areas with low-emission zones.