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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 107

If you're looking for a large van from the 2021-2024 period, Fiat's Ducato might not be the first name on your LCV shortlist, but the much improved 'Series 8' model sold over this time definitely merits your attention, with enhanced Multijet3 diesel power and a full-EV option too. Spun off the same platform as the Peugeot Boxer, the Vauxhall Movano and the Citroen Relay, in this guise the Ducato continued to score in four key areas; robustness, low running costs, a wide range of body options and load area flexibility. And in 'Series 8' form, it offered a fifth attribute: increased cabin sophistication with impressive media connectivity.

Modelsword count: 4

Medium-sized van (2.3 diesel/Full-Electric)

Historyword count: 273

The Fiat Ducato. It's the company's largest van, the flagship of its commercial vehicle range since 1981 and, according to the Italian brand, the most important model in its LCV line-up. That's certainly the case in mainland Europe, where it's the best selling commercial vehicle of any kind, regardless of category, number one in terms of sales in twelve different countries. Here though, it's a less familiar sight than it should be on our roads, something Fiat set out to change when it launched the much improved 'X290'-series sixth generation version in 2014, a design enhanced first in 2020, then again in 2022 to create the much improved 'Series 8' model we're going to look at here. The fundamentals here were pretty familiar because they were shared with three other competing models in the large van segment, the Peugeot Boxer, the Citroen Relay and the Vauxhall Movano. Fiat used its own powerplants though and as part of the 'Series 8' update, gave the Ducato a bit more visual and technological sophistication to set this LCV apart, not only from its design cousins but also from other key segment rivals. The core reasons you might want one though, were much as before with the wide range of body styles and the affordable running costs, aided with this 'Series 8' design by the introduction of a fresh Multijet 3 diesel powertrain and the option of a new 9-speed auto transmission. There was also a full-electric version too. The 'Series 8' Ducato sold in this form until early 2024, when it was substantially updated. It's the 2021-2023-era 'Series 8' versions though, that we concentrate on here.

What You Getword count: 335

The Ducato remained recognisable but a bit more contemporary-looking in this post-2021 'Series 8' form. The front gained a bolder look, featuring a smarter Fiat badge in its centre, flanked by re-styled three-section headlamp units which could feature full-LED beams. The engine housing and the skid plates were also redesigned. As previously, there were three vehicle heights and five lengths available. And inside? Well by 2021 this sixth generation Ducato design was getting on for a decade old but it'll feel pretty current if you've got a high spec including the two new optional screens that in 2021 Fiat added into the cab of this 'Series 8' model. The seats were better with this 'Series 8' Ducato, with a more contemporary look, smarter padding and offering more space and comfort. You can't fault the cabin for stowage options either. There are two gloveboxes, with an open recess between them, plus there are three storage levels (and a bottle holder) in each of the restyled door cards. And you get lots of space beneath the two-person passenger bench, plus there's a cubby under the climate controls, with a cup holder to the left of it. Out back, the full-height twin rear doors open conventionally; many owners specified the optional 270-degree feature which allows you to fold them back along the vehicle sides. Depending on variant, cargo capacity varies between 8 and 17m3. The '35 LH2' variant offers 13m3 of volume, a load length of 3,705mm and a load width of 1,870mm. Gross Vehicle Weights range between 3,340 and 4,170kgs. Choose the E-Ducato and you'll find no practicality compromises with the under-floor battery installation (but there's a bit less payload capacity). There's the usual sliding side door (from new, there was the option of another on the other side) and if you use it to swallow really heavy loads, you'll want to choose the right payload variant - there are Ducato payload options of up to 2.1-tonnes. The popular '35 LH2' variant can take up to 1,472kg.

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