Facelifted Fiat Ducato Spied Testing with Revised Front and Rear
Fiat’s Ducato van has been spotted on public roads with light camouflage, previewing a mid-cycle update expected to bring revised styling and modest interior changes.
Fiat’s Ducato van is undergoing a mid-life update, with a camouflaged prototype recently caught testing on public roads. The facelifted Ducato, expected to be revealed as a 2015 model, is set to receive revised front and rear styling, along with updates to its cabin and engine range.
Photographs show the test vehicle with camouflage concentrated on the front end and rear light clusters, indicating where the main changes will appear. The front grille, bumper and headlight units are expected to be restyled, bringing the Ducato in line with Fiat’s current design language. At the rear, revised taillights are likely to feature new graphics or a different shape.
The Ducato’s mid-cycle update comes as the van continues to share its underpinnings with the Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper. All three models are produced as part of a joint venture between Fiat and PSA, and typically receive updates in parallel. The facelifted Ducato is also due to be sold in North America as the Ram ProMaster, where it has become a key model for Fiat Chrysler’s commercial vehicle push.
Expected interior and engine changes
While the exterior receives the most visible attention, Fiat is expected to update the Ducato’s cabin with refreshed trim and possibly new equipment. The changes are not expected to be radical, but may include revised materials or additional features to keep the van competitive in the light commercial segment.
Updates to the engine range are also anticipated, although details remain limited. The current Ducato offers a choice of diesel engines tailored for payload and efficiency. Any changes are likely to focus on emissions compliance and incremental improvements to performance or running costs.
Timing and market position
Fiat has not confirmed a launch date for the updated Ducato, but the presence of lightly disguised prototypes suggests an official unveiling is likely within the year. The Ducato remains a core product for Fiat’s commercial vehicle business, competing with the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in a segment where reliability, running costs and flexibility are crucial for buyers.
The facelift is expected to help the Ducato maintain its appeal in both European and North American markets, where it serves a wide range of roles from delivery fleets to camper van conversions. As with previous updates, the changes are evolutionary rather than transformative, aimed at keeping the model fresh against newer rivals.
For more on Fiat’s commercial vehicle developments, seeChrysler to Build Fiat Ducato Van at Saltillo Plant for North America.
