Fiat Ducato (94-06) - Review

With over 140 different models on offer, cargo capacity varies greatly. The smallest van, at 2.7 tonnes gross vehicle weight, holds 7.5 cubic metres of cargo and has a payload of 945kg while the largest holds 12 cubic metres of cargo and has a payload of 1,505kg.

Unlike some of its rivals, the Ducato did not offer a driver's airbag and ABS brakes as standard across the range until the 2002 facelift. Both were on the options list, though, so it's worth checking on the exact specification before making a purchasing decision. The 2002 facelift saw strengthening of door components and locking/latch mechanisms, along with the standards fitment of an engine immobiliser, although an alarm remained on the options list

Fiat's warranty is a very reasonable three years/100,000 miles. Servicing for the 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre models is 12,500 miles while the 2.8-litre versions go for 20,000 miles between checks. Those common rail JTD engines are renowned for their frugality, so fuel consumption figures in the low 30s should be possible.

We've heard no horror stories about problems with this van. The number of old models still running suggest that it will provide good service for many years, especially in JTD format.