NEW FIAT DUCATO MINIBUS ELEGANT
Published at 03.12.2007 in Vehicle news, Minibuses
Presented at the Busworld show in Courtrai (Kortrijk), Belgium, this original vehicle from Fiat Professional, outfitted by Mussa & Graziano of Turin, accommodates 13 or 16 passengers (plus the driver) with flexibility and style, in an environment that is exclusive, comfortable and elegant.
This converted Ducato is recognisable from the outside by its special metallic paintwork (Dark Anthracite) which blends perfectly with the sparkling alloy wheels that mount extra-large tyres. Unlike the standard Minibus, which has a 2-flap rear door, Elegant versions have a large ergonomic tilting VTO tailgate for easy access to the luggage compartment, thanks also to a double anatomical handle. The upper part of the tailgate has a large panoramic window, while all the heat-resistant external windows have special smoked glass. The elegance of the rear line is enhanced by the supplementary reflectors positioned on the side pillars and small exterior body-coloured lip, which covers the evaporator of the passenger compartment air conditioning unit. The new vehicle has the engineering of the Ducato Maxi (Gross vehicle weight 4 tonnes and reinforced suspension), and is equipped with the powerful 160 Multijet Power engine which delivers a maximum of 157 bhp and torque of 400 Nm. The Ducato Minibus Elegant combines the excellent performance of this elastic, smooth engine, with the best devices available in the field of onboard comfort: from an additional climate system to a 12 litre refrigerator (on request), a 2-speed electric fan/extractor on the ceiling, and a 15” LCD colour television that can be connected to a DVD player. The Ducato Minibus Elegant is also equipped with a radio and CD player, a digital chronotachograph (positioned on the oddment shelf in the cab), rear parking sensors, and front and rear splashguards. The Ducato Minibus Elegant sets off this lavish array of equipment with an exclusive interior environment that has a number of original styling details: The two longitudinal luggage shelves have a leather insert in the lower part, the same colour as the seats, and incorporate air vents to distribute hot and cold air to each seat, as well as individual loudspeakers and reading lights, just like those on a plane. On the aisle side, the shelves incorporate high-intensity LEDs with a white/blue that guarantee perfect illumination of the passenger area. And finally, the special features of the Ducato Minibus Elegant include an emergency exit hatch on the roof and the generous rear luggage compartment lined with anthracite grey carpeting. From 2008, the vehicle will be available with an electrically operated sliding side door.
