Also read: New pickups for 2015 and 2016
Also read: Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 review
Fiat Professional is showcasing its all-new pickup truck, the Fiat Fullback, at the 2016 Dubai Motor Show. The new vehicle will be built in Thailand alongside its sister truck, the Mitsubishi L200, and will feature Mitsubishi’s newly-developed 2.4-litre diesel engine.
Context
The Fiat Fullback will be Fiat Professional’s first entry into Europe’s full-size pickup market, although it has been selling smaller pickups, like the Fiat Strada, on mainland Europe and South America for years. Pickup truck sales in the UK have risen 65 percent in the last six years, and now make up around one in nine LCV sales.
In the cab
Other than the badge on the steering wheel, there is very little separating the Fiat Fullback and the Mitsubishi L200. The cab is comfortable and spacious, and will feature just two trim levels. There are quite a lot of equipment available, including keyless operation with push button start, dual zone air conditioning and ‘mood’ LED lighting.
Weights and dimensions
Like the Mitsubishi L200, the Fiat Fullback will only be available with a double-cab configuration. Measuring 5,285mm in length, 1,780mm in height, 1,815 mm in width, it will be one of the larger double-cabs, although the payload will be fairly limited at 1,045kg.
Considering that no major significant engineering work will be carried out, the maximum towing capacity will be just 3.1 tonnes – falling short of the likes of the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max (both 3.5t). The load bed is small though, measuring just 1,470mm by 1,470mm.
On the road
Powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre diesel, there will be two power ratings offered on the Fiat Fullback; 152bhp/380Nm and 178bhp/430Nm. Two transmissions will be available, a new six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission with sports mode, and both will be combined with full four-wheel drive systems.
Pricing and availability
Pickup buyers may find themselves stuck for choice over the next couple of years, with no less than seven major launches taking place.
The Fiat Fullback will be available from Autumn 2016, and we predict that it will be priced slightly higher than the Mitsubishi L200, starting at around £21,000 plus VAT. The Fiat Fullback will come with Fiat’s Professional’s respectable three years and 120,000 mile warranty.
