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iat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has developed an all-
new utility, known as the Fullback, in partnership with
Mitsubishi Motors, although the “work hero” – as Fiat
describes it – is not anticipated to join the related L200 Triton
on the Australian market any time soon.
Despite a positive reception for the Fiat Fullback when it was
unveiled at the Dubai motor show late last year, FCA Australia
has considered the business case and decided that, for the time
being at least, it does not fit with the more upmarket direction it
is now taking the Italian brand here.
The Fiat Professional light-commercial brand remains an
important part of FCA Australia’s business in Australia, with the
Ducato, Scudo and Doblo (combined) accounting for 27 per cent
of total Fiat sales last year, and the Triton connections bring a
number of obvious benefits to the Fullback case, including right-
hand-drive production in nearby Thailand, with which Australia
has a free-trade agreement.
The market for one-tonne utes in Australia also remains
incredibly strong, attracting a broad range of automotive brands
with ultra-competitive vehicles.
For now, Fiat’s focus is on launching the Fullback in the
Middle East, Africa and Europe this year, but chief executive
of Fiat Professional for the region, Domenico Gostoli, who up
until recently was Asia-Pacific vehicle brand manager for Iveco,
based in Melbourne, told journalists in Dubai that the company
will explore all avenues – including Australia.
Fiat will offer the Fullback overseas in single cab, extended
cab and double cab body styles, with pick-up and cab chassis
rear ends, three trim levels, and petrol and diesel engines with
4x2 and 4x4 drivelines.
The underpinnings and major mechanicals are pure Triton,
and the sheet-metal similarly looks to be carried over from
the donor vehicle, limiting scope for change to areas such as the
grille, bumpers and cabin detailing.
In the Middle East and Africa, the Fullback will be available
with a 2.5L diesel engine in two states of tune (81kW and 131kW)
and a 97kW 2.4L petrol engine. The petrol is paired exclusively
with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel offers either
five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Europe and a select group of other markets will use the more
advanced 2.4L turbo-diesel with two power outputs – 113kW and
133kW – combined with either a six-speed manual or new five-
speed auto with sports mode.
Fiat says the Fullback name was chosen because of its
connotations with rugby and American football – “the last
man in the line of defence and also a defender in attack … a
player who is capable of dealing with any situation”.
Fiat
www.fiat.com.auFIAT FULLBACK