Midrand: Following the world reveal at the “2015 Dubai International Motor Show”, the newest addition to the award winning Fiat Professional range was revealed at a specialised event held 100 metres below ground level.
Backed by over a hundred years of history and an excellent reputation in the global LCV industry, the Fiat Professional brand is making another leap forward with the launch of Fullback, one that completes its current extensive range of products and services that are tailored to the needs of professional customers.
With Fullback, the Fiat Professional Brand makes a strong entry into the medium-duty pick-up segment in the EMEA region, where 650,000 units were sold in 2015. Finally we are ready to enter into this segment and to replicate the international success of the brand also here in South Africa.
This is, therefore, a highly strategic launch, and the new Fullback will play a leading role in the segment thanks to its winning characteristics – robust construction and reliability. This unrivalled work hero is the result of understanding the actual needs of professional customers but it’s also perfectly at ease when used in everyday life and leisure, thanks to its great versatility.
Fullback is ready to take on any challenge, hence its name, which is derived from the key position in rugby or American football – the last man in the line of defence and also a defender in attack – which denotes a player who is capable of dealing with any situation. This same winning spirit can be found in this new Fiat Professional vehicle, that of a “player” able to adapt to any requirement, at work or at play, as is well summarised by the claim : “Built for your work. And for your life”.
A distinctive style and contents
The Fullback has sporty proportions with its forward extending cab and a reduced front overhang. The front has a definite touch of Italian style in line with the new stylistic mark of the brand. The sides have distinct ribs that streamline the body and the rear is well connected to the cab. The interiors reflect the functionality of a work vehicle as well as the comfort and elegance of a high range SUV.
Perfectly in line with the best of the competition in terms of configuration, dimensions and engines, Fiat Professional’s new pick-up in South Africa will be available with two engine options on the double cab – a 2.5-litre diesel with a power output from 100kW to 131kW, whilst the single cab comes standard with a 2.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 97kW. The petrol engine is provided with a five -speed manual gearbox, the diesel engine offer is aligned to the best competition and can be combined, according to each market’s offer, with a manual gearbox or automatic transmission, both with five speeds. At the time of launch the diesel engine will be available with a manual transmission.
Transmissions and suspensions
Fullback is available in a 4X2 version (rear-wheel drive) in the single and double cab , as well as in a 4X4 version (all-wheel drive)in the double cab; the latter will certainly be the one most appreciated by those who, for work reasons, need to reach areas that are far away from asphalted roads or drive down tough off-road trails, with part time 4×4 manual selection and rear differential lockers(e locker) , the Fullback is capable of getting you through the toughest terrain .
Trim level
The Fullback range consists of three model derivatives as mentioned earlier, the single cab 2.4 Petrol (97Kw) 4×2 comes standard with the following: 2wd High rider, power windows, manual air conditioning, central power locking, 16” steel wheels, cloth seats, ABS with EBD and the rear load bin is rubberised. The Double cab 2.5 Diesel (100Kw) 4×2 LX comes standard with E-locker rear axle, leather trim, cruise control, power windows front and rear, manual air conditioner, driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, central locking, keyless entry (remote), audio controls on steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels, tow bar and rubberised. The flagship Double cab 2.5 Diesel ( 131Kw) 4×4 SX comes standard with part time 4WD, E-locker Rear Axle, 17” alloy wheels, Bi Xenon headlights, leather trim, cruise control, Bluetooth &USB, automatic air conditioner, rear view camera, driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, keyless entry (remote), audio controls on steering, tow bar and rubberised rear load bin.
Body colours
The Fullback will be available in Metallic Silver, Titanium grey, Brown, Pearl White (Only 4×4 Double cab), Black Mica, Solid Red and solid White.
Dimensions and load capacity
Built for facing even the most challenging missions, Fullback boats a large load capacity and a very high degree of strength, which is mostly due to its ladder frame chassis. In detail, all Fullback versions have a max. Height of 1,780 mm, widths of up to 1,815 mm and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. The total length varies depending on the configuration: it reaches 5,220 mm with the Single Cab and 5,345 mm with the Double Cab. The length of the load compartment also varies – 2,265 mm for the Single Cab version and 1,520 mm for the Double Cab version. Its capacity is more than one ton and its towable weight is up to three tonnes.
Pricing and Warranty
The Fiat Professional Fullback is available in 3 model derivatives, The Single Cab 2.4 Petrol 97Kw 4×2 STD Trim starting from R232 900 including VAT, the Double cab 2.5 diesel 100Kw 4×2 – LX Trim starting from R402 900 including VAT whilst the Double cab 2.5 Diesel 131Kw 4×4 – SX Trim will be available from R468 900 including VAT. The Fiat professional Fullback range comes standard with a 3 year/ 100 000km vehicle warranty and a 5yr/ 100 000km service plan.
Mopar designed accessories
Mopar – the FCA reference brand for services, Customer Care, original spare parts and accessories – has created a dedicated line of accessories to enhance the sporty, stylistic and functional features of the new
Fiat Professional Fullback. Among these, the main elements worth noting are those dedicated to the rear load compartment, designed to satisfy both the work and leisure needs of new customers.
These include front nudge bar, side steps, load body sports bar and rear bumper. These locally produced components will be available as a set or individually depending on the customer’s requirements and all are available in polished stainless steel or black powder coated stainless steel. Manufactured by Artav, the Fullback cosmetic accessories can be ordered with the vehicle or fitted as an after-market accessory by the Fiat Professional dealerships.
Furthermore, the tow bar, designed in collaboration with Bosal, as well as roof bars from Thule, make it possible for customers to take full advantage of the vehicle during their free time with different solutions for transporting all sorts of objects, such as roof boxes, windsurfing gear, kayaks, and bicycles.
The range is completed by various accessories that are a perfect fit with the technical and stylistic features of the model: the kick plate customised with the name of the vehicle, the side chrome-plated mouldings that protect the doors, chrome mirror covers, rear parking sensors, rubber or fabric protective mats, underbody protection, fog lights with DRL function and valve covering caps sporting with the vehicle logo.
Whilst most of these accessories will be available at launch, several imported items will become available in the coming months.
South African dealer Launch
The Fiat Professional Fullback dealer launch will take place from the 1st July 2016 where the public will have an opportunity to test drive the complete range at dealerships around the country.
