Service and maintenance
The car’s maintenance is not particularly labor-consuming, comparing to Ducatos with Diesel engines.
We can mention things characteristic for gas powered vehicles – the exchange of ignition plugs which should be performed every 40000 km, checking cables and joints of the gas system, controlling gas pressure regulator and coolant hoses, and replacing gas filter (in the regulator). Checking the tightness of the ties that secure the cylinders is crucial. It must be done after 40000 km, and then again after 120 thousand and 200 thousand km.
General impressions
The characteristics of the gas unit are similar to those of self-ignition engines. After a cold morning start – always on gas – the engine was quite loud, similar to diesel. During our ride, as soon as we reached better heat balance, the engine started running much quieter, which had a positive effect on driving comfort.
The powertrain parameters of the Ducato Natural Power are more than enough. The well-developed gearbox makes sure that driving in the city is smooth, though the driver will surely have some work to do with changing gears during acceleration. But as soon as the car reaches higher speeds, you will hardly ever need to go below the third gear. It’s enough for the car to go smoothly even at right angle turns.
Changing gears in the Ducato is done quickly, the lever moves smoothly between gears. There were occasional problems with switching to the third gear. Apart from that, no complaints about the power transmission system. It did a good job with the 2,5 ton car.
Driver’s working conditions are great. Adjusting the steering wheel and seat gives us the ability to adjust our position, regardless of height.
The gas level indicator in the Ducato Natural Power is placed in the center spot on the dashboard, so drivers will not have problems checking it. It’s a bit worse when it comes to refueling, because the CNG valve is placed above the petrol filler (under a shared cap), very close to the upper edge of the cavity that holds the gas valve and petrol filler. Such position of the CNG refueling valve makes it sometimes a bit difficult to insert the refueling nozzle properly.
Consumption
During our test drive, the Fiat Ducato Natural Power consumed an average of 12,9 m3 of natural gas per 100 km. As mentioned earlier, the test drive took place in mixed conditions, with extra-urban driving predominating (highway). It means that the cost of driving for 100 km with the current price of CNG (early 2014 – 3,38 PLN/m3) is approx. 43,6 PLN. However, since we only have official economy figures available as far as diesel is concerned, let's switch to factory data with the Natural Power variant, too. So, the CNG model consumes 8,8 kg/11,7 m3/100 km, while a comparable Diesel engine with 130 PS consumes 7,5 l/100 km (as stated by the manufacturer), which means that travelling for 100 km costs the operator 39,50 versus 40,4 PLN (5,39 PLN/l for diesel). The difference in operating costs connected with the fuel is therefore a mere 0,9 PLN (approx. 0,2 euro) per every 100 km. Given that the Natural Power option is substantially more expensive than a diesel, we're sorry to say it makes little sense economically.
The Ducato Natural Power will be slightly better used in distribution transport for a limited area, provided that there is a CNG station nearby or that the driver will have his own CNG compressor. The exploitation will become more cost-effective, because CNG is cheaper when you compress it on your own than at CNG stations. In such case, however, the car owner has to use a special compressor which costs over a dozen thousand PLN (around 2800 EUR). Some paperwork is also required to install the compressor, which together with the required planning is an expense of additional 1000 PLN (almost 235 EUR).
Considering the car’s size, its load capacity is not impressive (less than 1 ton, not more than what can be done with Doblo Cargo). It’s another reason why it’s hard to find a good reason for using the DucatoNatural Power. Of course it’s possible to order a version with a maximum allowable total weight of 4 tons. The load capacity will then increase to 1480 kg, but the car will no longer be considered a delivery vehicle. Driving it requires a category C driving license, the driver is subject to work time control (tachograph), and it is required to pay additional fees for using trunk roads, as in the case of trucks.
53 Ducato Natural Power cars were sold in Poland in 2012. This proves that there are users who value the ecological advantages of Fiat’s van. However, they represent only 1% of all Ducato buyers.
Summary
A great car with a poorly calculated price – this summarizes the Fiat Ducato Natural Power most suitably. Being more expensive and hardly at all more economical than diesel versions, this van has no chance of becoming popular, especially on markets with poorly developed CNG refueling networks. The exorbitant price of the Ducato Natural Power marginalizes this undoubtedly interesting vehicle on the market.
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