NEW MODELS: Game on for Fiat’s new entrant, the Fullback
by Motor News Reporter
2016-06-30 07:51:57.0
LAST month Toyota sold 3,185 Hiluxes in SA. Ford sold 2,797 Rangers. It is a difficult market for anyone trying to rival these two. Mitsubishi for example, sold just seven examples of its Triton.
But what if the Triton wore a different badge. How about a Fiat badge?
Yes, Fiat has this week launched its new Fullback one-tonne bakkie, essentially a rebadged version of the Triton. While it is unlikely that the new model is going to topple either the Toyota or the Ford from the top of the sales charts (Fiat only sold 98 cars and commercial vehicles in total in SA last month), the company does have high hopes for its new pick-up.
The company says it chose the Fullback name because of the key position in rugby or American football — the last man in the line of defence and also a defender in attack.
While much of the styling is similar to the Triton, Fiat says it has added a touch of Italian style in the form of distinct ribs along the sides, a different frontal treatment and a few changes at the rear including a unique design to the tail lights.
The interior presumably has the same impressive amount of rear legroom as the Mitsubishi which would make sense given that the rest of the interior is virtually unchanged from the Triton, with the exception of a Fiat badge in the middle of the steering wheel.
The Fullback will be available with two engine options on the double cab — a 2.5l diesel with a power output from 100kW to 131kW, while the single cab comes standard with a 2.4l petrol engine that delivers 97kW. The petrol engine is provided with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel engine features either a manual gearbox or automatic transmission, both also with five speeds.
Single and double cab models are available in a rear-wheel drive 4x2 format while the double cab is also available as a 4x4. In the latter guise, there is part-time 4x4 manual selection and rear diff-locks.
All models come with a decent level of specification, with basic models featuring electric windows, manual air conditioning and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution. The flagship double cab 2.5 diesel (131kW) 4x4 SX comes standard with part-time 4WD, E-locker Rear Axle, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, leather trim, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB connection, automatic air conditioner, rear view camera, driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, remote central locking, multifunction steering wheel, tow bar and rubberised rear load bin.
All Fullback versions have a maximum height of 1,780mm, widths of up to 1,815mm and a wheelbase of 3,000mm. The total length varies depending on the configuration as does the length of the load compartment — 2,265mm for the single cab version and 1,520mm for the double cab version. Its capacity is more than one tonne and towable weight up to three tonnes.
Pricing starts at R232,900 for the single cab 4x2 97kW petrol, rising to R468,900 for the range topping 131kW 2.4 diesel double cab model. All models come with a three-year/100,000km warranty and a five-year/100,000km service plan.
Fiat and Chrysler’s accessories division, Mopar, has also created a line of accessories for the Fullback. These include a front nudge bar, side steps, load body sports bar and rear bumper. These locally produced components will be available as a set or individually and all are available in polished stainless steel or black powder coated stainless steel. In addition, there is the option of a Bosal tow bar and roof rail systems from Thule for those with a more adventurous lifestyle and other options such as rear parking sensors, protective interior mats and chrome components.
Fiat will certainly be hoping that its new Fullback is less of a back line defender and more of a front line attacker as it takes on the big players in the one-tonne bakkie game.
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Fiat has made a few design changes to differentiate the model from the Mitsubishi Triton. Picture: FIAT AUTOMOBILES SA
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The interior is virtually identical to the Triton with a decent level of equipment. Picture: NEWSPRESS UK
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The rear gets unique tail lights and a few other styling changes. Picture: NEWSPRESS UK
LAST month Toyota sold 3,185 Hiluxes in SA. Ford sold 2,797 Rangers. It is a difficult market for anyone trying to rival these two. Mitsubishi for example, sold just seven examples of its Triton.
But what if the Triton wore a different badge. How about a Fiat badge?
Yes, Fiat has this week launched its new Fullback one-tonne bakkie, essentially a rebadged version of the Triton. While it is unlikely that the new model is going to topple either the Toyota or the Ford from the top of the sales charts (Fiat only sold 98 cars and commercial vehicles in total in SA last month), the company does have high hopes for its new pick-up.
The company says it chose the Fullback name because of the key position in rugby or American football — the last man in the line of defence and also a defender in attack.
While much of the styling is similar to the Triton, Fiat says it has added a touch of Italian style in the form of distinct ribs along the sides, a different frontal treatment and a few changes at the rear including a unique design to the tail lights.
The interior presumably has the same impressive amount of rear legroom as the Mitsubishi which would make sense given that the rest of the interior is virtually unchanged from the Triton, with the exception of a Fiat badge in the middle of the steering wheel.
The Fullback will be available with two engine options on the double cab — a 2.5l diesel with a power output from 100kW to 131kW, while the single cab comes standard with a 2.4l petrol engine that delivers 97kW. The petrol engine is provided with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel engine features either a manual gearbox or automatic transmission, both also with five speeds.
Single and double cab models are available in a rear-wheel drive 4x2 format while the double cab is also available as a 4x4. In the latter guise, there is part-time 4x4 manual selection and rear diff-locks.
All models come with a decent level of specification, with basic models featuring electric windows, manual air conditioning and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution. The flagship double cab 2.5 diesel (131kW) 4x4 SX comes standard with part-time 4WD, E-locker Rear Axle, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, leather trim, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB connection, automatic air conditioner, rear view camera, driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, remote central locking, multifunction steering wheel, tow bar and rubberised rear load bin.
All Fullback versions have a maximum height of 1,780mm, widths of up to 1,815mm and a wheelbase of 3,000mm. The total length varies depending on the configuration as does the length of the load compartment — 2,265mm for the single cab version and 1,520mm for the double cab version. Its capacity is more than one tonne and towable weight up to three tonnes.
Pricing starts at R232,900 for the single cab 4x2 97kW petrol, rising to R468,900 for the range topping 131kW 2.4 diesel double cab model. All models come with a three-year/100,000km warranty and a five-year/100,000km service plan.
Fiat and Chrysler’s accessories division, Mopar, has also created a line of accessories for the Fullback. These include a front nudge bar, side steps, load body sports bar and rear bumper. These locally produced components will be available as a set or individually and all are available in polished stainless steel or black powder coated stainless steel. In addition, there is the option of a Bosal tow bar and roof rail systems from Thule for those with a more adventurous lifestyle and other options such as rear parking sensors, protective interior mats and chrome components.
Fiat will certainly be hoping that its new Fullback is less of a back line defender and more of a front line attacker as it takes on the big players in the one-tonne bakkie game.
