Fiat Fullback

With striking looks, a dependable underpinning and a name that invokes a sporty, athletic nature, the new Fiat Fullback is marked to set the cat amongst the pigeons in the local LCV / bakkie market. The new mid-size, pick-up sets a striking example of what can be done with some clever reengineering and a keen eye for aesthetics.

The Fullback forms part of the Fiat Professional range, a range geared toward commercial use, including the likes of the Doblo and Ducato.

The local launch of the Fullback saw us several hundred meters below ground level in an open cast mine quarry; a befitting location for this vehicle. It’s no secret then, that Fiat intends to take on the likes of the already well-established offerings in the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu KB with a vehicle that they claim is as at home on the mines or farm-lands, as it is in suburbia and the highways.

Based on the Mitsubishi Triton chassis and drivetrain, the Fullback should quell any doubts about ability an reliability and offer a more visually appealing offering to its aforementioned rivals. Perfect for those who still want to look good while getting their hands dirty.

Models

Three models are available on launch, with more due to be added at a later stage to fill some of the gaps.

It starts with the single cab 2.4-litre petrol that produces 97kW and 202Nm. Intended to be a rugged workhorse, the single cab is only available (at present) with a 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) drivetrain and is devoid of some of the garnishing found on the other two models. It does however come with raised suspension, power windows, air conditioning, central locking, ABS with EBD and has a rubberized load bin. It is trimmed with cloth upholstery and 16-inch steel wheels. Retail is set at a very competitive R232 900 incl VAT to start with.

The mid-level variant is the double cab, 2.5-litre turbodiesel producing 100kW and 324Nm torque with drive through a 5-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels only. This 4x2 SX model comes standard with an E-locker rear axle for improved traction on rough or loose surfaces, cruise control, electric windows front and rear, manual air conditioning, driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, central locking, keyless remote entry, multifunction steering wheel, tow bar and a rubberized load bin. It is trimmed in leather upholstery and fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. This model will set you back R402 900 incl VAT.

Top spec for the new Fullback is the double cab 2.5-litre turbodiesel 4x4 LX model. This model sees power bumped to 131kW and 400Nm. Selectable 4x4 with E-locker rear axle improves the versatility of the Fullback, allowing it to traverse more rugged terrains. Standard fitment on the LX model is Bi-Xenon headlights, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB, automatic climate control, rear view camera, driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, keyless remote entry, multifunction steering wheel, tow bar and rubberizing. This model is also trimmed in leather and features 17-inch alloy wheels. The model is only initially available with a 5-speed manual transmission but will be complemented by a 5-speed automatic in due course. Expect to pay R468 900 incl VAT for the double cab 4x4 LX model.

The Drive

We had chance to sample the double cab 4x2 SX model with its 2.5-litre turbodiesel motor mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Initial impressions (while sitting at the back) was one of good quality trim with a pleasing amount of space. Rear legroom is generous and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels were pleasantly low. The overall fit and finish is quite good and seems to slot in quite nicely between some of the more hardwearing offerings and the luxury trims found on some of the competitors.

Despite a high clutch action, which I soon became accustomed to, the driving position provided good visibility and a comfortable drive. The typical raised body straight line drift was present, but you’re hard pressed to find a double cab that doesn’t suffer from this off-road trait.

What impressed me the most was the flexibility of the 2.5-litre turbodiesel motor. Overtaking on an uphill in 5th gear was simply a case of planting the right foot, without the need to drop a cog or two to get the turbocharger on the boil. Torque flexibility is the one aspect that will most certainly remember the Fullback for.

My one criticism of the new Fullback would have to be the infotainment system that could be a little more legible in bright light conditions. It does however seem to have all the necessary functionality that one would like from a touch screen infotainment system.

The Fullback appears to have virtually all the boxes ticked when it comes to style, power, versatility and comfort. Expect to see these infiltrating the highways and byways shortly.

Pricing and warranty

Single Cab 2.4 Petrol 97kW 4x2	- STD from R232 900 including VAT
Double Cab 2.5 Diesel 100kW 4x2	- SX from R402 900 including VAT
Double Cab 2.5 Diesel 131kW 4x4	- LX from R468 900 including VAT

 
The Fiat Professional Fullback range comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/100 000km service plan.