Geographically speaking, Europe’s a small, dense place without as many off-roading opportunities as North America. A lack of 4×4 camper vans doesn’t help either. But all that could change soon, because the new Fiat Ducato 4×4 Expedition Show Van is making a huge splash across the pond with adventurous caravanners yearning to go off the beaten path.
It’s got a 2.3-liter diesel engine with 150 hp.
Is the Time Right for This 4×4 Camper Van?
Camper vans make up about 25% of European motorhome sales. Although the FIAT Ducato Camper is a popular RV that’s been in production for a while, the Ducato 4×4 Expedition Show Van is the first time Fiat’s gone into the off-road market — sort of. They say it’s just a concept van.
With roomy living quarters, extra high ground clearance and a 2.3-liter MultiJet II diesel engine with 150 horsepower, this 4×4 camper van could be an exciting addition to the European RV marketplace.
Check out the Italian-designed lounge.
To create their flagship 4×4 camper van, Fiat partnered with Europe’s most well-known RV suppliers. The French 4×4 conversion company Dangel integrated the kind of go-anywhere, four-wheel drive system they’ve built their reputation on. The Italian RV and yacht furnishings company Tecnoform created the ultra modern, sleek interiors and the van’s stylish exteriors were designed by Olmedo.
So sleek and modern, you won’t want to get it dirty.
Details about the interior are a little hazy. After all, this is a concept 4×4 camper van. But based on the Ducato 4×4 Expedition Show Van pictures, there appears to be all the basics you need for adventure: a fold-out bed, a kitchenette, and a dining table with four seats. There’s even room for a state-of-the-art entertainment system with multiple speakers and two retractable flat-screen TVs.
Is it coming to America?
Everywhere it goes, the Ducato 4×4 camper van is getting rave reviews by European press. It really looks like the kind of 4×4 camper van that’s worth importing into other countries, don’t you agree?
For now, Fiat reiterates that their Ducato is only a concept camper van and not slated to go into production for the consumer market. But maybe the company’s just waiting for the right time: Fiat is seeking feedback from the public at the various RV shows where the Ducato’s been seen, and there’s also a survey for European RVers at www.FIATcamper.com website.
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