Fiat’s first pick-up truck will cost from £20,995 when it goes on UK sale on 4th July.
The price for the new Fullback model compares well with the equivalent Mitsubishi L200, the two models sharing a mechanical specification.
Three models will be available, the £20,995 price (excluding VAT and on-the-road charges) buying the LCV in SX trim with a 148bhp version of its 2.4-litre diesel engine.
Two 177bhp variants are also on offer in more upmarket LX trim, with a six-speed manual gearbox at £22,995 and a five-speed auto at £24,995.
The new Fullback is available as a five-seater double cab only, with a one-tonne payload capability on a bed measuring 1.52 metres in length, and an unbraked towing capacity of 2,700kg for SX models and 3,100 on LX variants.
The diesel engine is mated to on-demand all-wheel-drive with 2WD, 4WD and low ratio 4WD modes. The 148bhp version offers torque levels of 280lbft that translate to combined cycle fuel economy of 44.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 169g/km.
Higher-powered 177bhp variants boast torque of 317lbft, 42.2mpg and 173g/km. The AWD system is electrically controlled and gains an extra low ratio mode with a locking central differential.
Standard equipment on the SX version includes remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity (phone calling and music streaming), DAB digital radio, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob, steering-wheel mounted remote audio controls, air conditioning, Start & Stop, front fog lamps and a tubular side step.
The stock safety spec runs across seven airbags, Electronic Stability Control with ASR, TSA (Trailer Stability Assist), LED daylight running lightss, hill start assist and cruise control with a speed limiter.
LX models include Lane Departure Warning, a reversing camera and a comfort-oriented ‘Touring’ suspension, as well as some extra exterior detailing.
Added to the equipment are keyless ignition, leather upholstery, electrically-adjusted and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, enhanced body styling, privacy glass and a six-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation.
Auto versions of the LX also boast an upgraded seven-inch infotainment system and transmission paddle gear shifters.
Fiat believes it is essential to have a presence in the pick-up market – in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region the 650,000 pick-ups sold annually represent around a fifth of the entire market. In the UK in 2015 more than 40,000 pick-ups were registered in 2015, some 20% up on 2014.
Fiat Fullback First Drive – coming this week on The Van Expert
