The new version of the Fiat Ducato with higher equipment levels and more safety features is now available to order.

The van starts at £19,995 (excluding VAT) for the 3.0t 110hp 2.3-litre diesel. This is £350 higher than the outgoing model but includes standard Bluetooth and other equipment, as well as improved fuel efficiency.

Standard equipment on the 2014 Ducato includes electronic stability control with hill holder function, daytime running lights, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, remote central locking with deadlocks, dual passenger seat, driver’s seat armrest and lumbar support, 30W Audio system with MP3 playback and USB/AUX ports, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, fixed full width steel bulkhead and full-size spare wheel.

Buyers opting for the high-specification Tecnico model actually save almost £400 versus the equivalent current model – with equipment, including cruise control with a speed limiter, DAB radio, advanced integrated TomTom satellite navigation, LED daytime running lights, and a reversing camera – all of which represents £1,300 worth of added value.

Further driving assistance systems are available as options, such as rain-sensing wipers, cruise control with a speed limiter (standard on Tecnico); TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) and dusk-sensing headlamps which can be combined with AHBA (automatic high beam activation).

Also available is Fiat’s advanced Traction+ (with HDC) system which guarantees greater traction even on poor grip surfaces (such as snow or mud) without the added weight, complexity and increasing running costs associated with full 4x4 systems. HDC (hill descent control) operates on steep descents to keep the speed within a pre-set limit by utilising the ESC system to brake individual wheels.

Advanced systems such as LDWS (lane departure warning system) and segment-exclusive TSR (traffic sign recognition - a system that identifies speed limits and no-overtaking zones and displays them on the instrument panel) also debut on the new model.

Revised suspension with lightweight components has resulted in a 15kg weight saving, and improvements in the van's payload.

Other engine options include 130hp and 150hp versions of the 2.3, with a 180hp 3.0-litre option. The Ducato is offered in a variety of lengths and roof heights with gross vehicle weights up to 4.25 tonnes.