Then there is the driver’s seat, which must be among the best on the market.

Figure hugging and hugely supportive, it features ample side and lumbar support and will protect the driver from back twinges on long journeys.

And the passenger seats aren’t bad either – none of your slabs of concrete here. Both are just as comfortable on long journeys as the driver’s seat.

On the road, the engine is silky smooth, gearchanges snick into place quietly, power steering is weighted just right and overall, you could for all the world be driving a big car.

This is the lowest powered variant on offer but it felt lively and responsive and should do for most fleet purposes unless you intend carrying full loads up and down hilly areas.

In fact, the only item that really bugs me about the Ducato is the fact that the nearest coffee cup holder is across the other side of the dashboard.

It’s not a hanging offence admittedly, but nevertheless a pain in the posterior if you have a cup of Nero’s best at your side.

Verdict

Fiat’s biggest van will make a cost-effective and pleasing addition to any fleet and we really can’t see any point in paying extra for higher-powered models.

Once again, we give a big thumbs down for the fact that ESC remains a paid-for extra.