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Bruce Newton11 Nov 2015
NEWS

Fiat unveils Fullback ute

New one-tonner looks new but is actually a Mitsubishi Triton under the skin and is a chance for Australia

UPDATED 11/11/2015 9:00am: This is an updated report from our man on the ground in Dubai, reflecting the fact the Fiat Fullback ute could be sold in Australia after all.

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Fiat has entered the global pick-up truck market, launching a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton dubbed the Fullback at the Dubai motor show overnight.

It will be built in right-hand drive and is a potential entrant into Australia’s booming pick-up market.

The first product of a new co-operation agreement between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Mitsubishi, Fullback will be launched in the Middle-East, Africa and Europe in May and June 2016.

Although FCA Australia has previously indicated it wouldn't import the ute, Domenico Gostoli, the regional head of Fiat Professional told motoring.com.au moments after the Fullback was revealed that many other markets were under consideration to take the vehicle.

“We are going to plan to enter in other markets but at this moment I cannot tell you other markets, but of course no one market is excluded from our potential sales and this vehicle … we don’t have any problem spreading our model worldwide," he said.

The Fullback is built alongside the recently-launched fifth-generation Triton at Mitsubishi’s plant in Thailand. Most pick-ups sold in Australia are imported from the ASEAN country, including the market-leading Toyota HiLux.

Gostoli is familiar with the Australian market, having previously been Asia-Pacific boss for Fiat’s Iveco truck brand between mid-2013 and 2015 and based at the company’s Australian HQ in Dandenong.

Asked if he was familiar with the massive popularity of pick-ups in Australia, he replied: “Absolutely”.

“Of course there is a plan to expand the commercialisation of the pick-up in Asia, but I don’t want to discuss where exactly,” he said.

“But of course you can use your expertise and imagination to understand which markets we can enter.”

The Fullback will come the choice of four body configurations, three trim levels, three engines and two gearboxes.

Body choices are cab chassis, single cab, extra cab and dual cab. All versions of the Fullback have a maximum height of 1780mm and are up to 1815mm wide with a wheelbase of 3000mm.

The length varies depending on the configuration -- 5155mm (single cab), 5275mm (extra cab), 5285mm (double cab). Also the length of the cargo compartment changes -- 2265mm (single cab), 1850mm (extra cab) and 1520mm (dual cab). The payload capacity, according to the configuration, is as high as 1100 kg. The maximum braked towing capacity is 3000kg.

Power will be provided by a choice of 97kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol or 113kW and 133kW 2.4 and 2.5-lite turbo-diesel with power outputs between 81kW and 131kW four-cylinder engines.

Both five-speed and six-speed manual and five-speed auto transmissions are available, as is rear and four-wheel drive.

While it has a Fiat grille, the Fullback retains the Triton’s sheetmetal. Interiors are identical as well, bar some trim changes.

Gostoli said there were some tuning changes to drivetrains and suspension but made it clear they were relatively minor.

He said the Fullback would not impact on potential Jeep plans for a pick-up based on the Wrangler or as a stand alone model.

“I think we are playing in a different area. This pick-up is one-tonne carrying capacity, three tones towing capacity, it is a huge space behind … I don’t want to say anything about Jeep but in my opinion there would be room in the market for both.

“So I don’t see overlap.”

FCA aftermarket and performance division Mopar is developing a range of accessories for the Fullback.

The name is meant to underline the versatility of the vehicle because it is inspired by a full-back in American football or Rugby Union who is the final defender and also a key attacker.

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