Fiat

Fullback

Pick-ups are growing in popularity and the Fiat Fullback is a very hot contender in a fiercely competitive segment. It looks awesome, is packed with technology and can cope admirably with all the day-to-day working tasks asked of it.

The good

Styling, dynamics, capabilities and comfort

The bad

Radio controls too fiddly

Tech Specs

Price from

£26,373

Combined Fuel up to

42.8mpg

0-62 from

10.4 seconds

max speed up to

111mph

co2 from

173g/km

Test Drive

Fiat Fullback 2.4 180bhp D-CAB 6-speed manual LX

Pick-up truck demand is picking up pace with manufacturers such as Ford, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Nissan just a few of the companies that are developing superb vehicles. And now Fiat has joined in the race for sales with its impressive Fullback model.

Boasting high levels of equipment, plenty of versatility and driving dynamics that are anything but truck-like, the Fullback is a strong contender in the marketplace. And maybe the reason for its excellence is that nameplate aside; it’s a virtual carbon copy of the wonderful Mitsubishi L200. It’s even built on the same production line.

With its price-tag of £28,653, the range-topping LX model certainly looked the business with its double cab, 17-inch alloys, side steps, body-coloured front bumper, privacy glass, rear bumper with small step, front and rear fog lights, bi-xenon headlights and rugged, ready for action all-round appearance. It’s also worth looking closely at the wheels as the tyre pressure caps have Fiat branding – and that’s something you don’t see every day.

Move inside and there are all the creature comforts we have come to expect from pick-up trucks these days. There is a colour touchscreen to access the sat nav, DAB radio, and Bluetooth functions. Then there are the luxuries such as a rearview camera, cruise control with variable speed limiter, leather wrapped steering wheel and plenty more besides.

The test model boasted a 2.4-litre diesel engine with a power output of 180bhp. This was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Official figures state the Fullback can achieve combined fuel economy of 40.9mpg with carbon emissions of 186g/km.

Like its sister the L200, the Fullback has the same towing capabilities so it can pull along a braked trailer weighing up to 3,100kgs. It also has the same 1,045kgs payload limit.

And if agility is key, then the Fullback has one of the smallest turning circles in its class. It also has all the impressive safety systems seen on the Mitsubishi such as advanced traction and stability control, hazard lights that operate automatically when heavy braking occurs, hill start assist and lane departure warning.

When it comes to performance, the Fullback is great fun to throw around. It’s deceptively agile and the acceleration is good enough even if it does seem to take a little time to pick up pace. The road-holding is assured and the steering nice and precise and a lot lighter than I expected.

Comfort levels are high for all occupants and whilst I didn’t quite see the official efficiency figure, the 35.6mpg on combined run was pretty close. The elevated driving position was another plus point and resulted in excellent all-round visibility.

The cabin is well insulated against outside noise, but just by the nature of the beast you will hear some engine, road surface and wind noise. There are plenty of useful storage options including a decent sized glovebox, cup holders, a central bin and huge door pockets.

On a practicality front, the Fullback is capable of dealing with anything Mother Nature throws in its path and can wade through water, traverse boggy fields and make light work of snow and any cold snaps.

All in all, the Fiat Fullback is a great pick-up and my only real gripe was the really fiddly audio controls which are impossible to operate if the Tarmac doesn’t resemble the silky surface of a billiard table – and that’s not very often these days!