2022 Fiat An improvement???

[ED O'DARAC]

I just got a 22 cab Fiat and I have noticed a few differences over the 21 cab.
Not sure if it is progress.....
1. New electric power steering makes me remember my first car which required constant adjustment of the wheel....just to drive straight.
2. Really annoying for me...Fiat have changed the door mouldings and they no longer have handles that you can run a deterrent strap or cable through to lock the front doors together really simply. Currently wondering whether to drill a hole or find some cab door locks.
3. Also, the cruise control drops out abruptly if you are going uphill. Maybe this is the same as before but I can't remember it doing so.


Sorry to sound curmudgeonly, but I am from the 'if it ain't broke....' school.

 

[Guigsy]

I just got a 22 cab Fiat and I have noticed a few differences over the 21 cab.
Not sure if it is progress.....
1. New electric power steering makes me remember my first car which required constant adjustment of the wheel....just to drive straight.
2. Really annoying for me...Fiat have changed the door mouldings and they no longer have handles that you can run a deterrent strap or cable through to lock the front doors together really simply. Currently wondering whether to drill a hole or find some cab door locks.
3. Also, the cruise control drops out abruptly if you are going uphill. Maybe this is the same as before but I can't remember it doing so.


Sorry to sound curmudgeonly, but I am from the 'if it ain't broke....' school.

The old cab is a usability nightmare. Dials that are hard to read. Buttons that aren't visible behind the steering wheel. Stalks that twist and click in directions that seem totally inconsistent. Cruise control that's really bad at keeping at a constant speed with a really non-intuitive control mechanism. It needed an update...

 

[DT]

I agree about the speedometer impossible to easily keep an eye on when in low speed areas. Would be lost with the sat nav display.

 

[Stealaway]

Try a Pound Shop mirror laid at an angle on the steering column.

 

[POH]

Try a Pound Shop mirror laid at an angle on the steering column.

View attachment 644309

Already done this and it does make a difference , but not while wearing sunglasses, I might get a longer mirror (rear view one) as it might make it easier to see the speedo /kph dial .

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[Sapper520]

HUD…..£34 from Amazon……works very well.

Amazon product ASIN B07PWDNNLB

 

[Guigsy]

Try a Pound Shop mirror laid at an angle on the steering column.

View attachment 644309

I assume that's not glass?

 

[Stealaway]

I assume that's not glass?

Yep glass ---- sealed in black duct tape on the rear and edges

 

[SpeedyDux]

I am dismayed to read the OP's impression of the electric power steering needing constant corrections on the 2022 Ducato.

I lived with that annoying problem for years with the Duxette's Mk2 Honda Jazz. Thankfully the latest Mk 4 Jazz Hybrid has solved the problem and the electric steering is generally OK and it stays in a straight line. [Except when the lane departure driver aid kicks in and the steering begins a wrestling match with the driver. Annoying, but you get used to it. Progress!]

I suppose FIAT's design intention is to reduce fuel consumption by eliminating the need for hydraulic power steering assistance. But, is the tiny economy gain worthwhile if the steering irks the driver so much?

OTOH - a digital speedometer - I do like those. A worthwhile improvement on the current awful dials in my Ducato.

 

[Lenny HB]

OTOH - a digital speedometer - I do like those. A worthwhile improvement on the current awful dials in my Ducato.

Most converts charge over £2k extra for that, not sure it's worth that much.

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[ROCHESB]

We haven't had any issues with the electric power assisted steering on our 22 Ducato based A-Class. We really like the digital climate control and 7" digital dash, it is much better than the deeply cowled older version I struggled with on a sunny day despite the permanent lighting mod from FIAT.

As well as showing speed numerically in big clear digits (switchable between km & miles) it shows which gear the 9-speed auto box is in. The digital display shows oil & AdBlue levels as well as water & oil temperature and all the usual trip computer stuff. We don't have the integrated satnav as the dealer order specified an Alpine 9" head unit not the FIAT version.

According to my sales receipt, both the digital dash and climate control features were each priced at £440 inc VAT, as part of a Itineo/Rapido factory pre-order.

 

[Lenny HB]

According to my sales receipt, both the digital dash and climate control features were each priced at £440 inc VAT, as part of a Itineo/Rapido factory pre-order.

The problem is different manufacturers do different bundles, I'm just pricing up a Carthago to get the digital dash it comes with leather multifunction steering wheel & Fiat 10.1 multimedia with sat nav at £2305. No way would I want the Fiat Satnav so I will forego the dash.

It may change when the 2023 price list comes out, I can hope.