Tend to be Japanese. This one has a sexy Italian accent...

Following its premiere at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show, the newest addition to the Fiat Professional range was revealed at a special event held 100 metres below ground level.

Backed by over a hundred years of history and their excellent reputation in the global LCV industry, the Fiat Professional brand is making another leap forward with the launch of the Fullback, completing its current extensive range of products and services tailored to the needs of professional customers.

With Fullback, the brand makes a strong entry into the mediumduty pick- up segment in the EMEA region, where 650,000 units were sold in 2015. Finally we are ready to enter into this segment and to replicate the great international success of the brand here.

The new Fiat Fullback will play a leading role in the segment with robust construction and reliability. This new work hero is the result of understanding the needs of professional customers but it's also perfectly at ease when used for leisure, thanks to its great versatility.

Fullback is ready to take on any challenge, hence its name, which is derived from the key position in rugby or American football - the last man in the line of defence and also a defender in attack - a player who is capable of dealing with any situation. This is well summarised by the claim: "Built for your work. And for your life".

Fullback has sporty proportions with its forward extending cab and a reduced front overhang. It has a touch of Italian style in line with the new stylistic mark of the brand. The sides have distinct ribs that streamline the body and the rear is well connected to the cab. Fullback interiors reflect the functionality of a work vehicle as well as the comfort and elegance of a high range SUV.

Perfectly in line with the best of the competition in terms of configuration, dimensions and engines, Fiat Professional's new pick-up will be available with two engine options on the double cab - a 2.5-litre diesel with a power output from 100kw to 131kw; the single cab comes standard with a 2.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 97kw.

The petrol engine is provided with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the diesel engine offer is aligned to the best competition and can be combined, according to each market's offer, with a manual or automatic transmission, both with five speeds. At the time of launch the diesel is available with a manual transmission.

Fullback is available in a 4X2 version (rear-wheel drive) in the single and double cab, as well as a 4X4 version (all-wheel drive) in the double cab; the latter will be the one most appreciated by those who, for work reasons, need to reach areas that are far away from asphalted roads or drive down tough off-road trails, with a (part time) 4x4 manual selection and rear differential lockers (e locker), the Fullback is capable of getting you through the toughest terrain.

Built for the most challenging missions, Fullback boats a large load capacity and a high degree of strength, which is mostly due to its ladder frame chassis. In detail, Fullback has a max. height of 1,780 mm, up to 1,815 mm width and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

The length varies depending on configuration: it reaches 5,220 mm with the Single Cab and 5,345 mm with the Double Cab. The load compartment length also varies - 2,265 mm for the Single Cab and 1,520 mm for the Double Cab. Its capacity is more than one ton and its towable weight is up to three tonnes.

The bakkie is available in three models, namely a Single Cab 2.4 Petrol 97kw 4x2 STD, a Double cab 2.5 diesel 100kw 4x2 LX and Double cab 2.5 Diesel 131kw 4x4 SX. The range comes standard with a 3 year/ 100 000km vehicle warranty and 5-year/100 000km service plan. Mopar - the FCA brand for services, Customer Care, original accessories and original spare parts - has created a dedicated line of accessories to enhance the stylistic and functional features of the new Fullback.

Among these, the main elements worth noting are those dedicated to the rear load compartment, designed to satisfy both the work and leisure needs of customers.

These include front nudge bar, side steps, load body sports bar and rear bumper. These locally produced components will be available as a set or individually depending on the customer's needs and all are available in polished stainless steel or black powder coated stainless steel.

Manufactured by Artav, these Fullback cosmetic accessories can be ordered with the vehicle or fitted as an after- market accessory by Fiat Professional dealerships.

Furthermore, a tow bar, designed in collaboration with Bosal, as well as roof bars from Thule, make it possible for customers to take full advantage of the vehicle during their leisure time with different solutions available for transporting all sorts of objects, such as roof boxes, windsurfing gear, kayaks, and bicycles.

The Fullback range is completed by various accessories that are a perfect fit with the technical and stylistic features of the model: the kick plate customised with the name of the vehicle, the side chrome- plated mouldings that protect the doors, chrome mirror covers, rear parking sensors, rubber or fabric protective mats, underbody protection, fog lights with DRL function and valve covering caps sporting with the vehicle logo.

Whilst most of these accessories will be available from launch, several imported items will only become available in the coming months.

OOPS: In the wrong lane. What now?

Don’t panic. And more importantly, DO NOT stop or swerve across multiple lanes to reach your goal! Continue in the current lane and, when possible, turn into a quiet street or stop to find another route. If you’ve missed a turn-off or road, simply go “around the block” or double-back at the next off-ramp. In traffic, turn around only when it’s safe to do so!