What Van? Review: (edited to save space)

Fiat's all-new Fiorino subcompact van went on sale in the UK in May this year, following its UK debut at the CV Show in April. The van version will be followed pretty swiftly by a five-seater Combi in 2009. Fiorino is aimed at operators requiring a small, but purpose-built, light commercial vehicle that is bigger than a hatchback car-based van like the Grande Punto (the platform it's based upon), but smaller than a traditional high-cube such as the Doblò Cargo.

Despite its compact dimensions (3,860mm long, 1,720mm high and 1,710mm wide) the newcomer provides 2.5m3 of load space and offers a gross payload of 610kg. Twin asymmetric rear doors are provided and either a nearside or twin sliding side doors are available on the options list. Six sturdy floor-mounted load-tie rings are provided and the rear loading height is a back-saving 527mm.

Maximum load length is 1,523mm, but this can be extended to 2,491mm if the optional folding passenger seat is tipped forwards. A two-piece articulated mesh-and-bar bulkhead can be specified with this feature to fully protect the driver when it's in use.

Maximum load area width is 1,473mm, reducing to 1,046mm between the wheelarch boxes, and the height is 1,181mm.

To protect the cargo against theft, Fiorino has separate controls on the key fob to lock and unlock the cab and rear doors so that the load area can be accessed without the need to unlock the cab. The central locking system also includes a full deadlocking function.

Diesel Power

Power comes from the familiar Fiat/GM 1.3-litre 75hp common rail turbodiesel which boasts CO2 emissions of 119g/km. For those wishing to reduce emissions further, a 'for life' DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) will be available as an optional extra. No additives (Adblue) are required for it to complete its regeneration cycles.

Maximum power for the little Fiat diesel is available at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 190Nm bites at a lowly 1,750rpm. Servicing is recommended every 18,500 miles (or every two years) and Fiat has taken time to site regular service points for easy access to keep costs and downtime to a minimum.

The front wheels are driven via a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, but shortly after launch the six-speed Comfort-Matic clutchless semi-auto 'box will become available as an alternative. With the former fitted Fiat quotes a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 63mpg.

Semi-Automatic

Utilising an electro-hydraulic system, Comfort-Matic automates the clutch and gearlever controls while maintaining all the benefits of the dry clutch and mechanical transmission — weight, fuel economy, strength and reliability.

There are two modes; semi-automatic (manual) and automatic. In the former mode the gearlever is moved forwards (towards the “+” symbol) to move up a gear and backwards (towards the “-” symbol) to change down.

Select the latter mode and it acts as a conventional automatic. The system recognises gradients and alters the gear change pattern in order to obtain the best compromise between the needs of the driver, the terrain and the vehicle's status — speed and engine revs — in order to maximise efficiency and fuel economy.

Suspension is a MacPherson strut set-up at the front with springs, dampers and an anti-roll bar made of aluminium to reduce weight. The rear is taken care of by a traditional torsion bar arrangement.

ABS Standard

Disc brakes are fitted at the front, with drums at the rear, and we are pleased to report that ABS and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) are standard features. The latter, incidentally, is designed to regulate the braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels from locking under heavy braking.

ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) will become available as an option towards the end of 2008.

The steering features electro-hydraulic power assistance and endows this little urban warrior with a sub-10m kerb-to-kerb turning circle.
The surprisingly spacious two-man cab features a bespoke dashboard with the gearstick mounted high-up on a centre console.

There's a large, deep glovebox for storage, two 12v power points and a flip-up A4 document holder sited top dead-centre of the facia. Both doors feature useful bins which are capable of holding a litre bottle of water or something suitably sweet and fizzy.

A driver's airbag comes as standard with one for the passenger and twin side airbags on the options list.

Cab Comfort
The surprisingly spacious two-man cab features a bespoke dashboard with the gearstick mounted high-up on a centre console.

There's a large, deep glovebox for storage, two 12v power points and a flip-up A4 document holder sited top dead-centre of the facia. Both doors feature useful bins which are capable of holding a litre bottle of water or something suitably sweet and fizzy. A driver's airbag comes as standard with one for the passenger and twin side airbags on the options list.

On the Road

The 1.3-litre Multijet diesel suits the Fiorino well and supplies ample, vibration-free performance with an excellent spread of torque. We never ceased to be amazed by just how good this 1.3-litre diesel is to drive.

The addition of a 200kg payload to the test vehicle didn't seem to hinder its progress in the slightest and helped to settle the slightly fidgety unladen ride.

Despite the electro-hydraulic assistance to the steering there was a pleasant amount of weight and feedback provided by the system. The test drive was undertaken in dry conditions and Fiorino was sure-footed and seemed perfectly happy to follow instructions from the steering wheel.

The cab is practical and well laid-out and the driving position is excellent, helped by the hight-adjustable seat combined with a rake and reach-adjustable steering column, even for those in excess of 6ft tall.

Those with long legs may find, however, that the gearstick housing — which sticks out a fair way from the facia — can be a bit of a nuisance. It certainly prevents any cross-cab movement.
The tester found the seats to be comfortable and supportive.

What Van? VERDICT
Fiorino is a well conceived and executed subcompact van which should be frugal at the pumps, have low servicing costs and a sensible insurance rating. If this size of van does find favour with customers there will be a good choice of models.