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Developed in conjunction with long-standing associate PSA Peugeot Citroen, Fiat's all-new Fiorino compact van is built in Turkey by manufacturing partner Tofas and will go on sale in the UK in May 2008.
The van version will be followed pretty swiftly by a five-seater Combi.
The 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 Doblo Cargo.
Despite its compact dimensions (3860mm long, 1720mm high and 1710mm wide) the newcomer provides 2.5cu/m 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 will be 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 1523mm, but this can be extended to 2491mm if the optional folding passenger seat is tipped forwards.
Power comes from the familiar Fiat/GM 1.3-litre 75PS common-rail turbodiesel that boasts CO2 emissions of 119g/km. A particulate filter can be specified. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, but shortly after launch the Comfort-Matic semi-auto 'box will become available as an alternative. With the former fitted, Fiat quotes a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 62.8mpg.
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 steering features electro-hydraulic power assistance and endows this little urban warrior with a sub-10m kerb-to-kerb turning circle. Braking is taken care of by discs at the front and drums at the rear and ABS is standard, along with EBD, with ESP becoming available as an option towards the end of 2008.
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 dead-centre and at the top of the facia.
The central locking system features a deadlocking facility and the remote buttons can be programmed to lock/unlock various combinations of doors.
The 1.3-litre Multijet diesel suits the Fiorino well and supplies ample, vibration-free performance with a good spread of torque. 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.
The cab is practical and well laid-out and the driving position is excellent, even for those in excess of 6ft tall.
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