Extra cube in Fiorino
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by Toby Clark • Fiat has revealed its new Fiorino: not a completely new vehicle, but a stretched version of the Uno-based high-cube van. with increased payload and load volume, new rear suspension and a broader range of engines and options.
Fiat claims to have created the high-cube van market, and that the original Fiat 127-based Fiorino was the first of the breed—despite reasonable counterclaims from Renault and Citroen. But recent years have seen many others appear, and the European high-cube market becomes much more significant, now accounting for nearly 400,000 sales each year and outselling microvans six to one.
The most obvious changes to the new model are in carrying capacity: a 210mm longer floorpan and new rear suspension have taken load volume from 23 to 3.2m3—the best in class—and payload from 465kg to 545kg. A beam rear axle with longitudinal leaf springs replaces the transverse leaf and swinging arm arrangement of earlier models: this reduces intrusion into the loadspace, increasing the distance between the wheelarches by 160mm to 1.09m.
Four engines are available in Europe: 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol units—the two larger models catalyst-equipped—and the 1.7-litre diesel. The UK will receive the 43kW (57hp) diesel first, in April 1994, followed by the 50kW (67hp) catalysed petrol version in October: there are no plans to bring in other models. The diesel is now fitted with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), so it produces slightly less power than the previous model. The cab is revised, a higher roof replacing the little-loved moulded roofrack of earlier models, cutting drag and allowing an overhead document pocket to be fitted. Trim has been improved and the instrument panel is much clearer.
CM's drive of the new model was hampered by snow, but the new suspension was pretty surefooted; the apparently old-fashioned system seems to work well—though the underslung beam axle limits ground clearance—and ride may be helped by the longer wheelbase. Noise levels were acceptably low even with snow t5n-es fitted.
We were less impressed by the driving position: headroom is good but the driver's seat still needs improving. One needs short legs to be comfortable with the pedals, but long arms to reach the the steering wheel and the baulky gear lever.
The load space looks like a good one, improved by an optional load flap (as offered on the Renault Extra) above the rear doors. This is well made— indeed, overall build quality of the Brazilian van was good— and fitted with a gas strut.
The price of the new Fiat is estimated to be around 3% higher than the current ("New") Fiorino, which would take the diesel version to just under £6,800. This is competitive, despite keen pricing from Vauxhall, and many users will welcome the van's class-leading load volume. But the novelty value of an all-new vehicle is missing: a Punto-based van would create more interest.
Disappointingly for UK customers, the full range of Fiorino models and options will not be available here.
Continental customers can buy the pick-up version and the versatile Panorama, a van with windows and foldaway rear seats. Special options include an 1.7m3 insulated load cell for the van and a removable refrigerated module for the pickup; this can be powered from the vehicle or from a mains supply. Other options include sliding floors, shelving, racking and a sidemounted roller shutter door.
Despite the economic downturn across Europe, Fiat predicts increased sales and market share for the revised model; the wide range of options is part of a strategy to woo the selfemployed tradesmen that form the bulk of high cube buyers. Another aspect of this is better dealer training and a free scheme—available in Italy since July, but not confirmed for the UK—which provides an alternative vehicle or cash compensation if a van breaks down under guarantee.
The new Fiorino is vital for Fiat's Brazilian operation: South American sales (of vehicles with slightly different engines and specifications) have increased rapidly, but most vehicles— around 40,000/year—still go to Europe.