What’s in a
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In these times of escalating raw material prices, spiralling production and tooling costs, plus an uncertain sales market, a joint manufacturing partnership, even between rivals, makes great economic sense. The partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Fiat is, however, far more than a temporary relationship born out of recession, and dates back more than 30 years when the irst generation Fiat Ducato was produced in the Sevel Sud factory in Italy.
Now, the partnership covers three different CV sizes from three factories in three countries and caters for a
worldwide audience, selling thousands of units per month. Eager not to disrupt the balance, each of these mini-PSA/ Fiat products is unerringly similar in terms of speciication, pricing and performance. However, where they really stand out is in the dealer network and support offered. Although there are some minor differences to help differentiate the range – for example the Fiat Fiorino is the only one of these three vehicles available with a 95hp engine, while the Citroën Nemo offers a folding bulkhead and collapsible front passenger seat as standard equipment to increase load volume to 2.8m3 – it helps to look at the sales support as well as digging down into the spec sheet.
All have the latest updates
All three models have been updated with 1.3-litre, Stop & Start Euro-5 engines, which emit just 113g/km of CO2 regardless of the power output. While the looks remain unchanged, the Nemo and Peugeot’s Bipper have both upped their payload capacity from 610kg to 660kg.
Coupled with the fact that the engine used in the French models now produces 5hp more than their Euro-4 equivalent, the payload and power boost may seem like a useful little bonus. However, the 5hp increase represents a 7% increase in power versus an 8% increase in payload, which means that, however you look at it, the payload to weight ratio is inferior to the outgoing model. That does have its drawbacks for those that operate at top weight, and those that do may better suit the Fiorino – its higher powered 95hp engine unsurprisingly copes better with the lower payload.
Whichever model you choose, you are unlikely to be disappointed. However, which vehicle you ultimately purchase will no doubt depend heavily on price and the competence of the local dealer, which is where the three brands begin to differentiate themselves.
Fiat Fiorino Cargo SX 1.3 MultiJet
Fiat has gone to great lengths to improve the service of its Fiat Professional dealer network, and has invested heavily in its 153 dealers to improve customer service. Simple services, like a free telephone number that provides information on customer service facilities and Fiat dealerships as well as approved bodyshops, make inding the information you want quick and simple. A number of workshops also provide an extended-hours service to add further appeal to busy leets and owner-drivers. The support network even extends across Europe, with more than 7,500 service outlets spread across the Continent.
Peugeot Bipper Professional HDi 75
Support at Peugeot is also focused on delivering a convenient service from purchasing through to aftercare, and offers an even more hands-on experience for large businesses. Fleets with more than 100 vehicles have a dedicated national key account manager to help, while smaller businesses are able to get the same easy inancing options. Peugeot’s dealer network is also extensive, with every outlet capable of providing the full range of CVs, while all dealers with service centres are equipped to handle repairs to van models.
Citroën Nemo Enterprise HDi75
Citroën has recently rebranded its dealer network, upgrading 90 business centres to better cope with the needs of smaller leets and owner-drivers. In addition to a complete range of demonstrator vehicles – including Citroën’s Ready to Run models – each business centre offers a number of while-you-wait services or gives you the option of using a courtesy van. Larger leets are supported by a national leet area manager, while rental managers ensure leasing and contract hire companies are able to provide good product knowledge and competitive rates.
All three brands tackle the aftersales process differently, but their aim is to help keep your vehicle on the road. Choosing one of these vans may ultimately come down to price and dealer location, but regardless of which model you opt for, all are well-supported and come with 120,000 miles and 36 months warranty or 24 months warranty and unlimited mileage. Even after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, these three vans still continue to provide excellent value, with strong residual values after both three and ive years. ■