The Fiorino is Reborn

The Fiorino name has been revived for Fiat's new light van which has been developed in conjunction with Tofaş in Turkey. The third partner in the project is PSA Peugeot Citroën who will market the van as Bipper (Peugeot) and Nemo (Citroën).

Fiorino now makes a welcome comeback, offering practicality and flexibility with affordability. The first Fiorino was launched exactly 30 years ago, based on the platform of the best-selling Fiat 127 hatchback. Three years later it was facelifted before an all-new version based on the Uno was launched in 1984. This model, which spawned combi and pick-up versions, is still in production in Brazil where it remains a popular option in the Latin American markets. The Fiorino was also built in Argentina and licensed by Fiat for production in Spain by SEAT.

The Fiorino name returns to adorn the new light commercial vehicle which is being built in Bursa, in the North West of Turkey, by Fiat's joint-venture partner, Tofaş. The project has been realised with PSA Peugeot Citroën, building on a long-term relationship that already sees the two carmakers building the Scudo and Ducato through a dedicated joint-venture. Initial production has been slated at 160,000 units, with two-thirds of this being taken by PSA. Just 5 percent of production will be allocated for domestic consumption in Turkey. The Fiorino's FWD platform is a new development, based on the Fiat Grande Punto's architecture.

This entry-level van will be positioned beneath the Fiat Doblò, Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo. The Fiorino and PSA derivatives, in all their guises, will compete head-to-head with the short wheelbase version of the new Renault Kangoo II.

The design team was given the task to combine a modern identity with functional and practical intentions. The latter is confirmed in the specifications, with the Fiat Fiorino measuring only 3860 mm in length whilst offering an impressive 2,5 m3 loading capacity (Doblò 3,0 m2) with a maximum length of 1,5 metres. This loading capacity can be increased to 2,8 m3 by folding the passenger seat, creating a loading length of 2,5 metres. A sliding door on the right-hand side and dual opening doors at the rear give good access to this impressive carrying capacity. The loading sill is 53 cm high.

The Fiorino will offer all the ease of convenience, driving experience and comfort of a passenger car; and so the cabin features carefully thought out ergonomics and a strong list of options. Its compact length will allow for easy parking, whereas rear parking sensors and central locking will add to the list of equipment. Safety has been addressed with the inclusion of airbags and ABS.

Engines include the amazing 1.3 Mutijet 16v 75 bhp diesel engine, offering 4,5 l/100 km consumption. A nippy 1.4 petrol also features, as well as an Electric version - the ideal solution to beat London's congestion charges.

Production of the Fiorino has already started, and the small entry-level van will reach UK showrooms in early 2008.