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Vans » Van Reviews » Fiat Van Reviews » Fiat Fiorino Van Review

Fiat Fiorino Van Review

Verdict Manufacturers RRP £ 10,695-12,685

Drive
Cabin Comfort
Loadspace
Data

Small vans have got better. If you haven’t driven any of the just-launched ones, a spin in a Fiorino will prove a revelation. Smooth, comfortable, quiet, well equipped and a cinch to drive. They’ve come on in leaps.

Jump inside and there’s a roomy cabin that gives a notably comfy at-wheel position, helped by a stubby gear shifter protruding from the centre of the dash. The steering and pedals are light and the view out is good, thanks to that big ‘screen and big, wide-set mirrors. The high-set bonnet does make it tricky to judge inch-perfect parking in tight slots, though.

Under way it’s reasonably hushed and the springs and dampers soothe the bumps acceptably, even when there’s nothing in the back. The 1.3 multijet is noisier than the 1.4 diesels you’ll find in its close relatives, the Citroen Nemo and Peugeot’s Bipper, with which it shares its running gear and most of its body panels. It feels stodgy until warmed and even then lacks zip when in its lower gears.

But, once away from town, it proves a quiet and contented cruiser, while returning exceptional fuel economy. Its CO2 output is encouragingly low, too.

It’s tough and functional rather than plush. But all the basics are spot-on. Four big vents, as you’d find in Fiat’s cars and in Alfas, too, keep things airy. The radio/CD unit is set high in the dash and is simple and clear to find your way around.

There’s enough in cabin storage for odds and ends, including a big glove box and places between the seats to hold a jumbo takeaway tea and a mobile phone. The seats are as you’d find in a Grande Punto – so they are comfy . The wheel adjusts for height and has an airbag included. A dash-mounted ‘bag for the passenger and side airbags mounted in the seats are options. A roof-to-floor ladder-style bulkhead is fitted behind the driver.

Pick between three trim levels – cargo base, SX and Combi. Of these the SX is the one to go for because it includes a side loading door, remote locking, electric mirrors and a nifty clipboard that folds up from the dash top. The Combi packs in foldable rear seats and belts, ‘second’ row and rear windows and a carpeted boot area.

You can pack in loads of up to 2.5 cubic metres, or increase this to a maximum of 2.8cu m, if you go for the optional folding front passenger seat. The payload is 610kg (driver included). The space between the rear wheel arches is just over 1m, and there are six lashing points in the floor.

The rear doors are full-height and asymmetrical. They have four locking points and will open up to 180 degrees. A load bay tight with auto timer is optional, as is a removable light that doubles as a torch.

Great practical van that’s good to drive despite its lack of engine power. Good value – but check out deals on the Nemo and Bipper before you decide.

Engines: 1.3 MultiJet
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power output: 75bhp
Insurance group: 4E
0-60mph 15.4secs
Fuel economy 62.8mpg
CO2 g/km: 119
Maximum pay load (kg): 610
Load volume (cu.m): 2.5
Wheelbase (mm): 2513
Load capacity - length/width/height (mm): 1523 x 1473 x 1205