Fiat Auto (UK) will be strongly represented at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham’s NEC (stand No.320, Hall 4, 24-26 April 2007).
Five versions of Fiat Auto’s new Ducato range, including two conversions, will be on the Fiat stand, together with four versions of the recently launched new Scudo range, and two versions of the widely acclaimed Doblò Cargo range.
Fiat Scudo exhibits include two vans in Comfort trim level, one with a 1.6 litre 90bhp MultiJet engine and the other with a 2.0 120bhp MultiJet engine. They are joined on the stand by two Commercial Passenger Vehicle variants, a Scudo Combi and a Scudo Panorama Family, both
equipped with a 2.0 120 bhp MultiJet diesel engine.
The new Fiat Scudo replaces an extremely successful model, some 350,000 of which have been sold since its launch in 1995. Sales in the Scudo LCV segment have doubled in the last 10 years, and between 2000 and 2006, there has been a 10% increase in Commercial Passenger Vehicle configuration volume. UK sales of Scudo in 2007 are expected to reach almost 5000 units, a 53% increase in volume over the previous year.
The 2007 Scudo range encompasses panel vans, platform cabs as a basis for conversion, and two commercial passenger vehicle variants, the 5/6 or 8/9 Seat Combi and the 5/6 Seat Panorama Family. The latter can also be requested with a third row seating option.
New Scudo features larger dimensions to the length, height and width of a load compartment which now offers a maximum volume of 7 m3 and a payload of up to 1200 kg. The new platform cab range offers an increased, driver inclusive payload of up to 3000 kg.
Significantly, in addition to a best-in-class load threshold height of just 490 mm, the overall height of standard roof versions equipped with Fiat’s innovative pneumatic suspension may be lowered to just 1.9 metres, giving Scudo access to underground and multi-storey car parks normally inaccessible to LCVs of this class.
Moreover, 2007 Scudo has been awarded the highest Thatcham anti-theft rating in its class, both for theft of, and theft from, the vehicle. The new LCV, which is available with deadlocks, features selective, remote central locking, enabling the driver to enter and leave the cab without affecting the security of the loadspace.
The new Scudo LCV range is on sale in the UK with a choice of three sophisticated MultiJet common rail, direct injection, 16-valve turbodiesel powerplants – a 1.6-litre 90 bhp unit, and 120 bhp and 140 bhp POWER variants of a proven, 2.0 litre engine – guaranteeing strong performance, low running costs, outstanding reliability and a combined fuel consumption figure superior by over 10% to that of rivals.
To reduce NOx emissions, all three engines are fitted with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, with cooling of exhaust gases by recirculation controlled directly by the engine ECU. The exhaust gas post-treatment system completes gas oxidisation to ensure EURO 4 emission limits are met.
Panel van versions of the new Scudo are available in two trim levels at launch –Comfort and Deluxe – whilst Combi, Panorama and platform cab variants each boast a single comprehensive standard equipment specification. The entry level specification includes power assisted steering, remote, selectable central locking, ABS anti-lock braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a dual stage driver’s airbag, reach and rake adjustable steering, and a stereo radio/CD player with steering wheel mounted controls.
This extensive equipment package is enhanced by a range of options carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, and further improve the working practicality of the new Fiat LCV. These include ESP with ASR, cruise control, rain, dusk and parking sensors, passenger, front side and window airbags and CONNECT – Fiat Auto’s unique communications system, which is the most advanced infotelematic package on the market.
In addition, the working capabilities of the new Scudo range may be further enhanced through pneumatic or self-levelling suspension, a supplementary heater, glazed rear doors with heated screen and wiper, a fixed, full width steel bulkhead, a double front passenger seat, modular second and third row seating, and a unique, loadspace ceiling-mounted storage tunnel of between 2580 mm and 3200 mm in length for the secure transportation of lengthy pipework and timber sections.
Joining the new Scudo on the stand will be five versions of Fiat Auto’s new Ducato range, including two conversions. They include a Ducato 30 SWB van equipped with a 2.3 litre 120 MultiJet diesel engine, a Ducato 35 LWB HR van equipped with a 3.0 litre 160 MultiJet diesel POWER engine, and a Ducato 33 MWB chassis cab with factory fitted dropside and a 2.2 litre 100 MultiJet diesel engine. They are joined on the stand by a conversion from Snoeks Automotive B.V., which has developed a double cabin especially for the Fiat Ducato Van, and the RUTHMANNFLEXILOADER®, a Ducato Van which has a cargo floor designed to be lowered to the ground.
The new Ducato panel van range, which is designed to be the most versatile in its segment, encompasses panel van, dropside truck and crew cab truck variants, chassis cabs as a base for conversion, and a nine Seat commercial passenger vehicle, the Combinato. It features larger dimensions, both within the passenger cab and to the length, height and width of a load compartment, which now offers a maximum volume of 17m3. The new Ducato range offers an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) to a maximum of 4.0 tonnes, and a driver-inclusive payload of up to 1850 kg.
The new Fiat Ducato is available in one trim level, and boasts a comprehensive standard equipment specification which includes Servotronic variable power assisted steering, remote central locking with deadlocks, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a dual stage driver’s airbag, electric windows, cargo area side panelling and load restraining belts, wax protection and an Autoradio ‘high’ stereo radio/CD/MP3 player.
This lavish equipment package is enhanced by a range of options carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, and further improve the working practicality of the new Fiat LCV. These include manual and automatic climate control, supplementary heaters, ESP with Load Adaptive Control (LAC), front foglamps, cruise control, a rear view video camera, Fiat’s unique Blue&Me handsfree phone
system, a heat reflective windscreen, a shock absorbing driver’s seat, swivelling driver and passenger seats for camper van conversions, alloy wheels, headlamp washers, a ceiling-mounted storage shelf, rain, dusk and parking sensors, and passenger, front side and window airbags.
In addition, the working capabilities of the new Ducato range may be further enhanced through self-levelling suspension, a second sliding door, 270 degree rear door opening, larger door mirrors, a fixed, full width steel bulkhead, a larger fuel tank and a tachograph, (standard equipment on versions above 3500 kg GVW).
Completing the Fiat line-up will be two versions of the widely-acclaimed Fiat Doblò Cargo range, a 1.9 MultiJet Diesel SX with the optional high roof, and one equipped with the company’s award-winning 1.3 MultiJet 16-valve turbodiesel engine.
The Fiat Doblò Cargo range offers customers class-leading payload and load volume, and powerful yet economical MultiJet turbodiesel engines, as well as high levels of safety, comfort and ergonomics allied to low fuel consumption and operating costs – all at highly competitive prices.