All parties in the Sevel partnership, Fiat, Peugeot and Citroën, recognise that their current light van simply isn't light enough for many applications so they've come up with a new minivan that is set to be one of the stars of The European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam this month. Sitting beneath the current Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Fiat Doblò, the new tiddler will be called the Nemo, Bipper and Fiorino respectively, and we got our hands on the Fiorino. This is a significant new
product for Fiat, giving the Italian van builder light CVs that can handle anything from 1-17m3 of load volume.
With striking looks, superb loadspace and, Fiat claims, best-in-class manoeuvrability, this baby Sevel will go head to head with the short-wheelbase version of the Renault Kangoo, which will also make its show debut in Amsterdam. Although the styling for the Nemo/Fiorino/Bipper was left to the Fiat style centre in Turin, the project is very much a joint venture. The vans will be produced in Turkey and the first examples will reach a dealer near you at the beginning of next year.
Power comes from a choice of diesel or petrol engines although diesel power is by far the most popular fuel of choice in this sector. The Fiorino will use the Fiat 1.3-litre multijet diesel, while PSA (Citroën/Peugeot) will use its own 1.4-litre unit. The Fiat diesel offers 75hp/190Nm while the PSA wades in with 68hp/160Nm. Standard transmission is a five-speed manual. The van is certainly
compact, but can still accommodate 2.5m3 of cargo weighing up to 610kg, and with 1,046mm between the wheelarches there's room for 1m2 Europallet arches. Interior load length is 1,523mm, although buyers can specify a folding passenger seat which increases maximum interior length to just over 2.5m.
Riding on a 2,513mm wheelbase, the Fiorino boasts a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 9.95m. We managed a short first drive in the diesel-powered Fiorino during a recent visit to Italy and were mightily impressed. Early indications are that it will be more than a match for the latest short-wheelbase Kangoo in what is going to become a highly competitive sector. At first glance the Kangoo might have the edge on build quality, but the driveability of the Fiorino more than makes up for some flimsy execution of what should be nice design touches - the pop-up clipboard on the dash and the cavernous glovebox are two excellent features which would be even better if they felt a bit more durable.
The steering is extremely well balanced, giving superb assurance while retaining the lightness of touch that is so useful in crowded city streets. The turning circle gives the sort of manoeuvrability urban delivery drivers will appreciate, while the little 1.3-litre engine proved extremely nippy. Admittedly the van we drove was empty, but the performance of this engine in loaded vans we've tried, such as the Doblò, indicates you won't be left behind even with the full 610kg on board. The front discs and rear drums were very effective whether we were shedding a little speed or bringing the vehicle to a swift halt. The angle of the pedal is good and the action is progressive.
The Sevel minivan will re-establish Citroën, Fiat and Peugeot in what looks like becoming an extremely competitive sector. We like its looks and its driveability add it to your shortlist.
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