On first impressions we thought this PSA Group/Fiat developed van to produced the Nemo/Bipper/Fiorino was a tad too small for most tastes.
However to show that we're open minded about such things we've taken an example on a long-term test and this being the Fiat version it gets its own engine - a 1.3-litre unit from the company's acclaimed Multi-jet range producing 75hp and 190Nm of torque.
Available in two trim levels - priced £9,360 and £10,035 respectively - the base model gets ABS with EBD, ladder bulkhead, radio/CD player and not much else, while the LX (our test vehicle) adds remote central locking, electric windows and nearside sliding door.
Small van, small engine, do we need to continue? The laden run for the Fiorino produced an impressive 51.4mpg, while unladen the figure of 55.8mpg gave some insight into its potential when running light.
Packing a load volume of 2.5m cubed is not a bad deal considering, and this extends to 2.8m cubed when you spec the folding passenger seat option (£85). This combines with a payload of 610kg, which again is impressive for a van of this size.
It's a given that the Fiorino's interior isn't going to be a palatial spread, but tight packaging has made it far from a squeeze. Importantly, for a vehicle this size and its assumed role, driver access is more than adequate, and with the ladder bulkhead there's enough rear seat travel to allow for sufficient leg room (though a previous encounter with the full height bulkhead option reduces this).
Complementing the arrangement is an adjustable (for reach and rake) steering wheel and a seat that comes with lumbar support and arm rest as standard - a smart move that'll be appreciated on the urban grind.
Of course being compact it's highly manoeuvrable around town, with the quick steering allowing you to change direction smartly, but it's out on the open road where the Fiorino really surprises.
It feels exceptionally stable and confident at high speeds, with little disturbance from cross-winds and larger passing vehicles.
This is helped by the perennially smooth Fiat Multijet engine. It's a more tempting proposition than the equivalent 1.3-litre unit used by its Citroen/Peugeot counterparts and allows for a relaxed driving experience; however this good work is partly negated by the sloppy five-speed shift that's noticeably loose in operation, slowing down the swapping of cogs due to ill defined gates.
By adding its own Multi-jet engine to the mix, Fiat has enhanced its version of this little van.
Fiat's take is by no means a step up in overall power; it's more about the progressive way it delivers it, plus it's smoother and more fuel efficient than the Citroen/Peugeot offering.
This positive compliments the Fiorino's impressive overall ability, which tricks you into thinking you're driving a larger vehicle - in a good way.

To read the full road test check out the 30 July issue of Commercial Motor