Fiat Fiorino crowned Van of the Year 2008

Fiat Professional, the commercial vehicle arm of Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd, is celebrating a stunning result in this year’s What Van? Van of the Year awards.

The new Fiorino – launched in May this year – has been crowned overall Van of the Year, and was also named top choice in the magazine’s Light Van of the Year category. Meanwhile, Fiat’s Scudo collected the Small Panel Van of the Year category award.

“This is wonderful news for us,” says Gerry Clarke, managing director, Fiat Professional. “To receive just one accolade in these prestigious awards is good, but to get three – including the main Van of the Year title – is absolutely fantastic. It’s real recognition for Fiat Professional and its superb range of vans.”

Manufactured at the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey, the Fiorino is part of a joint venture between Fiat and PSA. Designed to be easily and efficiently operated in busy towns and cities, it has already caught the imagination of small business owners, while attracting the attention of the industry’s top judging panels – it is also the newly-crowned International Van of the Year 2009 and the current Fleet World Honours Best New Van.

Powered by a choice of engines – 73 bhp 1.4 petrol and 75 bhp 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel – the Fiorino provides safe, comfortable and economical motoring.

“Even when heavily laden, the diesel Fiorino is an eager performer,” says Neil McIntee, editor What Van?. “A slick gearchange and a nice chunky gearstick enabled us to get the best out of a willing engine which, to our surprise, seemed as at home on the motorway as it is around town. No matter which model you pick, however, we doubt you’ll be disappointed; and with impressive fuel economy and low running costs, it’s an icon for today’s grim times.”

The Scudo van is also award-winning, taking the International Van of the Year title for 2008. It went on sale here in March 2007 and is available with a choice of three sophisticated MultiJet 16-valve turbodiesel powerplants – a 1.6-litre 90 bhp unit, and 120 bhp and 140 bhp POWER variants of the proven, 2.0-litre engine – guaranteeing strong performance, low running costs and fuel consumption, and outstanding reliability.

“Access to Scudo’s three-man cab is exemplary,” says Neil McIntee. “The comfortable and supportive seat is set at just the right height for people on multi-drop delivery runs who have to hop in and out of the cab continually during the working day.”

The Fiorino range starts at £8,199 for the 1.4 MPI 8v Petrol, while the Scudo line-up starts at £13,495 for the Business 1.6 MultiJet 90 bhp.