Fiat Scudo on sale in UK

Combining a large load capacity with MPV practicality and car-like comfort, performance and handling, the new Fiat Scudo LCV has just gone on sale in the UK.

Over the past 10 years, the European LCV market has grown considerably, rising from some 1,300,000 units in 1995 to over 2 million in 2005. In the UK in 2006, Fiat Auto posted a record 12,895 commercial vehicle sales, resulting in an increased market share which has risen from 3.85% in 2004 to 3.98% – a rising trend for the fifth consecutive year. Showing the strongest sales growth among its European competitors last year, Fiat’s European LCV sales share rose to over 11%.

The new Fiat Scudo replaces an extremely successful model, 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.

New Scudo will be available in 18 versions from launch, priced from £15,884 – £22,688 on-the-road. 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 now offering 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 features selective, remote central locking, enabling the driver to enter and leave the cab without affecting the security of the loadspace, and is also available with deadlocks.

The new Scudo LCV range goes 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.

All three powerplants are transverse mounted, providing front-wheel drive through a range of robust, durable, manual gearboxes. The 1.6 litre 90 bhp MultiJet unit is equipped with a sturdy, reliable 5-speed manual transmission, whilst both 2.0 litre 120 bhp and 140 bhp MultiJet engines are mated to 6-speed manual gearboxes.

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.

Fiat Auto has equipped the new Scudo with class-leading levels of both passive and active safety. The chassis and body have been designed to provide exceptional torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency. Even though the 2007 Scudo is 283 mm longer and 51 mm wider than its predecessor, the new LCV’s torsional rigidity has been significantly increased, with deformation under stress measured at just 14 mm/degree – substantially less than the 23 mm/degree of its nearest rival. All seats are equipped with generous head restraints and three-point seatbelts, with pre-tensioners and load limiters at the front.

The new Fiat LCV offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available today: ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.

In line with all other Fiat vehicles, new Scudo comes to the market with an 8-year anti-perforation and 3-year paintwork warranty. Additionally, all Scudos are covered by the Fiat Vanguard 3-year dealer warranty scheme which covers an extensive range of engine, gearbox, steering, differential and electrical components. Fiat AA Assurance is provided in the vehicle’s first year.

Commensurate with an increase in market share, Fiat Commercial Vehicles has also embarked on a programme of strengthening its network aftersales support. The network now has 11% of its dealerships open 24 hours a day for service and repair work, and a further 10% of the network has flexible and extended opening hours. There are currently 75 specialist Commercial Vehicle dealers in the UK.