The new Fiorino in Cargo configuration, which is making its debut today at the Transpotec 2007 exhibition in Milan, is ideal for the transport of goods, and will be introduced on the market at the end of 2007 (the versions destined to passenger transport will arrive in 2008) and produced in the Tofaş Bursa plant (Turkey).

An innovative idea is the core of the project: to create a vehicle of smaller external dimensions compared to those of commercial vehicles belonging to segment 1B (the so called “small vans”) but offering the same capacity and serviceability, reduced running costs and attractive price. Nuovo Fiorino is an agile vehicle in traffic and easy to park thanks to a turning circle between kerbs of only 9.95 metres. This is the reason why the new Fiorino is ideal for drivers who spend long hours at the wheel, for delivery work, tradesmen, couriers and maintenance engineers, service companies or retailers.

Original style, compact external dimensions and large load platform

The New Fiorino has a modern design, which shows a marked personality, dynamism and sturdiness. The front part has a defined look, underscored by "bumper guards" and by original headlights – of large size – which blend harmoniously with the van’s style. The bonnet creates continuity with the windscreen and is inspired to the encircling shape of the bumper. The new Fiorino appears to the eyes as a sturdy vehicle. The rear part is characterised by square lines that give the impression of a considerable load capacity. The racy lines confer great stylistic dynamism to the new vehicle; the side protections and handles of the sliding door (case-like, in vertical position) are sturdy and solid. The polished versions have completely smooth sides, a solution that allows to better customise the vehicle with advertising stickers.

Even if compact in dimensions, only 3.86 metres long, 1.72 m high and 1.71 m wide, the new Fiorino boasts a spacious receptacle, rational and square with a volume of 2.5 cubic metres (which becomes 2.8 thanks to the front passenger seat that can be folded), capacity of 610 kg (including the driver) and an interior length of over one metre and a half, which almost reaches two and a half metres when the passenger seat is tilted (a record considering that the vehicle has an exterior length of only 386 cm). In addition, the load platform is equipped with six sturdy and practical rings for restraining goods, while the loading threshold, of only 527 mm, facilitates loading and unloading operations.

Comfort on board, serviceability and attention to details

All commercial vehicles of Fiat Professional ensure the utmost comfort regardless of road condition or task. And the new Fiorino is certainly not an exception. For example, following the most advanced ergonomic principles, the interior was designed as a working area, almost an extension of one’s own office. The vast glass surfaces offer a wide view of the road and excellent interior daylight, while the driver’s seat favours functionality and comfort, creates a sense of safety and guarantees a comfortable position for all users’ weights, also thanks to the adjustments of the seat and steering wheel. Moreover, the - “T” shaped – dashboard allows the driver to have all commands handy, including the gear lever – which is located at the centre - and many instruments.

The designers paid particular attention to the details and space available for whom works, as proven by more than 12 object holders - according to the finishes - which allow to store personal effects and business documents. For example, the client can use a capacious drawer of the dashboard and also a useful table for documents, while the passenger's seat can be folded, thus increasing the length of the receptacle of almost one metre.

Driving comfort also implies an efficient climate control system which maintains the temperature and humidity degree inside the vehicle within optimal values for passengers. Therefore, due to its versatility of use, the new commercial vehicle of Fiat Professional was designed at its best: four tilting outlets (two at the centre and two at the sides) for introducing-bending cold or warm air and foot well vents. For quick and efficient demisting , air distribution is guaranteed by eight outlets (400 m3/h of air capacity).

Always with regards to comfort onboard, an excellent audio-telematic system is available on the new Fiorino which includes radio with CD or Mp3 reader, compatible with Bluetooth functions and a stereo with four loudspeakers.
 

The new Fiorino offers the best solutions with regards to sound and vibration comfort, since silence onboard is not only a comfort, but also an important requirement of preventive safety. Indeed, it favours attention when driving and allows to undertake long trips without getting tired. For this reason, the sound optimisation of the driver and passenger compartment was studied in details when developing the new model, trying to reduce the noise diffused by the engine and suspensions and limit vibrations, rustles and aerodynamic whistling.

Modern power units and sturdy and reliable suspensions for utmost riding comfort

Comfort in driving has always been a strong point of Fiat Professional's commercial vehicles. Thanks to the design of the suspensions and lively and progressive power units which are also environment friendly and fuel efficient. The new Fiorino is offered with either of two modern power units to Euro 4 standard – the petrol model 1.4 litre, 73 HP, or the turbo-diesel model 1.3 Multijet, 75 HP - which are a pleasure to drive (high elasticity), reliability, and respect of the environment, in addition to excellent performance and reduced operating costs (fuel consumption and maintenance). In particular, service intervals are set at 30,000 km and the arrangement of engine components reduces significantly maintenance or repair time.

Coupled to a 5-speed manual or to a 6-speed robotized gearbox, the 1.3 Multijet represents a real technological advance, which in practical terms means reduced fuel consumption (4.5 l/100 km in combined cycle, which translates into one thousand kilometres of autonomy for a tankful of fuel); reduced emissions (the CO2 value is 119 g/km and during the first months of 2008, the particulate filter); improvement of noise level (thanks to multi-injection); less vibration and excellent performance (maximum speed 157 km/h). The seventy-three horse powers of the 1.4 petrol model—coupled to the 5-speed manual gearbox – render the vehicle excellent and agile in traffic.

But utmost driving comfort means also to be able to count on a scheme of suspensions which is extensively tested and reliable: Mc Pherson at the front, torque axle at the back. This solution – together with 15” tires – contributes to an excellent dynamic behaviour, dynamic stability, great road holding and reaction capacity, in addition to precise steering in any load conditions (hydraulic power steering is standard).

Full passenger and load protection

The new Fiorino ensures utmost passenger and load protection and significant reduced running costs. For example, the vehicle’s structure is sturdy especially that of the driver’s compartment (for protecting occupants from intrusions ), and incorporates high energy absorbing areas. In addition, the large bumpers, free of sharp edges, guarantee utmost protection, especially on impact at low speed, and shields are easily removed for minimum repair costs. Moreover, in addition to a powerful braking system which can be modulated, the new Fiorino offers a standard ABS complete with EBD, 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiter, hydraulic power steering and driver's side airbag (passenger's side airbag, side bags and rear park sensors are available on request). Locking of the front and rear doors is separate and it is therefore possible to use the load platform when the cab is locked. Finally, the new Fiorino is also equipped with an alarm and a “dead-lock”, the centralized door lock that protects it from break-ins, by disabling the door’s interior handle and all mechanisms linked with the lock.

A comprehensive and articulated range

The new Fiorino Cargo will be introduced on the market at the end of this year in two versions, ten colour schemes and as many as 9 possible body configurations with none, one or two sliding panel or glazed side doors. The Adventure versions will make their entry in 2008, equipped with raised suspensions, 15” tires, front bumper with stone guard under the engine, rack bars and oversize mouldings. Inside, the new Fiorino Adventure will feature specific, comfortable and hard wearing upholstery.