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The Fiat Fiorino Combi, designed for the transportation needs of passengers while able to carry loads, goes on sale in Italy this week. The Fiorino Combi comes specified in two versions, Combi and Combi SX, and has an Italian market starting price of 9,950 euros (excluding taxes).

The Fiorino Adventure has a suspension raised by 2 cm, an engine guard built into the front bumpers and more extensive bodywork protection. It has a distinctive look, which can be expressed also as "functional objectivation” for use in mountainous, rural areas where the asphalt can be rough or unsurfaced.

Based on the Fiorino Cargo van which was launched towards the end of last year, and which has already proved a big success, the Fiorino Combi was previewed at the 78th Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. It is designed to carry five people and a 175 kg load (or in N1 homologation, 4 people and 293 kg).

Fiat Fiorino Combi

Fiat Professional presents the new Fiorino Combi which is born of a simple yet revolutionary concept: surpassing the concept of MPV to land on the idea of a “free space” vehicle. Thanks to it's compactness and agility which guarantee a distinctive freedom of movement, as well as a new generation of interiors that assure generous dimensions and flexibility of use. Let's take a look in detail at all the merits of this model which wants to play a protagonist's role in this sector.

Distinctive exterior style and newly conceived interiors.

Essential and rational, the Fiat Fiorino's exterior is distinctive also due to the specific finishing on the sides and rear which confer a sophisticated mark. In the same manner, the robust and gritty front doesn't alter the general impression of an “alternative car with personality”. The solid and “well rooted” aspect of the car is counter-balanced by the fluid and clear lines which play to it's dynamism. Corresponding to these aesthetic qualities are compact external dimensions – 3,96 metres longs, 1,72 high and 1,71 metres wide – which linked to a turning circle of only 10,15 metres, allow the new Fiat Fiorino to tackle easily either the narrow streets of a city-centre or the slaloms imposed by urban traffic.

The rear black mud-guard (also available in the colour of the chassis) is very robust and wrapped so to protect in an excellent manner the most delicate areas – spotlights, bonnet and radiator – especially at lower speeds. The same “security” is given both by the rubbing strips which allow, in perfect tranquillity, manoeuvres in tight spots or corners; and by the rear-view mirrors (black or the chassis colour) which guarantee an excellent visibility reducing the “blind spot”. To heighten visibility yet further, the new car proposes broad glass surfaces as shown by the rear side doors and the large wind-shield (the front uprights are also reduced). Even the side windows create an original “sleek” form, which when combined with the important forms at mudguard level render the body even more dynamic.

The rear cargo-door is very characteristic as the skilful finish on the logo setting and the fluid glass style, confer an original and rare “treasure chest” style opening which distinguishes itself completely from typical van doors. (the asymmetrical rear doors are available as optional).

Completing the exterior style we have the elegant group of rear and front optics – distinguished by the chrome and transparency, as well as a high position well by any potential bumps. The front and rear doors (the latter always sliding) with a broad glass surface are fitted with convenient handles. Lastly, the client can chose between 10 different colours and two types of upholstery.

Special attention has been given to the aerodynamics, a very important factor if we consider the effects on performance, consumption and acoustic comfort. With this objective, the Fiat Fiorino shape has been analyzed via computer simulations and then tested extensively in wind tunnels. From this attention to detail, the rear spoiler, among other forms which characterize the style, was designed whilst conserving the functionality and aesthetics. The final result is an excellent co-efficient of aerodynamic resistance equal to 0,31 and an excellent Cx product for the frontal area. (0,828 m2).

Up to now we've been discussing the exterior form. But it's inside that the new Fiorino really comes into it's own. Thanks to an original concept – called “free space” – which combines different seat configurations (at least 6 the most instant) with rationality and regularity in the interior form. In this manner, we obtain an excellent usable space for space and flexibility: for example with the seats in normal positioning, the boot has a capacity of 330 litres (up to the luggage rack) and of 650 litres if measured up to the roof. Instead, if the rear and front seat are removed, the total volume is 2.800 litres with a boot capable of holding objects almost 2,5 metres long (a real record, if we take into account the vehicle is only 3,9 metres long).

So much space and flexibility, but Fiat Fiorino is a comfortable car with all the mod-cons as the modular and symmetrical “T” shaped dashboard demonstrates. The driver has within easy reach all the controls of a rich instrument panel. On board comfort though also means lots of space available: above the central console you can have spacious compartments or alternatively a handy clipboard with clips for taking notes. There's also lots of space at the base of the gearshift, and on the dashboard itself thanks to a spacious compartment with large dimensions. Even the door panels have been designed to offer lots of space as well as a comfortable arm rest. The central tunnel has been made into a practical central console.

Also contributing to the on board satisfaction are the rear seats which are very comfortable and fitted with all the regular functions. As alternative to the standard passenger seat, also available is a special seat that when folded in one easy move, can “disappear” positioning itself on the boot level (in the in-between position it can act as a comfortable table). Available in the 1/3 and 2/3 configurations, the rear seats can be folded like “a book” or removed (either partly or completely), so offering surprising load capacities and flexibility of use. Lastly, the boot compartment is spacious and very regular whilst the rigid divider has the advantage of almost “vanishing” if placed in the space between the seat and the wheelhouse.

Advanced engines and reliable transmission

Comfortable gears means also being able to rely on a brilliant progressive propulsion mated to solid and reliable gearshifts. For this, Fiat Fiorino proposes two Euro 4 engines - the brilliant 1.3 Multijet 75 CV and the reliable 1.4 73 CV petrol engine - which are distinguished by the driving pleasure, excellent performances and reduced running costs, as well as reliability and respect for the environment.

Not to forget that the new Fiorino, also has the smallest and most advanced second generation “Common Rail” direct injection diesel engine, the 1.3 16v Multijet. Produced by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies in the Polish plant of Bielsko Biala. Combined with a manual 5-speed or an automatic 6-speed gear box, the 1.3 Multijet can supply up to 75 CV (55 kW at 4000 rpm) of maximum power and torque of 19,4 kg m (190 Nm a 1750 giri/min), guaranteeing excellent performances and the best fuel consumption in it's sector. For example, the top speed is 155 km an hour, while the combined cycle records 4,6 l/100 km (4,5 l/100 km with self-shifting gears), which translates into a 1.000 km travelled on a full tank of 45 litres. A Fiat Fiorino fitted with this propulsion is also respectful of the environment – some versions have CO2 emissions lower than 120 g/km – and if fitted with a particulate filter (optional) the emission levels of particulate reach just 0.005 g/km (in accordance with the Euro 5 limits).

The performance of the 1.4 with 73 CV is also excellent, and can be a great base for CNG and LPG transformations. Developed with particular fuel consumption and performance, the propulsion supplies a power of 73 CV (54 kW) at 5200 rpm with a maximum torque of 12 kg m (118 Nm) at 2600 rpm. So, combined with manual 5-speed gearshift the engine runs beautifully (the maximum speed is 155 km/h) but at the same time parsimoniously: in the combined cycle it consumes just 7,0 l/100 km.

As confirmation of it's “ecological” calling, the Fiat Fiorino will also offer in due course an electric version with 0 emissions, made in commercial collaboration with Microvett, Italian specialists of electrical transformations. The guaranteed autonomy is of a 100 km, charge time is around 3 hours with a 9 Kw plug (6-8 hours with a 3 Kw plug). The acceleration and top speeds are beyond criticism: 0-50 km/h in 7 seconds and 80 km/h. Lastly, last October at the international showrooms of Milan and Amsterdam, a global preview of two prototypes based on the Fiorino Cargo were shown.

A precise response to every request

Fiat Fiorino Combi offers a wide and varied range, within which everyone can find the ideal answer to their lifestyle needs and car use. Available as a “5 door” model, the car comes in two versions: the first is more essential and informal, whilst the second is richer and more conventional. The offer is rounded off by a third special version – called “Adventure” - which allows the Fiat Professional a protagonist's role in the “free time” context. Thanks to a suspension raised by 2 cm, an engine guard built into the front bumpers and more extensive bodywork protection. A distinctive look, which can be expressed also as "functional objectivation” for use in mountainous, rural areas where the asphalt can be rough or unsurfaced.

Whatever your choice, the client can also rely on interesting equipment. In fact, depending on the markets and versions, important contents will be available: on the security front, ABS complete with EBD, 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioner and load limiter, hydraulic power steering and airbags for driver, passengers and the side. Also on offer are the climate control system with anti-pollen filter and electronic rear wipers. Furthermore, having not predisposed planned packages, the client is free to “personalise” the Fiorino choosing freely among the various optionals: from leather steering wheel and gearshift to double-wing doors, Blue&Me system, “dead-lock”, down to the elegant design of 16” alloy wheels. Fiat Fiorino Combi can also be supplied with category N1 certification (4 people + 278 kg), which can be useful for tax concessions, depending on the country.