italiaspeed.com: FIAT FIORINO

Dynamic behaviour and fun to drive

Driving enjoyment has always been a strong point of Fiat Professional commercial vehicles. This is partly thanks to the “green” engines that deliver a sparkling performance and progressive torque build-up while keeping consumption and maintenance costs low. But for the ultimate driving comfort, you also need a thoroughly tested, reliable suspension system: Mc Pherson at the front, torsion bar at the rear. This solution – together with 14” and 15” tyres – helps to ensure optimum dynamic behaviour, great roadhold and reaction capability, and accurate driveability, whatever the load.

1.3 16v Multijet (75 bhp)

It goes without saying that the new Fiorino is available with the 1.3 16v Multijet, the smallest and most advanced of the direct injection second generation “Common Rail” diesel engines, produced by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies at the Bielsko Biala plant in Poland. Combined with a manual 5-speed or automatic 6-speed gear box, the turbodiesel generates a maximum power output of no less than 75 bhp (55 kW at 4000 rpm) with torque of 19.4 kgm (190 Nm at 1750 rpm, ensuring excellent performance and the best consumption in its class: for example, top speed is 157 km/h while 4.5 l per 100 km is registered in the combined cycle, translating into fuel autonomy of 1000 km on a full tank of 45 litres.

In detail, the engine contains 4 cylinders in line, with total displacement of 1248 cm3, with a bore of 69.6 mm and a long stroke of 82 mm. There are 4 valves per cylinder, activated directly by twin overhead camshafts via rocker fingers with a roller. The 1.3 Multijet 16v is a miniature technological masterpiece: fully dressed with all its accessories, it weighs just 130 kg. It is small (less than 50 cm long and 65 high), and the components have been designed to take up as little space as possible. Designed to be as rational, efficient and reliable as possible, the engine generates excellent performance and is basically “for life”. Oil change intervals are set at 30,000 km or 24 months (the 1.3 Multijet 16v uses a low-viscosity oil ensuring fuel economy) and is also eco-friendly.

Compact and technologically advanced, the 1.3 16v Multijet is also “green”, as it complies with Euro 4 emissions limits. The CO2 value is just 119 g per km. More specifically, the emissions control system features an electric-actuated EGR valve controlled directly by the engine control system, a recirculating gas cooling device and a close-coupled catalytic converter. Early in 2008, the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) will also be available - a “for life” system that reduces fine particles and requires no additives for regeneration.

The 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v is a real technological advance that translates into reduced emissions and consumption. The secret of the turbodiesel is the Multijet system of the second-generation Common Rail technology. This is the most advanced solution for controlling high injection pressure (up to 1600 bar) and is no longer dependent on the engine’s rpm and the quantity of fuel injected. Compression is not only related to the speed at which the engine is turning, but to different parameters relayed to the control panel through specific sensors (air and fuel temperature, revs, position of accelerator, brake and clutch pedals, vehicle speed, air and fuel pressure).

The key component of this system is the electronic control panel, which can command a series of injections very close together (hence the name “Multijet”). There can be up to 5 injections during each engine cycle, instead of the two traditional ones. The same amount of fuel is burned inside the cylinder, but it is divided into smaller parts, resulting in more gradual consumption. This ensures smoother functioning in any conditions, and a more responsive, elastic drive, which makes these engines increasingly similar to petrol ones. Other advantages include reduced noise, emissions, and improved performance, together with an engine output that makes the vehicle even more enjoyable to drive.

1.4 8v (73 bhp)

The engine has a total displacement of 1360 cm3 and 4 cylinders in line with a bore of 75 mm and a stroke of 77 mm (two valves per cylinder activated directly by twin overhead camshafts). When developing the engine, particular attention was also paid to performance and consumption, as demonstrated by the power of 73 bhp (54 kW) at 5200 rpm and a maximum torque of 12 kgm (118 Nm) at 2600 rpm. Combined with a mechanical 5-gear transmission, the engine delivers a sparkling performance (maximum speed 157 km/h) but uses fuel sparingly, with a consumption of 6.9 l per 100km in the combined cycle.