Onboard comfort, functionality and attention to detail
 

The new Fiorino assures total comfort, whatever the job or mission entails. The cab has been designed as a mobile office according to the latest ideas in ergonomics – it is always light, airy and comfortable. For example, there are the large windows and well-positioned central pillar, providing excellent all-round visibility and optimal internal lighting. The large wing mirrors also ensure perfect rear vision at all times.

Driving comfort also means the best solutions for noise and vibration control, as well as an effective climate control system that keeps the temperature and humidity at optimum levels for passengers. Still on the theme of onboard comfort, the new Fiorino has a modern audio-telematic system featuring a CD or Mp3 player, a stereo with four speakers (two tweeters and two mid-woofers), and a Bluetooth hands-free kit.
The high level of comfort in every possible form places the new Fiorino at the top of its class. One of the designers’ objectives was to obtain excellent quality of life on board, favouring habitability, ergonomics and functionality, to respond to customers’ increasingly high demands. The result is a modular, comfortable, functional, attractive cab that is practical, harmonious and welcoming.

Designed around the driving position

Designed with an eye on practicality and onboard comfort, the driving position is high, almost like a people carrier, which gives a great feeling of comfort and command of the road. This is partly thanks to the “T” shaped dashboard which places the controls and elaborate instrument panel within full view and easy reach of the driver. Symmetrical and modular, the dashboard has been designed as a workstation on which the various controls, panels and compartments are located, to make the most of the available depth. This arrangement enhances the three-dimensional aspect and increases the feeling of space inside the cab. The result is very attractive and allows efficient management of the space and simple use of the various instruments that are all easy to recognise, read and activate.

The new Fiorino features the latest in virtual ergonomics, to ensure that the controls are easy to reach and use. The design is based on a “General Ergonomics Plan” which sets out the guidelines for the styling of the interior and positioning of the main controls and instruments. The latest programming technology was then used instead of physical prototypes, to perform virtual checks which cut down on development time. The final result is outstanding: the onboard instruments and controls are easy to reach, identify, read and use, all are positioned ergonomically and are only minimal interruptions to the driver’s concentration.

To determine the best postural comfort, i.e. the optimal combination between available space and driving position, essential for the driver’s wellbeing, sophisticated software programs such as Abita 2000 and “Jack” were used to generate virtual reproductions of the various conditions of use. Abita 2000 defines the comfort indicators for body angles, while the second produces a virtual simulation of the driving position, using three-dimensional dummies.

This enabled the designers to achieve optimum comfort for every size of driver, in accordance with the design restrictions imposed at the outset. For example, particular attention was paid to the gear lever, placed high up and close to the steering wheel: the best solution for safe, accurate driving and also less tiring, particularly in urban situations requiring frequent gear changes. The climate control system and stereo, placed in the centre of the dashboard, and the positioning of the pedals, steering wheel, foot rest and handbrake all help the driver to maintain a correct, comfortable posture.

Instrument panel

The instrument panel is easy to read and provides instant information in any light conditions. It is formed of two circular dials housing the speedometer and rev counter, and two quadrant dials for the water temperature and fuel gauges. Below, there is the digital trip computer, available in two versions depending on the outfitting – which acts as a clock, mileage counter and contains illuminated icons showing the headlight configuration, average speed, fuel autonomy, speed in excess of pre-set limits, and possible malfunctions.

Comfortable seats and door panels

What makes working and travelling in the new Fiorino particularly enjoyable are the seats, designed to be comfortable and enveloping (thanks to the foam supports). Adjustable in various different ways, the seats of the new model allow anyone to find the optimal driving position, thanks to the height- and depth-adjustable steering column and height-adjustable arm rest. Not forgetting that the front passenger seat can be folded up to provide even more space and length in the loading area.
 

The door panels on the new Fiorino are also practical and user-friendly, fitted with a comfortable arm rest and designed with the same attention to detail as the facia.

Large, functional storage compartments

Designers have paid special attention to the details and space available for commercial customers, as can be seen from the 12 storage compartments (depending on trim level) allowing passengers to store their personal effects and documents. For example, there is a spacious drawer in the dashboard (with enough room for a laptop computer) or a handy document shelf, while the passenger seat can be folded down, adding almost a metre to the space available in the loading area. Other drawers are situated throughout the cab, while in the lower part of the panels on the front doors there is a large storage compartment, shaped to hold a 1-litre bottle.

Climatic comfort

Temperature and humidity onboard play an important part in creating the optimal travelling conditions. A good climate control system has to keep these two factors within optimal limits all year round (temperatures of between 22 and 25° C, humidity between 40 and 50%). This is why, depending on the version, the new Fiorino can have a heater and fan, or on request, a manual climate control system complete with pollen filter. Both systems feature an electronically-controlled air recirculation function that blocks external air intake, and optimum flow distribution thanks to 4 vents (2 central and one on each side) which can be directed or tilted to distribute warm or cool air towards the passengers’ heads, plus 2 distributors above the feet of the driver and front seat passengers. It is worth noting that for rapid de-misting, air is distributed through no fewer than eight vents (airflow capacity of 400 m3 per hour).

Audio and telematic systems

The audio and telematic systems on the new Fiorino have been developed to match the central console, favouring visual and tactile ergonomics and interacting with the multi-function screen to provide excellent audio and telematic performance. The audio system includes two types of car radio (optional) with different CD players: the first will play only music CDs, while the second can also read Mp3 files.

Both systems feature a carefully designed acoustic system which has been developed and calibrated specifically for the cab. The system includes four speakers (two tweeters and two mid-woofers placed on the dashboard and front doors) generating 4x10 Watt. The radios are built into the design of the dashboard and have an ergonomic layout. They are placed at the top of the dashboard (ideal for the driver) and can also be reached easily by the passenger. They can store up to 30 stations and come with RDS (Radio Data System), PTY (programme type) and TA (traffic alert) functions. When switched on, the radio plays at the same volume at which it was turned off.

The radios are protected against theft thanks to a communication protocol with the unit that controls the body computer. Here’s how it works: when the radio is switched on, the body computer reads the 4-digit security code and only activates it if the numerical sequence is recognised. This means the device cannot be used on another vehicle not fitted with the same device. The range of accessories also includes a hands-free kit with Bluetooth technology, ensuring total driving safety in all conditions. The system allows customers with a Bluetooth mobile to use the phone even when in a jacket pocket or bag, automatically lowering the volume of the radio (if switched on). The speaker’s voice is transmitted through the stereo speakers.

Acoustic insulation and vibration control

A quiet cab is not just comfortable – it is also an important part of preventive safety. It helps to maintain concentration while driving and allows the driver to undertake long journeys without becoming tired. This is why the designers of the new Fiorino worked hard to optimise the acoustics in the cab, to reduce noise from the engine and suspension and to limit vibrations, whispering and aerodynamic whistle. The result is that the model is at the top of its class when it comes to noise levels, with a value of 80 (66 decibels) during steady acceleration in 5th gear at 80 km/h and 68 (71 decibels) in fifth gear at 100 km/h.

To boost acoustic insulation in the cab, the box sections and sheets were specially sealed with expansive materials inside each panel. When developing the chassis and bodyshell, acoustic sensitivity was also taken into account. It was initially evaluated using virtual technology and later by means of testing. The use of virtual calculations and statistical energy analysis cut down on time, costs and weights, as it enabled the best choice of materials for each part of the acoustic package. The rigid bodyshell and aluminium cross member, the core structural element of the new Fiorino, together with optimised ribbing and box sections, increased stiffness at points subject to road vibrations. All this has helped to minimise the vehicle’s acoustic sensitivity to incoming stresses.