DRIVING COMFORT AND ON-BOARD WELLBEING

The New Scudo was designed from the drawing board with great attention to quality of life on board. Driving comfort was one of the prime aims of the design. The cabin is outstanding for its noiselessness and lack of vibrations due to a host of improvements to reduce noise at source and minimise noise transmission from road surface stress.

Noise sources (engine, gearbox, body, suspension, aerodynamics and wheels) were targeted and sound-absorbent materials and methods were employed to ensure a more effective sound filtering function. Outstanding improvements were achieved: the noise level on the New Scudo is 4 dBA lower at 100 km/h and 5 dBA lower at 130 bhp than on the previous model.

This has been achieved by adopting certain technical solutions, such as pulverisation of the PVC beneath the load compartment floor and wheelarches: this process is performed using a new technology implemented by three dedicated robots on the assembly line.

Acoustic comfort has also been improved on the New Scudo by altering the air extractors, using expandable inserts in the lower part of the front and rear pillars and adopting new rear door seals.

In addition to acoustic comfort, the new model boasts outstanding on-board comfort due to features and devices that help make the many hours passed at the wheel safer and more comfortable. Everything is within easy reach and under control. The controls have been designed and developed to ensure they are easily visible and usable without the driver taking his eyes off the road. The gearlever is located on the central facia console with the electric window and door mirror controls (options) are located on the courtesy light above the windscreen. A convenient, roomy oddment shelf under the roof joins a great selection of other pouches, open compartments and drawers that can be used to stow away the numerous objects that need to be within easy reach when travelling or working.

All versions of the New Scudo are fitted as standard with power steering, a variable servo device that facilitates parking manoeuvres even when the vehicle is fully laden. A headlight alignment corrector also comes as standard for optimum headlight alignment under all load conditions. To ensure the vehicle is relaxing to drive even on long trips, the model offers Cruise Control (available on JTD versions) to set and maintain the required cruising speed.
For all-pervasive on-board wellbeing, the New Scudo also offers a radio with CD and two speakers (these are complemented by two more tweeters on versions with a passenger airbag and on the Combi ELX) and a bi-level ventilation and heating system. Manual climate control is available as an option for all models.

Driving comfort also means being able to count on smooth, muscular power units. Since its launch, the Scudo model has always been remarkable for a diverse range of engines that have been continually updated. The new range retains the five most recent power units that customers have appreciated particularly in terms of driving satisfaction (particularly driving flexibility), outstanding performance and low running costs (consumables and maintenance) and also for their reliability and respect for the environment. The power units, all teamed with dependable, sturdy 5-speed gearboxes (apart from an automatic unit exclusive to the 2.0 petrol engine) are as follows:

• 2.0 petrol 16v MPI;
• aspirated 1.9 D 8v with prechamber;
• 94 bhp 2.0 JTD 8v;
• 109 bhp 2.0 JTD 8v;
• 109 bhp 2.0 JTD 16v.