Fiat Fiorino Car Review

Facts At A Glance MANUFACTURER: Fiat MODEL: Fiorino Combi BHP: 73bhp - 75bhp PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 175-293kg LOAD VOLUME: 2.5m3 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 1,680kg – 1,700kg LENGTH: 3,959mm WIDTH: 1,589mm HEIGHT: 1,721mm July 24th 2009

City Born Cargo

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As city spaces get more compact and smaller people who make a living by urban businesses and drop points have had to rethink their vehicles. Gone are the days were a normal cargo van will do and in are the days where auto makers understand this. Most major car manufacturers have either modified an existing mini car like Ford has done with the Focus or have created a vehicle for those people who need the size of a small car that works like a cargo.

Fiat has made their step by making a cargo friendly mini they have branded the Fiorino. The Fiorino comes with a reasonably sized cargo area while driving more like the Fiat Bravo or Ford Focus. This is a near perfect offering for a business owner wanting something that will glide through city traffic easily as to not hinder their driver's ability to be efficient at their daily tasks.

The Fiorino has been built to maneuver at its best in tight quarters. Fiat was nice enough to push the wheels all the way to the corner of the vehicle giving the driver every inch they need to make tight turns without having to worry about the long front end or back end dinging an innocent bystander. Fiat also understands that these types of vehicles get used for hours each day and when you drive that much the chance of minor mishaps are huge. With this in mind Fiat pushed the important things back a little bit to allow more leeway. The headlights, radiator and bonnet set well back of the wrap-around bumpers in order to protect them better against little things that go poke.

Business owners will also rejoice at the range of options available under the bonnet. The Fiorino comes with a choice of a 1.3-litre 75bhp MultiJet diesel and a 1.4-litre petrol. The diesel powered engine delivers with a decent 75bhp and 190Nm of torque are a maximum of 1,750rpm. This engine is also very light which allows for the best fuel consumption possible. The 1.4-litre petrol offers slightly less horse power at 74bhp and 118Nm of torque at a max of 2,600rpm. Overall the petrol powered engine cost a little bit less, but doesn't get the best gas mileage and has less power. Many will find the petrol version the better choice for frequent city visits while others will like the diesel because of the mileage if the home office is far from the driver's daily tasks.

Both engine choices come with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel has the optional cost upgrade of the 6-speed ComfortMatic sequential manual transmission which can also be used as an automatic.

Fiat is offering the Fiat in 2 trim levels they are calling Base and SX. The Base level includes ABS with EBD, driver's side airbag, a CD stereo, power steering and an adjustable steering wheel. Jump up to the SX and the gadgets include remote central locking system, electric windows, electric mirrors, a nearside sliding door and a few other bells and whistles. The front compartment will fit 2 normal sized adults and drivers who need to stow various things will be pleased with the 12 compartments scattered about the front cabin area.

The design team at Fiat has a done a nice job making the Fiorino an excellent choice for people who need to lug things around tight areas. The best thing about the Fiorino may not be the overall practicality, but the fact that it actually looks good as well. Many businesses will be proud to dress it up with their branding.