Fiat PUNTO VAN RANGE
Being a primarily functional vehicle, a van can go about its business for ages before the powers that be decide to freshen up its appearance. The kind of minor cosmetic facelifts that are regularly visited on passenger cars often seem superfluous on a vehicle destined to run out its life filled with tools and caked in grime. The major exceptions to this rule are the supermini vans. Expect a modern small car to go under the knife on a much more frequent basis, the resulting new look soon filtering through to any commercial vehicle counterpart.
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The Fiat Punto car on which the current Punto van is based made its debut in the summer of 2003. There was some debate at the time concerning the merits of the out-going model with its sharper front and smaller lights compared to the extended, slightly bulbous nose we see today. The fact that any disquiet quickly subsided suggests we can probably put these concerns down to the shock of the new. Most people viewing a latest model Punto van parked next to the previous version will conclude that todays effort looks the more modern with its large lights, wider spoiler and grooved bonnet.
Circle around the vehicle and the angular rear light clusters remain the most stylish feature. That said, assertions that the nose has grown are supported by the fact that the Punto van is now 40mm longer than its predecessor. Beneath the skin, todays Punto van is a far better proposition than what went before. Modifications to the suspension set-up have improved ride quality and cut the level of vibration reaching the cabin.
Theres a more rigid torsion beam on the rear axle for greater stability and MacPherson struts continue to take care of business at the front. Theres just one trim level to contend with but its the choice of engines where the real point of interest lies. Fiats 1.9D diesel engine has deservedly been consigned to the scrap heap after long service as a poignant reminder of what diesels used to be like.
Lacking power and with less than impressive economy, it was never found wanting on noise or smoke production both were in plentiful supply. Some might say the old 1.9D had character, but it didnt. The engine that replaces this oil-burning anachronism could hardly be more different.
Fiats 1.3-litre Multijet diesel is as close to the cutting edge of diesel technology as its safe to get without goggles and chain-mail gloves. The Italian firm have impressed a lot of people with their JTD Unijet diesel engines but the Multijet configuration were looking at here takes things further. Where the Unijet delivers two injections of fuel into cylinder, a Multijet engine can pump variable amounts of fuel in numerous individual injections.
By allowing engine temperature and operating load to be taken into account in determining how the fuel is injected, this flexible approach improves the quality of combustion. The result is a quieter, cleaner, more economical and more responsive powerplant thats also very compact in size and weighs just 130kg.
"Fiats 1.3-litre Multijet diesel is as close to the cutting edge of diesel technology as its safe to get without goggles and chain-mail gloves
In raw figures, all this translates to a 70bhp output at 4,000rpm with maximum torque of 180Nm arriving as low as 1,750rpm. Fiat are keen to point out that the 1.3 Multijet has 11% more power, 44% more torque and 28% better fuel economy than the old 1.9D.
The engine does not make the Punto especially fast but its very well suited to the needs of small van operators with power available through a broad section of the rev-range, miserly economy and Euro IV compliant emissions for a low road tax banding. The second engine option is a 1.2-litre 8-valve petrol unit thats considerably less compelling than the Multijet. 60bhp at 5,000rpm and 102Nm of torque at 2,500rpm make it a competent performer but all who can afford it should make a beeline for the diesel.
As a supermini-derived van, the Puntos load-carrying credentials are always going to be bettered by vehicles more specifically designed for the purpose but the 510kg maximum payload capacity will be all that some businesses need. The Punto van is not merely a Punto car with the rear seats ripped out, the designers have made a number of concessions to the requirements of business users. The flat loadbay floor is covered by a thick protective PVC layer, while the driver is separated from unruly loads by a half-height steel bulkhead with a mesh upper. Load lashing points have been added, as has special illumination to cast light on the cargo in murky conditions.
In general, Fiat interiors have improved considerably of late and the Punto van benefits from this upward trend. Theres spark of design flair about the cabin thats often missing from commercial vehicles. This is best evidenced by the lively trim colours, the two-tone seats and the neatly sculpted dash. A reworked display panel on the current model furnishes the driver with all manner of useful information from the outside temperature to trip distance and the time.
Standard equipment includes a drivers airbag, a radio/cassette stereo and an adjustable steering wheel to go with the height and lumbar adjustable drivers seat. Theres also dualdrive electric steering with the famous City button for those who like turning corners with a flick from an outstretched index finger. Its not the most impressive specification but in the name of keeping prices down you can forgive the confinement of electric windows, remote central locking and a passenger airbag to the options list. It would, however, have been nice to see ABS offered as standard, especially in this day and age.
Its the 1.3-litre Multijet engine that, more than anything, has propelled the Punto van from unremarkable supermini-based commercial vehicle to genuine contender at the forefront of the small van sector. Its as good as or better than anything you can get in other small vans and, slightly disappointing equipment levels notwithstanding, the Punto looks strong in the other areas that matter too.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Fiat Punto Van Range
PRICES: £7,595 - £7,895 (ex VAT) ENGINE OPTIONS: 1.2 8v 65bhp (petrol) /1.3JTD 70bhp (diesel) PAYLOAD: 510kg LOAD VOLUME: 1.0m3
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 3840/1660/1480mm
