Fiat SCUDO COMBI VAN range
With the Scudo van, Fiat saw the perfect platform for a combination vehicle providing both load carrying and people moving capabilities. Designers are constantly wrestling with the problem of fitting people and their attendant luggage in a fixed space. The inevitable compromise usually means that one or other loses out, but in the Scudo Combi, both people and luggage get equal billing. Its not surprising therefore, that so many of these vehicles are employed in the minicab trade where trips to the airport are frequently requested.
Throughout its life, the Scudo, along with the Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert models that share its design, has always occupied a curious niche within the commercial vehicle markets overall structure. It sits snugly between the compact vans (think Vauxhall Combo and Citroen Berlingo) and the small panel vans (think Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes Vito), apparently sharing characteristics with both. This halfway-house positioning has long been a Scudo strongpoint. Drivers favouring the compact size and car-like handling of smaller vans but needing the capacity of a panel van would find a capable companion in the Scudo.
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On either the five or six seater Combi, all seats feature multi-adjustment, special padding, three-point seat belts and adjustable head restraints that are removable from the rear seats for improved visibility in the absence of passengers. On viewing the vehicle from the rear or even the side, most people would agree that the basic shape has changed little over the years. From the front though, its a different story. There is a deeper bumper and large clear lens headlights either side of a chunky lattice work grille with the Fiat badge at its heart.
There are changes to the other aspects too, even if you dont immediately spot them. Thick side rubbing strips are now present to protect against parking knocks and the thin end of the original Scudos trademark wedge-shaped profile has been blunted somewhat.
"The Scudo Combi is simply a Scudo van with extra seats"
Inside, on the surface, you could be in the old model Scudo. The triangular flip-top ashtray in the centre console is a nice touch for the smokers out there, the dash-mounted gear stick is well located, there are good deep door pockets and the drivers seat positions you low to the ground while retaining good all round visibility. On the downside, the lever controls on the ventilation system do betray the vans age. Not instantly obvious to the layman hopping aboard a Scudo are the reshaped seats and a steering wheel, which can now accommodate remote controls for the standard CD stereo.
The Fiat Scudo Combi is a good choice for the taxi driver or large family who need the space afforded by its generous size but would rather not have the hassle of manoeuvring and parking a big vehicle on a daily basis. Behind the wheel of a Scudo Combi, the driving experience is more compact MPV than light commercial vehicle. There is some body roll through the twisty bits but thats par for the course on a high-sided vehicle like this and otherwise the van feels stable and responsive. The soundproofing and vibration reduction were given attention in this current version and it shows with far less of the rumble and roar finding its way inside.
The perched driving position and flat-mounted steering wheel that characterises larger panel vans is noticeably absent and the whole vehicle feels more compact probably because it is. In the engine bay, the Scudo is strong. Two basic engine choices are offered, the entry-level 1.9D and the 2.
0-litre JTD 8-valve Unijet diesel. The former is very much a budget option with the latter equalling or eclipsing it in every important area. If youve got the money, the JTD box is the one to tick but Scudo buyers with one eye on the balance sheet will be presented with something of a selection headache. The 1.
9D puts out a modest 69bhp compared to the 109bhp emanating from the JTD. The lesser engine manages 92lb/ft of torque at 2,500rpm, a figure that the JTD destroys with its 184lb/ft at 1,750rpm. The 1.9-litres top speed is a pedestrian 86mph but youll get 103mph from the JTD.
At first glance theres no contest but at second glance, while the 1.9D may be noisier, dirtier and slower, its also cheaper to the tune of £1,400 and that bottom line may be all that some buyers want to see. Its a case of each to his own but the JTD makes a compelling case for itself. Standard equipment on the Scudo runs to power steering, a height adjustable drivers seat, seatbelt pretensioners and an immobiliser.
ABS and airbags are options on the JTD models that most buyers will want to take up, so consider this when comparing the Scudo to competitors on price. Theres a 3-year Fiat Vanguard dealer warranty, a 3-year paintwork warranty and 8-years of anti-perforation cover with all Scudos - something which is indicative of Fiats confidence in the quality of their product. The Scudo Combi has created a nice little niche for itself as a genuine, flexible workhorse that can turn itself to any number of roles and do them well. It may not be the prettiest available, but then workhorses were never bred for their looks.
Facts At A Glance VAN: Fiat Scudo Combi van range
PRICES: From £13,865 ENGINES: 1.9 diesel/ 2.0-litre JTD Unijet diesel MAXIMUM PAYLOAD: 495kg
