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By
EWAN KENNEDY
14 April 2008
Fiat has launched the Scudo, a medium-sized van, thus adding a
one-tonne vehicle below the popular Ducato, the latter being the
vehicle that reintroduced the Italian marque to Australia six
years ago.
The Scudo is a close cousin to the Citroen Dispatch, which was
released in Australia only a matter of days before the Fiat. Model
sharing is becoming increasingly common in the light-commercial
field as buyers are hard-nosed types who insist on low purchase
price and running costs above all else. Thus old enemies often
become allies to keep product development costs to a minimum.
Somewhat oddly, where Dispatch is Citroen’s largest commercial
vehicle in Australia, Fiat's Scudo is its smallest.
Though you can pick obvious similarities between the two vans
from the windscreen backwards, the individual stylists in France
and Italy have given their vehicles distinctly different front
ends. Proving that even the aforementioned hard-nosed operators
can be swayed by the looks of vehicles.
Whereas the Fiat Ducato is available in a multitude of variants
and sizes, Fiat in Australia has entered the market cautiously and
at this stage has selected a limited number of Scudo models from
the large range on offer in Europe. Australian imports have opted
for a standard roof and a long wheelbase body that provides a six
cubic metre load space and the ability to carry up to 1200 kg.
There are rear barn doors and twin sliding side doors so the
cargo can be approached form all angles. The Scudo can be further
toughened up by the use of pneumatic self-levelling suspension.
Safety is enhanced by a fixed, full-width steel bulkhead.
Occupants are carried in a single driving seat and a double
front passenger seat, all cloth-covered. You can also specify
second and third row seating to use it as a handy people mover.
Electric front windows and electric door mirrors make life easier
as do central door locking and air conditioning
Given that its primary purpose is as a working vehicle, there
are many storage areas inside the Scudo's cabin, including a
refrigerated glove box, and large drink holders in the door
pockets.
Safety features include twin front airbags and ABS brakes with EBD;
Fiat Scudo is powered by a modern 2.0-litre turbo-diesel
developing 88 kW. It’s mated to a six speed manual gearbox
Fiat Scudo comes to Australia with a recommended retail price
of $36,990, plus on-road costs.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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