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First Drive: Fiat Professional Fiorino Cargo Euro6

Date: Thursday, September 1, 2016   |   Author: James Dallas

The Fiorino Cargo is available in four trim levels in all: Standard, Ecojet, SX and Adventure, the enhanced traction derivative.

Prices, all excluding VAT, step up £400 from base level to Ecojet, another £150 to SX, and then a further £650 to Adventure.

We tested the 95hp 1.3 SX, which costs £13,015, marginally more than the 1.6 TDCi 95 Transit Courier Trend’s £12,645 price tag. Our van came with the Ecopack, including stop/start, as a £200 option, which comes standard on Ecojet versions.

The little load-lugger is at its best when engaged on urban assignments where its diminutive dimensions and tight turning circle boost its manoeuvrability and mean it can access areas larger vans cannot reach.

But for such a small van its loading capacities are impressive, with a payload of 660kg and cargo volume of 2.8m³ .

The load bay is reached via twin doors that open to 180°. The doors feature large, vertical handles that can be activated from either side to ease entry, particularly when arms are full of goods. The SX (and the Adventure) also get a nearside sliding door.

The Fiorino is nimble and agile while weaving in and out of city traffic but feels less at home when you venture out of town, where a lack of seat comfort can become an issue and noise levels get intrusive – although, after all, the model is not meant for long intercity treks. The 95hp engine is nippy and combines well with sharp steering and a slick five-speed manual gearbox to deliver a decent and fun drive.

The cabin is functional, not a little stylish, and all the controls are within easy reach and satisfyingly simple to comprehend. Storage is adequate, including a new compartment in the dashboard. A ladder bulkhead protects occupants from the contents of the cargo box; getting a window put into it costs £80 as an option.

The SX is reasonably well specified, although if you want air-conditioning, which most customers do, you’ll have to fork out an extra £500 for it, but at least it gets electric windows and mirrors, which are a £120 option on Standard and Ecojet models.

The debatable allure of 15-inch alloys costs an extra £400, and metallic paint, which, like aircon, could increase residual value, adds £300 to the asking price.