Fiat Scudo (96-06) - Review

First launch in 1996, the Fiat Scudo offers only one body, although two engines are available – a 1.9-litre naturally-aspirated diesel and a 2.0-litre JTD turbo. The Scudo was facelifted in 2004. Such are the vagaries of the used van market that buyers can pick up a used Scudo for less than the equivalent Peugeot Expert. Blame badge snobbery pure and simple – some buyers see Peugeot as a more upmarket brand than Fiat. The Scudo is based on the old Fiat Ulysse MPV body, so can truly be called a car-like van. Despite the fact that the Ulysse has been completely revamped, the Scudo continues on the old underpinnings. The Scudo is built at the Sevel plant in Italy and rolls off the same production line as the Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert. Although the three vans are essentially the same, there are minor specification differences between them.

Although the Scudo offers seating for three, a rather intrusive dash, together with the gear lever, rather restrict space for the middle passenger. However, for the driver, the seat is superbly comfortable. The 2004 upgrade found even more improvements to the seat, with extra leg and back support. The middle seat folds down to reveal a handy desk complete with mobile phone slot and two coffee cup holders. The facelift also saw the old standard radio/cassette player replaced by a radio/single slot CD player. The newer model was also treated to a different steering wheel and an extra layer of PVC under the floor and wheelarches, lowering cab noise at 60mph by four decibels, which may not sound a great deal but does in fact make a difference. Outside, the Scudo features rubbing strips on both sides, which will help protect it from annoying knocks and scrapes.

The 2.0-litre unit pumps out a lively 109bhp at 4,000rpm and 250lb-ft of torque at 1,750rpm, buzzing this van along at quite a lick, even when loaded. However, it is a very different story for the 1.9-litre, which struggles in un-turboed format with a rather paltry 69bhp at 4,600rpm and 125lb-ft of torque at 2,500rpm. The Scudo was one of the first commercial vehicles to feature a dash-mounted gearchange and it is still one of the slickest on the market – changes can be made with one finger. Along with nicely-weighted power steering and ride and handling that belie its age, the Scudo won’t disappoint with its road manners.