The Fiat Scudo is a light commercial vehicle that offers a range of features and benefits for different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a cargo van, a passenger van, a multicab, or a chassis cab, the Scudo has a solution for you. And with the option of choosing between a diesel engine or an electric drive, you can also optimize your fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
In this article, we will review the main characteristics and advantages of the Fiat Scudo and compare the performance and specifications of the diesel and electric versions. We will also look at the prices and availability of the Scudo in different markets and how it stacks up against the competition.
Fiat Scudo: A Brief History
The Fiat Scudo van was first introduced in 1996 as a joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën. It was based on the same platform as the Citroen Jumpy and the Peugeot Expert and shared many components and features with them. The Scudo was designed to fill the gap between the smaller Fiat Doblo and the larger Fiat Ducato and to compete with other mid-sized vans such as the Ford Transit, the Renault Trafic, and the Volkswagen Transporter.
The first generation of the Scudo lasted until 2006 when it was replaced by the second generation, which was also developed in collaboration with PSA. The second generation Scudo was larger and more spacious than the previous one and offered more engine options and equipment levels. It also received a facelift in 2012, which updated the front grille, headlights, and bumpers.
The third and current generation of the Scudo was launched in 2016 and marked a significant change in the partnership between Fiat and PSA. The Scudo was now based on a different platform than the Jumpy and the Expert, which were moved to a new platform shared with the Toyota Proace. The Scudo, on the other hand, was built on the EMP2 platform, which was also used by the Citroën C4 Picasso, the Peugeot 308, and the Opel Zafira. The Scudo also adopted a new design language, which aligned it more with the Fiat Professional family of commercial vehicles.
The most notable innovation of the third-generation Scudo was the introduction of the electric version, called the Fiat E-Scudo, in 2021. The E-Scudo was the second electric vehicle from Fiat Professional, after the E-Ducato, and aimed to offer a zero-emission alternative for urban and suburban mobility. The E-Scudo was powered by a 100 kW electric motor and a choice of 50 or 75 kWh batteries, which provided a range of up to 330 km (205 miles) on a single charge.
Fiat Scudo: Main Features and Benefits
The Fiat Scudo is a versatile and efficient van that can adapt to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the main features and benefits of the Scudo:
- Compact dimensions: The Scudo has a length of 4.60 m (15.1 ft) for the short wheelbase version, 5.00 m (16.4 ft) for the medium wheelbase version, and 5.30 m (17.4 ft) for the long wheelbase version. The height of all versions is 1.90 m (6.2 ft), which allows the Scudo to enter most underground garages and storage rooms. The width of the Scudo is 1.92 m (6.3 ft), which makes it easy to maneuver in narrow streets and parking spaces.
- Large load capacity: Despite the compactness of the vehicle’s exterior, the Scudo offers a generous load volume and payload. The load volume ranges from 4.6 m3 (162.4 ft3) for the short wheelbase version to 5.3 m3 (187.1 ft3) for the medium wheelbase version, to 6.1 m3 (215.4 ft3) for the long wheelbase version. The payload is up to 1.2 t (2,645 lb) for the diesel version and up to 1 t (2,205 lb) for the electric version. The Scudo can also tow up to 1 t (2,205 lb) of braked trailer.
- Modular interior: The Scudo features a modular interior that can be customized according to the user’s needs. The Scudo can be configured as a cargo van, a passenger van, a multicab, or a chassis cab. The cargo van can accommodate up to three people in the front and has a sliding side door and a rear door that can be opened up to 180 degrees. The passenger van can seat up to nine people in three rows and has a sliding side door on each side and a tailgate at the rear. The multicab can seat up to six people in two rows and has a separate cargo area behind the second row. The chassis cab can be fitted with various types of bodies and equipment, such as a tipper, a dropside, a box, or a refrigerated unit.
- Comfortable driving: The Scudo offers a comfortable driving experience that is similar to a car. The Scudo has a high driving position that provides good visibility and ergonomics. The Scudo also has a spacious and well-equipped cabin, with air conditioning, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a blind spot monitor. The Scudo also has a low noise level and a smooth ride quality, thanks to the suspension, the sound insulation, and the electric power steering.
- Magic Cargo system: The Scudo has a unique feature called the Magic Cargo system, which allows the user to optimize the load space and options. The Magic Cargo system consists of a folding passenger seat and a flap in the bulkhead, which can be used to extend the load length and the load volume. With the Magic Cargo system, the Scudo can load objects up to 4 m (13.1 ft) long in the long wheelbase version and up to 3.25 m (10.7 ft) long in the short wheelbase version. The Magic Cargo system also creates a flat load floor, which facilitates the loading and unloading of goods.
