Fiat Scudo (2007 – 2016) Review

The Fiat Scudo is the sister model to Citroen’s Dispatch and the Peugeot Expert, but that doesn’t take away from its versatility in the light van sector. It was launched in 2007 and then improved in 2011 when it was facelifted, so it’s still a sound choice.

It offers plenty of load space and versatility is also good thanks to flexible options. There are combi and chassis platform versions on offer to give customers greater variety with the Scudo. So it’s a shame the cabin isn’t so generous with its passenger space.

Fiat offers a strong range of three MultiJet turbodiesel engines for the Scudo and it comes with a healthy amount of standard equipment included in the price. Most versions have electric windows, but only the top spec gains automatic headlights and wipers as standard.

With competitive pricing and good economy and emissions from its Euro 5-compliant range of diesel engines, the Scudo is worthy of consideration, even if it’s not an outright obvious first choice.

The Fiat Scudo range starts with a 90PS 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel engine that offers a claimed 40.9mpg in the standard short wheelbase model with standard roof. This version also delivers 182g/km CO2 emissions. Neither of these figures is as good as the 130PS 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel, which offers an official 41.4mpg and 179g/km, suggesting the 1.6-litre struggles a little with the size and weight of the Scudo.

So it proves on the road, where the 1.6-litre needs to be worked harder to give a decent account of itself whereas the 2.0-litre with 130PS feels much brawnier and in control. In town, the 1.6 MultiJet and its five-speed manual gearbox are much more at home, where the low-down shove of the engine is fine for nipping away from the lights and out of junctions. However, once you’re on the ring road, the 1.6-litre engine begins to wane, especially if you make use of the Scudo’s payload.

This is where the 2.0-litre diesel comes into its own for a more relaxed driving experience and also where it picks up plus points for economy and refinement. This is an area where the Fiat enjoys a slender advantage over its French relatives as the Scudo manages to block out wind, road and engine noise more effectively at the national speed limit. On long journeys, this makes all the difference between arriving at your destination fresh or frazzled.

The 2.0-litre MultiJet also benefits from a six-speed manual gearbox in place of the five-speed on the smaller engine model. It makes the 2.0-litre engine more relaxed at higher speeds and again aids its economy and emissions.

A third engine option for the Scudo is the 2.0-litre MultiJet but with 163PS form. With noticeably more low and mid-range shove than the 130PS version, it doesn’t come with a drastic penalty for economy or emissions. It offers an official 40.9mpg and 181g/km, so it matches the 1.6-litre diesel's economy while bettering its emissions. That’s impressive stuff for an engine that turns the Scudo into quite a rapid machine. Its six-speed manual has well judged ratios and it’s a great choice for those users who spend more of their time on the motorway than the high street.

Whichever Scudo you choose, they all offer a decent driving experience with a ride that does a sound job of soaking up the lumps and bumps of Britain’s roads. It’s not the most cushy or comfortable in this class, but the Scudo comes with a tight turning circle and decent vision from the cab means the driver can execute manoeuvres with confidence in restricted spaces.

The Scudo is good in corners and lives up to its Italian heritage by feeling stable and agile, with little body lean. It’s also good on more open roads, where crosswinds do not knock it off course.

As befits a van that straddles the divide between the compact and heavy sectors, the Fiat Scudo draws the best from both markets for practicality. It’s relatively compact exterior dimensions mean you won’t be left cursing when it comes to parking, but there’s still a generous amount of load space. It can cope with 5.0 cubic metres of goods in its standard short wheelbase, low roof format, or this can extend up to 7.0 cubic metres with the high roof in the Maxi version.

In standard form, the Scudo has a payload of 1000kg, with the Maxi upping this to 1200kg and both can cope with a Euro pallet without having to squeeze or cajole it into place. With a choice of two wheelbases and two interior lengths, the Scudo can cope with most demands made on it. It can also be ordered with air suspension at the rear to deal with heavy loads and twin sliding side doors are another option to make access even easier and improve versatility.

The twin rear doors open out to 180 degrees to give unhindered access through the rear entrance, while a load sill height of 562mm is decently low and can be further lowered with the air suspension option.

Up front in the cab, the Scudo is equally easy for getting into thanks to the wide-opening door and a seat that is not set too high. It still offers a good view forward over the Fiat’s steeply sloping bonnet, so judging the front of the van for parking is not a challenge.

All of the buttons and controls in the Scudo are familiar Fiat fare, so they are clear and easy to read, and they work with a solid click. The gear lever is mounted high in the centre of the dash, which is great news for the driver as it places it ideally close to the steering wheel, so no leaning down to reach between the seats when changing gear.

However, the surround for the gear lever is positioned so it juts into the space where the third occupant’s knee wants to be. If you opt for a Scudo with the double passenger bench, this is something to be aware of. You will also need to remember the passenger footwell doesn’t offer much in the way of space for large work boots, so passenger comfort is compromised.