Fiat Scudo

Fiat has been relatively successful in the Australian market in the past decades. The first thing that comes to mind about this Italian carmaker are small passenger cars like the Fiat 500, but did you know that Fiat also has LCVs in its line-up?

Besides small cars, Fiat also has a commercial program that includes several capable and pretty interesting models, such as the Fiat Scudo. It was available in Australia for more than a decade.

Developed with Peugeot and Citroen, Fiat initially launched the Scudo in the mid-1990s. The first generation wasn't offered Down Under, and it was the second generation that got here between 2008 and 2017. Later, Fiat introduced the newer version of the van, but it wasn't that successful.

The Second Generation of Fiat Scudo (2008-2017)

As mentioned, the original Scudo wasn't available in Australia. The first time we saw this light commercial vehicle in Australia was in 2008, a few years after the launch of the second generation. 

This generation was introduced in 2006 with notable updates compared to the original model. During the decade-long production cycle, we saw a couple of updated versions.

The first update came in 2012 with the introduction of the long wheelbase. A few years later, this version remained the only one on the offer, while the standard versions were discontinued. This generation remained on offer until 2017.

Design

Fiat Scudo is a product of Fiat's cooperation with Peugeot and Citroen. The three automakers founded a company called SEVEL way back in 1978. This company was headquartered in Atessa, Italy and manufactured light commercial vehicles. 

Since then, Fiat and PSA have shared technologies and designed vehicles together, and the Scudo was one of those models.

The second generation significantly departed from the first-generation version. Its styling was completely new, but we also saw some important mechanical changes. 

While the Scudo is an LCV, it comes with an interesting chassis and suspension setup. For example, it features a semi-independent rear end with coil springs and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers, while the front end is equipped with a typical McPherson independent setup. 

On the other hand, brakes are more typical for this segment and include discs at the front and drums at the rear end.

Although available both as a commercial cargo van and a passenger van, the Australian version was primarily offered just as a cargo van. Still, even this model comes with a fairly decent list of standard equipment, including a driver's airbag, ABS, EBD, air conditioning, central lock remote control, 4-speaker stereo, and power steering/windows/mirrors.

Dimensions

This van features typical dimensions for its class, with a 3000-mm wheelbase, 4805-mm overall length, 1942-mm height, and 1895-mm width. The ground clearance goes around 150mm. The kerb weight is 1732 kg, while the turning circle is 12.6 metres.

On the inside, you may count on 5.0 m³ of load capacity/volume, while the max payload is 996 kg.

Fiat Scudo Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 3000mm
• Overall length: 4805mm
• Overall height: 1942mm
• Overall width: 1895mm
• Ground clearance: 150mm
• Kerb weight: 1732kg
• Turning circle: 12.6m
• Rear track: 1574mm
• Front track: 1574mm
• Wheels size: 16 inches
• Tyre Dimensions: 215/60 R16
• Load Space: (L) 2254mm; (W) 1600mm; (between wheel arches) 1245mm; (H) 1449mm; (Volume/Load capacity) 5.0 m³
• Max Payload: 996kg

Fiat Scudo LWB

In 2012, the company introduced a long-wheelbase version with increased capacity. This version features a 122mm longer wheelbase and 330mm more in total length. Also, the Scudo LWB features 2204mm in height, resulting in notably more cargo room. The load space volume goes up to 7m³.

Fiat Scudo LWB Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 3122mm
• Overall length: 5135mm
• Overall height: 2204mm
• Overall width: 1895mm
• Ground clearance unladen: 149mm
• Kerb weight: 1730kg
• Turning circle: 13m
• Rear track: 1596mm
• Front track: 1562mm
• Wheel size: 16 inches
• Tyre Dimensions: 215/60 R16
• Load Space: (L) 2584mm; (W) 1600mm; (between wheel arches) 1245mm; (H) 1750mm; (Volume/Load capacity) 7.0 m³
• Max Payload: 1212kg

Engine

Both standard and long-wheelbase models were offered with just one engine for the Australian market. 

Of course, we are talking about the company’s well-known 2.0-liter MultiJet turbodiesel engine, which features a max output of 88kW and 300 Nm of torque in this configuration. 

With this amount of power and torque, this large van can hit 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds, while the top speed goes around 160 km/h. 

More importantly, the max towing capacity goes up to 1212 kg in the LWB model, while the average fuel economy goes under 7.5 L/100km. The base model features a payload capacity of 996kg.

Fiat Scudo Engine Specs

• Engine capacity: 1997cc
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Forced Ignition: Turbocharger
• Maximum torque: 300Nm
• Maximum power: 88kW
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Acceleration (0-100km/h): 12.8s
• Top Speed: 160km/h
• Fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km (combined)
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L
• Max Payload Capacity: 996kg (base); 1212kg (LWB)

What Are the Most Common Fiat Scudo Problems?

The Fiat Scudo is generally a reliable car and didn’t have a lot of issues. For this reason, Fiat Scudo makes a pretty good deal as a used car, especially if we consider that it is slightly cheaper than most of its rivals. 

There are no recorded major mechanical issues, especially in terms of powertrain. The chassis and suspension may have some problems after 120,000 km, so check these parts when buying a used Fiat Scudo. Again, there are no reports of significant electronics issues.

Which Model Years of the Fiat Scudo Are the Best/Worst?

If you’re wondering which production years are the best and the worst, the 2013 model year seems the most critical due to the poor performance of the front brakes. These models were recalled, so make sure to check the service history.

Another recall was for the 2011 model due to the bad steering column assembly. Finally, the driver's airbag issues have been reported as one of the Fiat Scudo problems for the 2016 model year.

How Much Weight Can a Fiat Scudo Carry?

The standard Fiat Scudo can carry up to 1 ton of load, while the load space capacity 5.0 m³. On the other hand, the long-wheelbase version can carry up to 1212kg, while the load space is 7.0 m³.

Do you need replacement parts for your Fiat Scudo? Register on our website and request the parts you need so that we can assist you in locating parts. 

Now, if you want to sell your old Scudo, you can advertise it on our website and find more interested buyers.

By Nebojsa Grmusa