The Fiat Fiorino may be a compact van, but it is very versatile and practical. Thanks to its beautifully designed cabin and large cargo area. But is the Fiat Fiorino a good car?
If you’re searching for an efficient, reliable, compact, practical, affordable, and safe minivan, the Fiat Fiorino is an ideal option. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable, quiet, luxurious, advanced, high-performance, and smooth ride, the Fiat Fiorino is not the car for you.
History of Fiat Fiorino
The Fiat Fiorino is a compact leisure activity vehicle made by the Italian car manufacturer Fiat since 1977. The first two generations of the Fiat Fiorino are based on other small Fiat panel van models, such as the Fiat 127 and Fiat Uno. On the contrary, the third generation was developed jointly with PSA Peugeot Citroen and is based on the Fiat Small platform.
Note that the first generation Fiat Fiorino was also referred to as Fiat 127 Fiorino and was based on the Series 2 Fiat 127 with the back being a van box. Over the years, Fiat has used different engines with some of the popular ones being the 903 cc 100 GL.000 OHV I4, 1301 cc 128 OHC I4, 1368 cc FIRE Evo flex fuel I4, 1697 cc 146 B2.000 I4, 1.4-liter PSA TU3 I4, and 1.3-liter Multijet I4.
Features of Fiat Fiorino
Appearance
The first generation and second generation Fiat Fiorino models were not appealing. However, the third generation Fiat Fiorino features an improved design that also stands out from the competition. This car is nearly identical to the Peugeot Bipper and the Citroen Nemo with only the front grilles being identical.
The exterior of the third generation Fiat Fiorina looks spectacular and boasts features like alloy wheels, adjustable headlights, power adjustable exterior rear view mirror, roof rail, and wheel covers. Despite being small, the Fiat Fiorino comes with a roomy interior with sturdy parts. But it also has plastic parts that make it feel flimsy.
The driver’s seat is supportive and comfortable, but the passenger’s seat is quite thin and uncomfortable. Besides, the Fiorino comes with a wheelbase of 107-inches, a length of 172.6-inches, a width of 71.2-inches, and a height of 74.8-inches.
Performance
The Fiat Fiorino is not a high-performance car. Besides, it is only suited for city use or short journeys. However, it performs considerably well and it comes with quick steering, making the ride to be fun. Furthermore, it has a 5-speed manual gearbox that is also light and simple to use
Note that the Fiat Fiorino comes with three trim options, including the Standard, Combi, and Adventure. The best performing and advanced trim is the Adventure, while the Standard trim offers only basic features. Nevertheless, you will also have to pay more for the Fiat Fiorino Adventure.
The base engine, which is the 1.3-liter Multijet turbodiesel engine produces up to 95 hp. Nonetheless, it also comes with a 1.4-liter petrol engine, which is cheaper but not the best performing.
Comfort and cargo space
The Fiat Fiorino is a compact van, but it comes with enough space for passengers and cargo. This car has an option of 2 or 5 seats. Moreover, it has a huge payload compared to most of its rivals. It has 2.5 cubic meters of load volume that can be extended up to 2.8 cubic feet. As a result, the user can carry more items and luggage.
Safety
If safety is a priority, the Fiat Fiorino is a very safe car. It boasts several safety features, including ABS brakes with EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, ESP electronic stability programme, and driver’s airbags.
Fuel efficiency
If you want to save fuel, the Fiat Fiorino is very efficient as it comes with a fuel economy of 40.1 mpg, which is better than most of its rivals.
Price
The Fiat Fiorino is pretty affordable as it has a base price of $17,800, with the highest trim levels going for about $$23,400.
FAQ
Is Fiat Fiorino worth buying?
Yes, Fiat Fiorino is worth buying if you desire an efficient, affordable, reliable, compact, and fun-to-drive car. It also has an excellent payload that allows the user to carry more items and luggage. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a high-performance, luxurious, advanced, and powerful leisure activity vehicle, this car is not worth investing in.
What are the common problems with Fiat Fiorino?
Despite the Fiat Fiorino being a nice and small leisure activity vehicle, it also comes with various issues. Some of the common problems that users should be ready to face are gearbox problems, ignition issues, starting problems, electrical issues, rust, suspension problems, unintended airbag deployment, DPF issues, and reduced braking efficiency.
How fast is the Fiat Fiorino?
The Fiat Fiorino may not be the fastest car in its class, but it is considerably fast. It comes with a top speed of 104 mph and I can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 14.6 seconds. It is vital to know that this car comes with various engine options. So, if you want a faster and more high-performance engine, you may end up paying more.
Is Fiat Fiorino a good daily driver?
Yes, the Fiat Fiorino is an excellent daily driver. Furthermore, it is a perfect car for city driving due to is compact design. This car is a good daily driver as it is easy to park and maneuver in traffic. It is also fuel-efficient, meaning less money will be spent on fuel. On top of that, it is very practical.
What is the high mileage for Fiat Fiorino?
Fiat Fiorino is among the most reliable compact vans on the market. This van has been in production from 1977 to date. As a result, it has a variety of engines with different durability levels. Nonetheless, most of these engines develop serious problems after they hit 150k miles. But if well-maintained, the Fiat Fiorino can still operate properly even after hitting 200k miles.
So, the high mileage for Fiat Fiorino is between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
Summary
Fiat Fiorino is a wonderful small van for carrying goods and passengers. Even though it is compact, it offers decent space and it is practical. Additionally, it is fuel-efficient, reliable, and fun to drive. Nonetheless, this car also comes with various problems that can be avoided with proper care and maintenance.
Overall, it is an exceptional leisure activity vehicle with a huge payload. It is also spacious and ideal for city driving.