REVISED SCUDO VAN RANGE IN UK

A revised Fiat Scudo van range went on sale in the UK on Saturday 14 February, featuring new exterior styling, an interior redesign, improved soundproofing and a choice of three, powerful and economical diesel engines. These enhancements are accompanied by improved standard specifications and comprehensive safety equipment.

Priced from £11,200 to £13,785 + VAT, the rationalised and restructured Scudo range represents outstanding value for money and now features 5 models; 1.9D 69 bhp,
815 kg payload Van; 2.0 JTD 8-valve 109 bhp, 900 kg payload Van SX; 1.9D
69 bhp, 815 kg payload Window Van SX; 2.0 JTD 16-valve 109 bhp, 5/6 seat Combi SX; and 2.0 JTD 8-valve 109 bhp, 900 kg payload Platform Cab SX.

JTD common rail engines have a similar electronically controlled injection system to a petrol engine, increasing responsiveness and power, whilst reducing fuel consumption, vibration, noise and emissions. Improved servicing intervals for JTD engines are now at 18,000 miles.

The sophisticated, 2.0 litre JTD unit available in the new 2004 Fiat Scudo generates 109 bhp at 4000 rpm, and impressive torque figures of 184 lb.ft at just 1750 rpm for the 8-valve engine, increasing to 199 lb.ft at 1750 rpm in the case of the 16-valve unit.

The proven, naturally aspirated 69 bhp diesel unit continues to be available in both Van and Window Van Scudo models. All three engine variants are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 2004 Fiat Scudo's exterior styling features revisions to every body panel. In front, augmented by new, clear glass headlight clusters with integral turn signals, a new bonnet, grille, front bumper and wings create a smoothly flowing bonnet/windscreen line which offers a clean-cut, elegant style extending smoothly to the rear in a form that eliminates all sharp corners, and helps achieve an aerodynamically efficient Cd of just 0.35.

New, side panel and rear door protection strips, featured across the range, increase panel solidity and protect exterior body parts from low speed impacts in town traffic and during parking manoeuvres.

In order to optimise the new Fiat Scudo's ability to carry a payload of up to 900 kg and up to 4 cubic metres of effective volume, access is outstanding. The cab doors open to three different angles, two intermediate for parking as well as 90 degrees when fully open. And, in addition to two, side hinged, 90 and 180 degree opening doors at the rear, the full height, 1290 mm sliding side door apertures on each side of the loadspace are unusually wide at 855 mm. For easy loading, side ground clearance has been set at just 490 mm.

With its four anchorage points, Scudo van has undergone stringent load-safety tests. The roof-rack anchorage points are designed to support a load of up to 150 kg.

The 2004 Fiat Scudo's cabin has been extensively redesigned with specific attention to the quality of life on board. Through extensive sound proofing, outstanding improvements in the reduction of noise and vibration have been achieved; the noise level within the new Scudo is 4 dBA lower at 62 mph than in the previous model.

In conjunction with a revised range of interior trim colours and designs, and a new, padded, 380 mm diameter 4-spoke steering wheel which can be fitted with radio and CD player controls, the cabin seats feature new design, padding and structure, plus new floor fastenings.

Improved lateral containment and overall driving comfort has been achieved by lengthening both the cushion and seat back. The height adjustment to the driver's seat has been increased by 8 mm to a range of 45 mm, and longitudinal seat travel has been increased by 50 mm to 220 mm.

This increased flexibility, in conjunction with a gear lever set in a practical, easy-to-use position on the soft touch fascia, ensures an ideal driving position for drivers of every possible size and shape.

A factory-built adaptation of the panel van, the UK Fiat Combi can seat either five or six people and carry a load at the rear of up to 560 kg, together with six people. Maximum load volume is 1.93 cubic metres. A dual passenger seat at the front and a fold down 3-seat bench, all with seat belts and head restraints, are fitted in the standard 6-seat version. The 5-seater has a single adjustable seat alongside the driver, and is available to special order.

A stereo radio / CD player and a dual passenger seat now join tinted glass, power assisted steering, a height adjustable driver's seat, seatbelt pretensioners, energy absorbent steering column and coded engine immobiliser among the standard features of all Scudos.

Options on JTD versions of both Scudo Combi and Van models include ABS anti-lock braking, driver only or driver and passenger airbags to special order, cruise control, an independent auxiliary heater, headlamp washers, electric windows (Van), heated door mirrors and rear windows. A removable steel bulkhead is available on Van versions.

Designed at the outset with safety as a predominant theme, the latest Fiat Scudo further improves on the previous model's impressive credentials with an uprated braking system, optional side airbags (special order) and 3-point seatbelts on all seats.

The front brake system has been upgraded through the addition of 285 mm diameter and 26 mm thick ventilated discs, and the same type of callipers as fitted to the new Fiat Ulysse, improving brake pedal feel and significantly reducing stopping distances.

Its level of active safety features means that the new Fiat Scudo can handle any route in a predictable fashion regardless of payload. Optimum roadholding and performance are ensured by the use of a mixed braking system incorporating a servo and a brake power modulator on the rear axle. The result is a level of safety, particularly when complemented by ABS anti-lock braking, that can only be compared with that of a contemporary saloon.

Driver and passenger are enclosed in a rigid safety cage which incorporates Fiat's patented Fire Prevention System. This involves the use of flame-retardant materials and an inertia switch which cuts off the fuel flow to the engine in the event of an impact.

The fuel tank is set in a protected position between the longitudinals at the front. Of 80 litre capacity, it is designed to carry Scudo over 700 miles on one tank of fuel.

While offering the comfort of a car, the new Fiat Scudo's suspension is designed to carry heavy loads. The front suspension comprises an independent MacPherson strut layout with reinforced lower wishbones, making for optimum road grip at high speeds on even the most uneven surfaces. It also minimises the transmission of vibration, while producing superior driveability, optimum comfort and reduced tyre wear.

The rear suspension is a torsion axle type with longitudinal trailing arms, a transverse reaction beam, large coil springs and telescopic dampers, ensuring good road holding and ride comfort whatever the payload or road surface.

Designed for easy maintenance and repair - the front wings, for example, are bolted on - the latest Fiat Scudo's bodyshell is made almost entirely of galvanised steel which is given an unusually thick (25 micron) cataphoretic coating in the paint shop. This is only the beginning of an extensive corrosion-proofing process which includes a 50 micron thick coating of polyurethane to parts most exposed to damage from gravel, and a 500 micron thick coating of PVC under the body and wheel arches. Finally, the body is given two coats of paint and finished off with varnish.

In line with all other Fiat vehicles, new Scudo comes to the market with an 8-year anti-perforation and 3-year paintwork warranty. Additionally, all Scudos are covered by the Fiat Vanguard dealer warranty scheme which, as well as covering an extensive range of engine, gearbox, steering, differential and electrical components, has now been upgraded to include Fiat AA Assurance over the entire three year period.

The new Fiat Scudo also comes to the UK market with the optional offer of Fiat's new Top Van Care extended warranty comprising 5 year component cover, a 5 year paintwork warranty, a 100,000 mileage limit and 5 years of Fiat AA Assurance cover at an extra cost for complete peace of mind motoring.

2004 Fiat Scudo model range and pricing:

Brief Technical Specifications:

1.9D

2.0 JTD 109 bhp 8v

2.0 JTD 109 bhp 16v

ends...

For further information please contact:

PETER NEWTON Public Relations Director

or

Puneet Joshi Press Officer

Fiat Auto (UK) Limited

Tel: 01753 511431

Fax: 01753 516871

E-mail addresses: peter.newton@fiat.com/puneet.joshi@fiat.com

This press release and photograph are also available on www.newspress.co.uk

Further information can also be obtained on www.fiatautopress.com

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