Fiat Professional’s versatile Fiorino has received yet more confirmation of its outstanding fleet credentials having recently been awarded the lofty title of City Van of the Year in the 2012 Fleet Van Awards, held at a special winner’s lunch in London today.
The Fleet Van Awards, held in London and, now in their fifth year, are seen as the benchmark awards for the light commercial vehicle industry, with trophies awarded to manufacturers, fleet operators and suppliers.
The van categories compare vehicles across a number of core fleet criteria, including payload, safety, technology, running costs, fuel efficiency/CO2 emissions, reliability, aftersales service and back-up offered by the dealer network. They also include driver appeal in terms of comfort and performance.
The judging panel includes members of the Fleet News/Fleet Van editorial team and an independent team of van experts.
Fiat Professional’s Fiorino beat off strong competition to win this year’s City Van award and the judges were particularly impressed with Fiorino for its latest MultiJet II engines, economy, practicality and the levels of fleet support and back-up through Fiat Professional’s dealer network.
Commenting on Fiorino’s success, the Fleet Van of the Year judging panel remarked: “An excellent dealer network for back-up support and evidence of large fleet corporate wins, plus strong engines, good volume load space and competitive running costs – particularly on reducing downtime and SMR – put the Fiorino out in front. In a three-horse race, investment by Fiat in its market offering puts it ahead by a nose.”
Sebastiano Fedrigo, director, Fiat Professional UK, says: “We are delighted that Fiorino has been recognised by the Fleet Van judges. When Fiorino was first launched it redefined the standards of its segment and it continues to provide customers with a winning combination of practicality, comfort, reliability and economy.
“We are particularly pleased that the Fleet Van judges have recognised Fiat Professional’s programme to increase the size of its specialist LCV dealer network, where extended opening hours combined with dedicated and specialist LCV teams, are providing fleet operators with the levels of service required to meet their needs.”
Popular with businesses and fleets, Fiat Professional’s Fiorino has a generous specification with up to 660 kg payload and 2.5 cubic metres load volume, which may be increased to 2.8 cubic metres in conjunction with the optional, folding passenger seat. Running costs and emissions are kept to an absolute minimum, thanks to Fiat’s latest MultiJet II technology. The 75bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet II diesel has a Combined Cycle fuel consumption figure of 68.9mpg when fitted with the Comfort-matic gearbox.
Economical to run, agile in traffic, easy to park and inexpensive to repair, the Fiat Fiorino occupies a unique position in the small van segment, setting new standards of practicality, refinement and durability in the ultra-compact urban LCV market.
Fiorino Adventure versions meet the needs of customers who have particular traction requirements due to their off-road assignments, such as building sites and rural locations, or who need to negotiate difficult terrain, such as mud and snow. Adventure versions feature Traction+, an electronic differential lock system for improved grip and control when driving in low-grip conditions, but with no impact on fuel economy or maintenance costs.
Adventure versions also come as standard with higher ground clearance suspension, increased payload, M+S specific tyres, under-engine, lower front bumper and side protection, and roof bars.
Euro 5 engines in the Fiorino range include a 95bhp 1.3- litre MultiJet II diesel, a 73bhp 1.4-litre 8v petrol unit and a 75bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet II diesel.
Prices start at £9,775.00 (basic price) for the Fiorino Cargo Base 1.4 8V Petrol 75, rising to £13,625.00 (basic price) for the Fiorino Combi Adventure 5 Seat M1 1.3 MultiJet Diesel 95 Start&Stop.
Fiat Professional’s widely acclaimed Doblò Cargo was highly commended in the Small Van of the Year category at this year’s Fleet Van Awards.
For more information on these vehicle or an other in the Fiat Professional range then contact Northern Commercials today.