Fiat Scudo 2.0 Tecnico Plus

has been for owner drivers/ tradesmen to specify a higher trim level or specification to the base van, investing in additional equipment and technology to make journeys more pleasurable. It is often the case that the van is the second vehicle at home.

The Scudo tested here is the long-wheel base L3 versions with its 2.0-litre, 145hp Euro 6 diesel linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox and trimmed to the Technicolor Plus level.

Immediately notable upon sitting in is the leather steering wheel with its remote controls and the 7” audio/ navigation touch screen with Bluetooth connectivity alongside. The load area was also well finished, nicely coated with 9mm anti-slip wood floor fixed with aluminium rods and also coated 6mm wood flanks and neat wheel arch covering.

Regarding its exterior styling, the Centro Stile design house in Turin has turned out an eye pleasing and distinctive front end with the new Fiat logo dominating the grille. Other than the brand badging at the rear end, the body shell and underpinnings are the same as the Scudo’s siblings.

camera footage, which appears on the touchscreen. But sometimes this system can be less functional due to adverse weather, or when reversing into dark spaces.

Apple Car Play and Android Auto enhance the infotainment experience with mapping, music/audio and other functionalities, The Moduwork dual passenger seat with its fold-down top section that provides a work bench area is also a very handy and practical addition.

Although launched originally almost 7 years ago, the Stellantis mid sized van has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. Overall the Scudo version is a tidy package, and with a 5-year warranty is a good choice of van worth serious consideration.

latest generation Vivaro. Subsequently, the electric variants were honoured with the IVOTY 2021 award. And now, following the coming together of PSA and FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), to form Stellantis, the Scudo name has been revived, and the mid-sized panel van is being marketed by Fiat Professional.

Over the years the various brand versions of this van have sold well, with customers liking what they see, enjoying the driveability and practicality. Its compact shape belies its considerable carrying capacity, while its powertrain is second to none, not to mention the high levels of driver comfort and safety equipment fitted.

An ongoing trend in recent years with good load volume and load length (enhanced by the Moduwork feature that provides usable space under passenger seats under the bulkhead), the general package gets the thumbs up all-round except for observation - the exterior mirrors are too small, in shape and size.

That goes for the drivetrain too. The group’s 2.0-litre diesel delivers the power efficiently - and economically too as from the long north-south, cross-country run realised 6.7 L/100km overall, (bearing in mind that the van was unloaded both ways), an excellent figure for a mid-sized van.

Ok, they are heated and can fold away, but they do not cover blind spots adequately, particularly on the off/ kerb side. when reversing, it’s not so much an issue, thanks to rear facing

Mak E/Mo DE l: F I at Scu D o l3 lEVE l 2 tE c NI co p lu S

Engine: 2.0-litre Euro 6 diesel

Power: 144hp@3750 rpm

Torque: 340 Nm@2000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual kerb weight: 1692 kg

GV w: 3100 kg

Towing capacity: 2.5 tonnes

Fuel economy wLTP: 6.6 - 7.2 L/100km

Fuel tank: 69 litres dIMENSIONS:

Load length; 2862/4024mm (Moduwork)

Load height;1397mm

Load width; 1628/1258mm (wheel arches)

Overall length: 5308mm

Overall width: 2204mm

Overall height: 1895mm price: from €30,122 incl vat

The new Ford E-Transit is arguably the most important new vehicle Ford Motor Company has launched in quite some time. Which might seem quite a big assertion - especially when one considers that on the surface at least, this electric version looks pretty much identical to the tens of thousands of current generation Ford Transits already on our roads.

But delve beneath the familiar looks and this van represents the start of the future of Ford Pro, the increasingly important commercial vehicle arm of the automotive giant, as it commences its journey to full electrification.

The E-Transit enters a large van electric market still in its infancy, but one that has struggled to make much of an impact to date, with offerings thus far coming with poor driving ranges and disappointing payload capabilities. Ford hopes its first all-electric commercial offering will change all that.