14.01.2004 RESTYLED FIAT SCUDO COMBI MAKES ITS PUBLIC DEBUT AT THE BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW

The sole Italian 'official' world premiere in Brussels this week is the restyled Fiat Scudo mid-size panel van, which is receiving its first public appearance at the long running auto show.

The popular Scudo receives its third restyling since the van's inception, the latest facelift coming less than a year and a half since it last received cosmetic treatment.

The new 2004 Scudo has been presented with a completely revised front end. A large rectangular grille, offering shades of the Doblo, dominates the nose. It is joined by bigger headlamps a new bumper, now with round foglights, and a reprofiled bonnet. The makeover is completed by large protective side rubbing strips.

The Fiat Scudo is an 'all forward' mechanical layout panel van, with front wheel drive and the engine transversely mounted at front, making it possible to remove all obstructions from the loading floor. This leaves it free for the load, since the spare wheel housing is located under the floor. It has a strong list of standard specifications, including halogen lights, rear foglight, reversing light, tinted glass, ceiling light in the loading compartment, twin sliding side doors and double hinged rear doors. The rear doors open to 90º and 180º providing easy access to the loading compartment through an opening that is as wide as 1360mm at threshold level, 1060mm at roof level and 1265mm at midspan. The interior dimensions of the loading compartment are a maximum width of 1600mm, width between wheelarches 1220mm, height 1415mm, length 2059mm.

The engine range, one aspirated diesel and two JTD all feature four cylinder construction, high torque at low revs for excellent pick-up, both on level ground and uphill, combined with less frequent gear changing.