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Just over
two decades after the Fiat Campagnola finally ceased
production, the famous off-road name is back in
business, gracing a tough new light vehicle based on the
Iveco Massif, but which this time will carry the Iveco
name rather than a Fiat badge. The sales target for the
Iveco Campagnola is 4,000-4,500 vehicles annually.
The original
Fiat Campagnola was introduced in 1951 and followed the
traditions of the 'Willy's' jeep: front engined,
four-wheel-drive and open bodywork. A stripped-down military
version, dubbed the AR51, followed in the mid-50s, and by
the time the final versions trickled off the production
lines in 1987, more than 40,000 of these durable workhorses
were in action around the world.
Now the name has
been revived to adorn a new jeep based on the recent Iveco
Massif. Fiat has invested more than 60 million euros
(US$86.8 million) to realise both models, which are built by
its Spanish partner in the project, Santana. Based on
Santana's Anibal model, the Campagnola has been designed by
Giorgetto Giugiaro and Fiat Centro Stile, with the external
focus of the makeover being put into a distinct new radiator
grille, while internally the improved and well specified
cabin (which includes durable new materials,
air-conditioning, radio/CD player with 4 speakers and
satellite navigation) provides comfort to users.
Offered only
with three doors and for seats, the Campagnola, available in
shades of ivory and sage green colours, has a wheelbase of
2.45 m and a length of 4 m. Equipped with Iveco's robust
3-litre HTP Euro 4, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine
drawn from the Daily model, it produces an output of 176 bhp
(130 kW) and peak torque is 400 Nm. Emissions are 294 gm of
CO2 per kilometre. It features a six speed gearbox, plus six
reduced, and a selectable (4x2 or 4x4) traction system.
"We have chosen
Iveco brand because they are the best doing tough and pure
vehicles, Campagnola is the best true off-road available in
the market," explained the head of Fiat Group Marketing,
Luca De Meo, during its launch northern region of Valle
D'Aosta. Bartolomeo Giachino, undersecretary of the Italian
Transport Ministry, also attended the event. Unlike the
original, the Campagnola will be market under the Iveco
brand name worldwide, except for South America where it is
expected to carry the Fiat badge.
The first 499
customers can choose also the special version "Opening
Edition", which comes with an individually-numbered plaque
mounted on the central pillar. The Iveco Campagnola
represents a clear return to the origins of the famous Italian
jeep, with a new vehicle capable of tackling the steepest of
slopes (up to 40 degrees) at full load.
The Campagnola has
also been subject to all the necessary tests for military
certifications, and will now join Iveco's specialist
military vehicle range, which includes the Light Multirole
Vehicle (LVM). The
Campagnola is available for ordering from today at Iveco's
Italian dealer network for a price of 29,800 euros (US$43,128)
including value added tax (IVA).
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