Class-topping safety
 

Driving safely: this is very basically the concept followed by the engineers throughout the development of the New Scudo. The goal was to guarantee the highest level of preventive, active and passive safety for occupants. The steps taken represent a generation leap compared to the previous model, borne out by the many sophisticated latest generation electronic devices present.

Braking system and ABS

The braking system is particularly effective and guarantees prompt, smooth braking, as well as shorter stopping distances. Throughout the range, ventilated 304 x 28 mm discs are fitted on the front wheels, and 290 x 14 mm discs on the rear (except for the 1000 kg short wheelbase van with the 90 Multijet engine and 15” wheels, which fits 280 x 28 mm front discs and 10” rear drums). In addition to its excellent braking system, the new Scudo also features ABS anti-brake locking complete with EBD which distributes the braking effort over the four wheels so as to prevent them from locking, and to guarantee total control of the vehicle at all times. The system also adapts to the grip conditions of the wheels and the efficiency of the brake pads, preventing the latter from overheating. The HBA system (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) is also standard equipment, providing electrohydraulic braking assistance that automatically increases the pressure of the braking circuit during panic braking.

E.S.P. (Electronic Stability Program)

ESP can be optional or standard equipment depending on the market; it is an active safety system that intervenes in emergency situations to control the dynamic manoeuvres of the vehicle. The device constantly verifies longitudinal and lateral tyre grip on the ground, and intervenes if the car skids, to recover the trajectory and trim stability. It uses sensors to measure the rotation of the vehicle around its vertical axis (yaw speed), lateral acceleration and the steering angle set by the driver. It then compares these data with the parameters processed by a computer and uses a complex mathematical model to establish whether the vehicle is cornering within grip limits, or whether the front or rear is about to slip sideways (understeer or oversteer). To bring it back to the correct trajectory, it therefore generates a yaw moment contrary to the one causing the instability, braking the individual wheel involved (inside or outside), and acting on the engine to reduce power.

ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) is an integral part of the ESP system; it optimises traction at all speeds using the brakes and engine control. Based on the number of wheel revs measured by the ABS sensors, the device calculates the degree of slippage and recovers grip by activating two different control systems. When an excessive demand for power causes both drive wheels to slip (for example in the case of aquaplaning, or when the driver accelerates on an uneven, slow-covered or icy road surface), it reduces engine torque by adjusting the engine control unit.
 

If, on the other hand, only one wheel slips (for example the wheel inside the bend following acceleration or dynamic changes to the load), this is automatically braked without the driver having to touch the brake pedal. This produces an effect similar to that of a self-locking differential. This gets the new Scudo out of any trouble on road surfaces with poor grip.

The most sophisticated devices for complete protection
 
The New Scudo fits the most sophisticated devices and technical solutions to protect the driver and passengers. To start with, the chassis and bodyshell were designed on the basis of their ability to effectively absorb bumps safely. The result is a rigid structure in the passenger compartment (to protect occupants from damage caused by intrusions into the car), with crumple zones in the areas outside the passenger compartment. Merit also goes to the adoption of a number of new structural reinforcements, for example on the line of the sill and the connection between the bodyshell and the front crossbeam.

The New Scudo features numerous passive safety devices. In addition to a driver’s airbag, Fiat’s new light commercial vehicle also fits a full-size 100 litre airbag (which can be de-activated) for the front passenger (it protects both passengers when a two-seater bench is fitted in the cab) and sidebags (to protect the chest) and curtain-bags can also be fitted on request. All these airbags are managed by a sophisticated electronic control unit which uses the various sensors on the vehicle to decide which and how many protective devices need to be triggered in the event of an accident.

All the seats are fitted with seat-belts, with three-point height-adjustable belts complete with pyrotechnical pretensioners and load limiters at the front. Depending on the version from the range, the New Scudo is also available with Isofix three-point attachments to transport child seats safely. The Van version can also be fitted with a ladder to protect the driver from a shifting load, or else with a panelled or glazed partition, as standard or optional equipment depending on the market. In the event of an impact, on all versions of the New Scudo the activation of one of the pyrotechnic devices interrupts the fuel supply (FPS), activates the hazard lights and automatically releases the doors.

Finally, the most interesting features available on the New Scudo include the antitheft protection devices. Starting from the deadlocks, an advanced safety system that isolates the inside door handles and all the levers connected to the lock. This is an important step forward to protect the vehicle from theft: the deadlock can withstand any tool used by thieves to force the door or the internal mechanisms. The device, which is standard on all right-hand drive versions (optional on those with left-hand drive), must be activated voluntarily (so that no one is locked inside the car). It takes two presses on the remote control to activate the deadlock.

The New Scudo is also available with an alarm system that incorporates a double level of protection: for the vehicle’s external perimeter, thanks to sensors positioned on the mobile parts (doors, bonnet and loading bay tailgate) and on the electrical system, and for the interior, with ultrasound sensors that measure movement inside the passenger compartment (in the case of vehicles fitted with a partition separating the loading bay, the sensors do not cover the rear part of the vehicle).