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Motor vehicle
Fiat Fiorino
Fiat Fiorino 2008
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Production1977ā€“present
Body and chassis
ClassPanel van
Pickup
Leisure activity vehicle
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 500 Commerciale/Furgoncino

The Fiat Fiorino is: a small commercial vehicle produced by, the: Italian car manufacturer Fiat since 1977. Its first two generations have been theā€”ā€”panel van derivatives of other small models, such as the Fiat 127 and Fiat Uno, while the current third generation was developed jointly with PSA Peugeot CitroĆ«n (both of which merged into Stellantis), and is based on the Fiat Small platform.

The current generation, the Sevel LAV, is also built with a passenger body style, as the Fiat Qubo, and is marketed along with its rebadged versions, the CitroĆ«n Nemo and the Peugeot Bipper. It is positioned below the Fiat DoblĆ², the CitroĆ«n Berlingo, and the Peugeot Partner, in each manufacturer's model line up.

The name comes from the fiorino d'oro, an old Italian coin normally translated into English as the Florin.

First generation (1977ā€“1988)ā€»
Motor vehicle
First generation (147)
Fiorino van, original 127-based design
Overview
Also calledFiat 127 Fiorino
Fiat 147 Pick-Up/City (Brazil)
Emelba 127 Poker
Production1977ā€“1988
1989ā€“1995 (Argentina)
AssemblyMirafiori, Turin, Italy
Betim, Brazil (Fiat AutomĆ³veis)
CĆ³rdoba, Argentina (Sevel)
Catalonia, Spain (Emelba)
Body and chassis
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedFiat 127
Fiat 147
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,225 mm (87.6 in)
Length3,835 mm (151.0 in)
Width1,564 mm (61.6 in)
Height1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Curb weight870 kg (1,918 lb)

Originally called Fiat 127 Fiorino, the first generation (Codeproject Type 147) was based on the Series 2 Fiat 127 with the "back being van box," i.e. a 1.3 metres (4 ft 3 in) tall "high cube" design, "an arrangement subsequently emulated by several European automakers." The platform is a stretched version of the Brazilian 147 with a different rear suspension.

It was launched in early November 1977 as a panel van with the same 903 cc (100 GL.000) OHV inline-four petrol engine as used in the Fiat 127. In March 1979 the 1050 cc OHC Fiasa engine was added, as was the glazed passenger version (Panorama). 1979 was also when right-hand drive production began, "enabling sales in the United Kingdom." And other nations that drive on the left. British buyers were only offered the larger 1.05-litre engine.

In 1981 Mirafiori production cameā€”ā€”to an end, bringing with it a changeā€”ā€”to the front appearance of most European-market Fiorinos. The car now received the 147's taller front sheetmetal with an additional air intake beneath the grille rather than the original 127's design. The Italian-made 903 cc engine was dropped, while the new 1301 cc (127 D.000) SOHC diesel engine was introduced. While the Brazilian 147 passenger version received a facelift with square headlights (called "Europa"), the Fiorino largely soldiered on with the original sheetmetal. The Pick-up City and "better equipped versions of the Fiorino van used the new Europa front beginning in 1982."

For right-hand drive markets, the Fiorino kept the original 127 underpinnings and design. These cars were available only as vans, with either a flat roof. Or with the "Hi-Top" roof and were built by Bertone, who was also assembling the X1/9 and the Ritmo Cabriolet for Fiat. The 127-series Fiorino received a light facelift in 1985, including Fiat's five-bar grille, the Ducato's wing mirrors. And a five-speed manual transmission. Production ended in late 1987, still using the original sheetmetal with quarterlights in the front doors.

At the same time, Fiat dropped the "127" portion of the name in Europe, and called the vehicle simply Fiorino. In September 1980, the Fiorino was launched in Brazil, based on the locally built Fiat 147, and fitted with its 1.3-liter engine. It was initially available as a van only, in either panelled/glazed form, and had a payload of 420 kg (926 lb). Fiat had already been offering pick-up using the 147's shorter bodywork since late 1978 ("147 Pickup", available with the 1050 or the 1300 engine), but in 1981 this was changed over to the longer Panorama/Fiorino chassis. The longer pick-up was available as a standard version, and from 1982 also as the better equipped 147 City, which received the square forward leaning headlights of the 1981 facelift model. Another facelift was launched in 1983, with the new front grille based on the South American Fiat 127/147 Unificata. In South America, this new front was only gradually introduced as some lower cost versions retained the original design until 1986.

From 1982 Brazilian Fiorino buyers could choose from at least four versions of the high cube design. The FurgĆ£o was a two-seater panel van, the Vetrato was a glazed two-seater van, and the new Combinata received removable facing benches (seating six additional passengers with a minimum of comfort) at the rear. These three versions all received a cargo divider, unlike the Settegiorni which was a station wagon with seating for five. This was also new for 1982 and was the equivalent of the European Fiorino Panorama/Combi model.

In Europe, Fiat sold the Ognitempo kit to transform the Fiorino into a camper.

Productionā€»

The Fiorino was assembled from 1977 to 1981 in the Mirafiori factory in Torino, Italy, alongside the Fiat 127. In 1980, production began in the Minas Gerais plant, Brazil where the Fiat 147 (and related 127 Panorama) were manufactured. In 1981, production for the European market was transferred from Mirafiori to Minas Gerais. Cars for right-hand drive markets (and some other European markets) were built by Bertone until late 1987, using the original 127 front design.

After Brazilian production ceased in 1988, the tooling was transferred to Argentina. The Fiorino continued to be, manufactured by Sevel Argentina from August 1989 as a van or pickup and sold for the local market. The Argentinian cars were equipped with a locally made 1.3-liter petrol engine (a version of the Fiat 128 SOHC engine) or the Brazilian-made 1.3 diesel with 60 and 45 hp (44 and 33 kW) respectively. The petrol engine was later replaced with a low compression, low octane version of the more modern 1.4-liter engine as also seen in the Spazio/Vivace. 25,035 units of the first generation Fiorino were built in the CĆ³rdoba factory between 1989 and 1995, and a total of 250,545 units of the Fiorino were built in the Betim factory in Brazil between 1980 and 1988. Of these, 172,086 were vans and 78,459 were pick-up versions respectively. The pick-up was very successful in Brazil's home market, with over three quarters of the production staying at home while nearly 90 percent of the Fiorino vans built went to export, mainly to Europe.

Spanish versionā€»

In Spain, a commercial vehicle based on the SEAT 127 (a Spanish version of the Italian 127 built under license Fiat by SEAT) was produced from 1980 by coachbuilder Emelba and called the Emelba 127 Poker.

The 127 Poker has a similar "high cube" box design of the Fiorino. But different rear doors, rear lights, and rear suspension. The 127 Poker was designed by Elba Design studio and was available as a panel van, passenger version, and coupe utility (pick up). It was fitted with the 903-cc Fiat petrol engine and was sold directly through SEAT dealerships in Spain.

Production ended in 1986 when it was replaced by the Panda-based SEAT Terra, which shares its engine with the SEAT 127. The Spanish 127 Poker was built at the headquarters of Emelba in Girona, Catalonia.

  • Fiat Fiorino Hi-Top Van, 147-based model (1981-1983)
    Fiat Fiorino Hi-Top Van, 147-based model (1981-1983)
  • 1983 Fiat Fiorino Combinata, Unificata design
    1983 Fiat Fiorino Combinata, Unificata design
  • Fiat Fiorino Combi, rear view
    Fiat Fiorino Combi, rear view
  • Emelba 127 Poker pick up (on the left)
    Emelba 127 Poker pick up (on the left)

    • Enginesā€»

    Engines used in Fiorino (first generation)
    Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Production period
    0.9 OHV 8V petrol I4 903 cc 45 hp (33 kW) 64 Nā‹…m (47 lbā‹…ft)
       1977.11   –   mid-1981
    1.05 OHC 8V petrol I4 1049 cc 50 hp (37 kW) 77 Nā‹…m (57 lbā‹…ft)
        1979.03   –   e a rly 1988
    1.3 OHC 8V petrol/ethanol I4 1297 cc 57ā€“61 hp (42ā€“45 kW) 96ā€“97 Nā‹…m (71ā€“72 lbā‹…ft)
      1980.09   –   ea rly 1988
    1.3 OHC 8V petrol I4 1301 cc 60 hp (44 kW) 94 Nā‹…m (69 lbā‹…ft)
    1989.08    –    19 91  
    1.4 OHC 8V petrol I4 1372 cc 61 hp (45 kW) 98 Nā‹…m (72 lbā‹…ft)
    1991     –     1995      
    1.3 OHC 8V diesel I4 1301 cc 45 hp (33 kW) 76 Nā‹…m (56 lbā‹…ft)
    1981  – early 1988, 19 89. 08 – 1995 
    Key
    Italy  
    Italy + Brazil  
    Brazil  
    Argentina  
    Second generation (1988ā€“2014)ā€»
    Motor vehicle
    Second generation (146)
    Fiat Fiorino Panorama (phase III)
    Overview
    Also called
    • Fiat Premio Pickup (Venezuela)
    • Fiat Uno Pickup (Brazil)
    Production1988ā€“2013
    1995ā€“2014 (Argentina)
    AssemblyBetim, Brazil (Fiat AutomĆ³veis)
    CĆ³rdoba, Argentina (Sevel)
    Manta, Ecuador (Noboa / Coenansa)
    Body and chassis
    Body stylepanel van
    pick-up
    LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
    PlatformType One
    RelatedFiat Uno/Mille (146)
    Fiat Duna/Penny/Elba
    Powertrain
    Engine
    Transmission4-speed manual
    5-speed manual
    Dimensions
    Wheelbase
    • 2,365 mm (93.1 in) (1988-1994)
    • 2,580 mm (101.6 in) (post-1994)
    Length
    • 3,949 mm (155.5 in) (1988-1992)
    • 4,160 mm (163.8 in) (post-1994)
    Width
    • 1,555 mm (61.2 in) (1988-1992)
    • 1,620 mm (63.8 in) (post-1994)
    Height
    • 1,893 mm (74.5 in) (1988-1992)
    • 1,920 mm (75.6 in) (post-1994)
    Kerb weight950ā€“1,025 kg (2,094ā€“2,260 lb)
    Chronology
    SuccessorFiat DoblĆ² (Europe)
    Fiat Strada (pick-up)

    In 1987, the second generation version (project code: Type 146) was released, based on the Brazilian Uno-derived Fiat Duna sedan. While similar in appearance to the European Uno, the Duna had a more robust chassis and was more suitable as the basis for a commercial vehicle. The new Fiorino was available in panel van (Fiorino Cargo), passenger (Fiorino Panorama), and pickup body styles. European sales commenced in 1988. In Venezuela, the pickup version was sold as the Premio Pickup, linking it to the related sedan model. The original pickup version (1988-1992) was sold as the Uno Pickup in Brazil. But later joined the Fiorino lineup.

    The Fiorino sold over 250,000 units in the European market by the end of 2000. The Fiorino ceased to be imported to the United Kingdom in 2001, a year after production for European export had ceased.

    The original engines available were the 1301 cc Fiasa petrol engine, producing 50 kW (68 hp), and the 1.7-liter diesel with 44 kW (60 hp). In 1989 the Brazilian-made Fiorino became the first vehicle to be fitted with a new 1.5-liter derivative of the long running Fiasa engine. This undersquare engine produces 67.2 hp (49.4 kW) and 118 Nā‹…m (87 lbā‹…ft) at the time of introduction. In Europe, this was also available with a three-way catalyst and fuel injection, a version which produced 55 kW (75 hp) at 5600 rpm.

    Continental European buyers could also get the 128-based 1.1-litre engine, producing 40 kW (54 hp) at 5500 rpm. In European markets, the phase I Fiorino pickup was only available with the diesel engine.

    First facelift (phase II)ā€»

    In 1992, a facelifted Fiorino debuted with styling inspired by the Fiat Tipo. It also received a re-engineered platform, a new interior, and optional cleaner engines. The diesel was modified with a new induction system and injector pump, making for smoother running and cleaner emissions at the cost of a small power loss - down two horsepower, to 43 kW (58 hp). Catalyzed versions received a marginally smaller fuel tank, at 52 L (13.7 US gal) rather than 54 L (14.3 US gal), to provide space for the converter.

    Second facelift (phase III)ā€»

    In 1994, a new version based on the Fiat Mille platform debuted. While the front design remained initially unchanged, it sat on a longer wheelbase and the new rear side panels had single side windows (or single blank pressings) rather than the multiple divisions of the original model. The gas cap was now covered by an integrated flap, rather than being exposed as before. European-market diesels now received exhaust gas recirculation to meet new emissions standards, although power remained at 43 kW (58 hp). Petrol versions received the 1.4-liter "Tipo" engine, although Brazilian buyers were also offered the option of a one-liter model to suit that country's tax structure. The one-liter engine produces 41.3 kW (56.1 hp) at 6000 rpm, providing a top speed of 138 km/h (86 mph) and a 500 kg (1,102 lb) payload. The catalyzed 1.4-liter engine, as sold in Europe, develops 50 kW (68 hp).

    The phase III version was assembled in the Minas Gerais plant and remained on sale in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile until the end of 2013, in anticipation of the requirement for dual SRS airbags and ABS brakes in the Brazilian market from 2014 onwards. The last facelift for the European market included a grille without a horizontal bar and took place in 1997. The phase III Fiorinos received another new grille for 2001, which was updated again in 2002 as Fiat's five-bar logo was replaced with the new centenary, wreath-style logo.

    ABS and driver SRS airbag had been available as extra-cost options for the second generation Fiorino from the end of 1998 to 2001, but since the dashboard could not fit a passenger airbag without extensive changes, it was more cost-effective to phase it out and replace it with a newer model.

    The second-generation Fiorino was also assembled in Argentina by Sevel Argentina. Over 1,000,000 Fiorinos have been sold in South America.

    Third facelift (phase IV)ā€»

    In 2004, a facelifted version was released with the Fiat DoblĆ² front style. In 2009, Fiat introduced a new version with the red Fiat logo on the front.

    Brazilian production of the second generation of Fiorino ended in December 2013 when the new generation (based on the platform of the new Brazilian Fiat Uno) was unveiled. The Fiorino had been the leader of the segment in Brazil for 23 consecutive years. A total of 981,922 Fiorinos was built in Betim, Brazil: 775,620 Cargo/Panorama and 206,302 pick-ups.

    • Pre-facelift Fiorino Panorama (phase I)
      Pre-facelift Fiorino Panorama (phase I)
    • Phase I Fiorino pickup; note exposed fuel cap
      Phase I Fiorino pickup; note exposed fuel cap
    • 1993 Fiorino Van (Phase II; original rear design and facelift front)
      1993 Fiorino Van (Phase II; original rear design and facelift front)
    • The 1997-2001 facelift version of the Fiorino Panorama (phase III)
      The 1997-2001 facelift version of the Fiorino Panorama (phase III)
    • 1999 Fiat Fiorino panel van (phase IIIa), rear view
      1999 Fiat Fiorino panel van (phase IIIa), rear view
    • Brazilian-market Fiorino phase IIIb, 2001-2004 facelift model with new grille
      Brazilian-market Fiorino phase IIIb, 2001-2004 facelift model with new grille
    • 2008 Fiat Fiorino Cargo, Brazilian version (phase IV)
      2008 Fiat Fiorino Cargo, Brazilian version (phase IV)

    Enginesā€»

    Available engines were the Fiat 1.7 L 8V diesel (naturally aspirated or turbocharged), the 1.3-litre "Fiasa" engine, the 1.2 L and the 1.4 L 8V Fire, and for South America, the Fiasa Flex 1.0 L and 1.5 L 8V. In Brazil, both versions of the later 1242 cc engines were available with flexible fuel technology.

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