Opinion – Eduardo Sodré: Fiat adapts Fiorino to new emissions rules, and price reaches R$ 100,000

For every three vans sold in Brazil today, one is Fiat Fiorino. The model reaches 41 years on the national market, having only three generations over this period, the first being derived from the compact 147.

Far from being a reference in modernity, the utility uses cost-effectiveness in a market that still regrets the retirement of the Kombi.

The Volks model could not be adapted to the safety and emissions rules that came into force between 2013 and 2014. At that time, Fiorino changed generations for the second time: the square look of the Mille came out and the rounder lines came in then new One.

And it is precisely to meet new standards that the Fiat van changes in the 2022 line. The utility vehicle maintains the basic lines of the previous model, but has the 1.4 flex engine revisited.

Power dropped from 88 hp to 86 hp and there was even a small reduction in maximum torque. They are the result of the search to reduce noise and emissions of pollutants and CO. The evolution was necessary to place the van in the seventh stage of the Proconve (Vehicular Emission Control Program), which will come into effect next month.

According to Fiat, Fiorino 2022 presents a reduction of up to 11.8% in gasoline consumption and 8.3% in the cost of ethanol compared to the previous model.

To meet new safety requirements, the model is equipped with stability controls and a “hill holder” system, which holds the car for a few seconds at stops on steep stretches.

There are also new features in the cabin, with more space for small objects. The cargo capacity is 650 kilos and the trunk is 3,350 liters in volume.

Fiat has seen orders for Fiorino soar in the last year, following the pace of delivery during 2020, the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period, the delivery sector accumulated growth of 74% compared to 2019.

The 2022 line arrives in a single Endurance version, equipped with air conditioning, hydraulic steering and electric windows and locks. The price was set at R$ 100,000, a significant increase over the previous model.

In June 2020, the 2021 line of the Fiat van was presented with a price starting at R$ 68.3 thousand. When equipping with convenience items that are now standard equipment, the value reached R$ 77.8 thousand.

Being part of a project that dates back to 2010 – the year of the launch of the last generation of Uno – is a competitive advantage nowadays. Less complexity demands fewer semiconductors, a scarce item on the global market.

“The expectation in the van market is great for 2022, the segment grows along with ecommerce and should expand between 10% and 12%”, says Herlander Zola, Fiat brand director for South America.

While Fiorino makes its debut, the Doblò van is out of line. The model had been losing space in the market and, for now, it will not have a replacement. Its space should be occupied by the “twins” Citroën Jumpy and Peugeot Expert, larger models that are produced in Uruguay by the Stellantis group.

Fiat has another launch this month. Next Friday (10), the brand will present the automatic version of the Strada compact pickup truck.