Fiat Scudo Panel Van (2024 - ) review

Vans live and die on the practicality of the loadspace, so it’s a good thing that this new version of the Fiat Scudo doesn’t mess with its capabilities here. The cargo area is highly accessible through nearside and offside sliding side doors and twin rear doors - the addition of a second side door means no matter which side of the road you pull in on you’ll be able to unload on the pavement rather than into traffic. The cargo area is separated from the cabin by a full bulkhead with load-through hatch (the hatch is only standard on Primo models) and features six (L1 models) or eight (L2 models) fixed floor-mounted lashing points depending on the length of vehicle you choose. Stepping into the vehicle is easy, although the single roof height of 1.3m means you’ll have to stoop if you want to get in there. Load lengths are 2m in the L1 model and 2.3m in the L2s, with the load width between the arches being just slightly wider than a Europallet. Load volumes are good with the L1 models offering 5.3 cubic metres extending to 6.1 with the load-through, and L2 models offering 5.8 cubic metres extending to 6.6 when using the load-through. I found it easy to manoeuvre my dummy load of 250kg into place through the rear doors and secure it in place with bungee cords; being able to access the cargo space from both side doors meant I didn’t have to step in to shuffle it into place.

The interior of the Scudo at Primo trim level is one of the nicer Stellantis interiors and a good blend of tough plastics and fabrics. Dominating the interior is a new 10-inch HD infotainment touchscreen with integrated navigation system, DAB radio, 10-inch HD Touch, screen mirroring, 4G connectivity, voice control, USB-C connections and Bluetooth connectivity. The electrically operated front windows and heated driver’s seat with controls feel modern to use thanks to one-touch buttons. The bench seat is comfortable with underseat storage beneath the middle passenger seat and the same seat featuring a fold-flat centre seat backrest providing a decent work surface. You also get manual air con which is channeled into the chilled glovebox to keep your lunch cool. Behind the black plastic steering wheel covered with controls (which is very slippery and offers little grip) is a 10-inch digital cluster packed with vehicle information, and you get a 12v socket in the lower glove box. Door storage is ample and the cupholders swallow any medium-sized takeout coffee cup nicely. About the only thing I didn’t like about the interior was the manual parking brake, but it’s not a deal breaker. Overall, it’s a pleasant cabin environment.

On the WLTP cycle, this vehicle is quoted as being able to achieve an average of around 36mpg, although on my 30-mile test loop of country, town and motorway roads I averaged out closer to 34mpg. This is an acceptable level of efficiency for a medium van packing a 2.0-litre 145PS diesel engine. Purchase prices are relatively in line with other medium vans, maybe slightly more affordable, and can be made more affordable on finance or on a good lease deal.

The panel van versions of the Scudo come with a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty - very much what you’d expect in the medium van sector. A warranty’s mileage limit is an indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in its components, so read into that what you will. There have been few reports of any major issues with the Stellantis medium van platform in general, with nothing specific to the Scudo. This new version has no doubt sorted any of the smaller ones encountered to-date. The loan vehicle tested was brand new, so any chance of encountering mechanical issues was slight.

The vehicle performed admirably as a solid load carrier and smooth vehicle to drive. It’s a classic example of the standard performance levels a medium van should cater to. It’s not too big to be a hassle to park, it’s got enough room in the cargo space for tools, parts and materials, it’s easy to load and unload thanks to its twin side doors, and it drives well while being comfortable. There’s not a lot more you can ask for, but it can’t have full marks because of the standardised feel of all the Stellantis vans - it’s good, but it doesn’t do a lot different. That second side sliding door is a good addition, however.

The vehicle is available with a choice of a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 1.5-litre unit is available in a single power output of 120PS. The 2.0-litre unit is also available in a single 145PS power output and was the one I tested mated to a manual six-speed gearbox. While the drive is smooth, the gearbox can be slightly notchy - something I’ve noted in other reviews on Stellantis medium vans. There’s not much roll in the corners when under load, but without load cornering is light. Motorways are very nice to drive on in this van, but it’s equally at home in the town environment. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to have the offset driving position of the Vauxhall Vivaro and didn’t give me any aches or pains in my neck. The driving position is nice and high for a medium van, and the wide view afforded by the windscreen gives great visibility. I have to call that out. However, the steering wheel is made of a very slippery black plastic that I found a bit unnerving to use without gloves - it's hard wearing, but does make tight turns a bit fraught when the wheel slips in your hands.

The safety spec of the Stellantis vans is strong, with the Primo trim level getting the vehicle’s full complement of safety and driver assistance tech. You get remote control central deadlocking with an immobiliser and selective door locking to take care of cargo security. In terms of driver systems you get Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, cruise control with speed limiter, High Beam Assist, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, Intelligent Speed Assistance, Lane Keeping Assist, Advance Emergency Braking System and Driver Attention Alert. Through the infotainment system you have the support of rear parking distance sensors and a clever Dynamic Surround View (which really should be standard issue on all medium-large vans. One of my favourite additions is the digital rear view mirror that feeds from a rear-mounted camera. You also get front and rear Park Assist, Flankguard detection of fixed obstacles, blind spot detection and a remote control ultrasonic alarm system. That’s a big list, so make sure to check the spec lists fully to make sure you’re getting it all - it’s definitely worth the upgrade to Primo trim.

The extra equipment not already covered in the sections above include the electrically adjustable, heated and foldable door mirrors which close and open smoothly and defrost quickly. Stylish 17-inch black steel wheels with full size hubcap give the vehicle a sharp look at Primo trim level along with the painted front and rear bumpers and similar styling on other panels and surfaces. If you opt for an electric version, you’ll also get a single-Phase (7kW) onboard charger with a 6m mode-3 type-2 charging cable.

Without waxing lyrical, the Fiat Scudo comes from good stock being a Stellantis van. The cabin is probably the nicest of the company’s medium vans being simple and nicely upholstered, its load space basically the same as the previous version and its engines as good as the rest. Buy it if it works for you and the price is good - otherwise a Ford Transit Custom is pretty hard to beat, especially in the cabin.