Fiat Fiorino
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a compact commercial vehicle that’s surprisingly versatile? The Fiat Fiorino might be exactly what you need. This practical little van combines the efficiency of a small van with the comfort of a passenger car, making it perfect for tradespeople, small business owners, or anyone who needs to transport both people and cargo. It’s the vehicle for those who want maximum utility in a compact, city-friendly package.

From the moment you see it, the Fiorino’s purposeful design is clear. Its upright stance and generous glass area give excellent visibility, while the sliding side doors make loading and unloading a breeze even in tight spaces. Rivals like the Citroen Nemo or Peugeot Bipper offer similar practicality, but the Fiorino stands out with its Italian flair and surprisingly comfortable cabin. The interior feels more car-like than many commercial vehicles, with decent materials and thoughtful storage solutions throughout.

Driving the Fiorino is an unexpectedly pleasant experience. The engines are punchy enough for city work while remaining economical, and the high driving position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead. It handles confidently despite its tall stance, making daily driving duties feel effortless rather than laborious. While it may not win any beauty contests, the Fiorino excels where it matters most: practicality, reliability, and running costs that won’t break the bank.

How Does the Fiat Fiorino Drive?

The Fiat Fiorino focuses on efficiency and practicality rather than outright performance. The range centres around a 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel engine producing around 75 to 95 horsepower, depending on the variant. This powerplant is extremely compact and lightweight, giving rise to excellent fuel economy. With at least 190Nm of torque produced at just 1,750rpm, the Fiorino has the punchy element to its performance that’s perfect for darting in and out of traffic. The 0-60mph time sits around 13 seconds, which feels adequate for urban duties.

Where the Fiorino truly shines is in its real world driving characteristics. The steering is light and responsive at parking speeds, making tight manoeuvres simple. The suspension does a good job of balancing load carrying ability with passenger comfort, though it can feel a little firm when unladen. The high seating position provides excellent forward visibility, while the compact dimensions make city driving stress free. It’s a commercial van that doesn’t feel intimidating or cumbersome to drive daily.

Fiat Fiorino Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the Fiorino and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the car-like atmosphere. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, borrowed largely from Fiat’s passenger car range. The materials feel solid for a commercial vehicle, with decent soft-touch surfaces on key touchpoints. The seats offer good support for longer journeys, and there’s plenty of adjustment to find a comfortable driving position. Storage solutions are thoughtful, with numerous cup holders, door bins, and overhead compartments.

The Combi variant, which combines passenger and cargo transport, really showcases the Fiorino’s versatility. You can carry up to five people in reasonable comfort, with the rear seats folding flat when you need maximum cargo space. The cabin is surprisingly quiet at cruising speeds, thanks to good sound deadening. Standard equipment includes electric windows, remote central locking, and a decent radio system. Higher specification models add air conditioning and more sophisticated infotainment options.

The Fiat Fiorino is an excellent choice if you prioritise practicality and running costs above all else in a compact commercial vehicle. It successfully delivers genuine van capabilities in a package that’s easy to drive and park in urban environments. The Combi variant’s dual-purpose nature is particularly clever, offering flexibility that pure panel vans can’t match. Real-world fuel economy is impressive, and the car-like driving experience makes daily use a pleasure rather than a chore. The main drawbacks are its limited payload capacity compared to some rivals and slightly firm ride quality when unladen. It’s also not the most stylish commercial vehicle on the market, though that’s hardly the point. The Fiorino is all about getting the job done efficiently and economically. For small business owners, tradespeople, or anyone needing a practical urban runabout that can handle both people and cargo, the Fiorino represents outstanding value for money.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fiat Fiorino?

The Fiat Fiorino excels when it comes to running costs, which is exactly what small business owners need. The efficient diesel engines deliver impressive fuel economy, with real world figures often exceeding 55mpg in mixed driving. This means fewer stops at the fuel pump and lower monthly fuel bills. Insurance costs are reasonable for a commercial vehicle, falling into moderate groups that won’t shock business owners. Parts and servicing costs are generally affordable, thanks to Fiat’s widespread dealer network.

The initial purchase price represents excellent value in the compact van segment. You get a lot of space and capability for your money, making the Fiorino an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers. When it comes to reliability, the Fiorino has a decent track record, though regular servicing is essential to avoid costly repairs later. For those who need van finance, flexible payment options help spread the cost and improve cash flow for small businesses.

Is the Fiat Fiorino Practical for Everyday Use?

The Fiat Fiorino’s practicality is its strongest selling point. The cargo area offers around 2.8 cubic metres of load space in panel van form, easily accommodating everything from tools and materials to larger items like furniture or appliances. The loading height is sensibly low, making heavy items easier to handle. The sliding side doors are a godsend in tight car parks, allowing full access even when parked close to other vehicles. The rear barn doors open wide for bulky loads.

Where the Fiorino really stands out is in the Combi configuration. This versatile setup allows you to transport up to five people when needed, or fold the rear seats flat for maximum cargo capacity. It’s perfect for small business owners who occasionally need to carry passengers alongside their equipment. Compared to other used Fiat cars, the Fiorino offers unmatched load-carrying versatility. The only limitation is the relatively modest payload capacity, which might restrict those carrying very heavy materials regularly.

The Fiat Fiorino stands out in the compact commercial vehicle market by offering genuine dual-purpose capability. It combines practical van attributes with car-like comfort and driving dynamics in an affordable package. The efficient diesel engines deliver excellent fuel economy, while the thoughtful design makes daily use a pleasure. The Combi variant’s ability to switch between passenger and cargo duties is genuinely useful for many small business applications.

You choose the Fiorino because you need maximum versatility in a compact package. Its urban-friendly dimensions, excellent visibility, and practical features like sliding doors make it ideal for city-based businesses. While payload capacity isn’t class-leading, the overall balance of practicality, economy, and affordability is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a commercial vehicle that doesn’t compromise on comfort or ease of use, the Fiorino should be high on your list.