Fiat Scudo is the medium-size commercial van in the current Fiat Professional Australia range and is designed for operators who need more cargo room and payload than a small delivery van without the bulk of a full-size Ducato. The MY26 Series 3 range is offered in Short Wheelbase and Long Wheelbase bodies, with both standard Scudo and more highly equipped Primo trims. This four-version structure allows businesses to choose body length and cabin equipment independently.

Every Australian Scudo uses the same 1,977 cc 2.0-litre MultiJet3 turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with electronic stop-start. It produces 110 kW at 4,000 rpm and 370 Nm at 2,000 rpm and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Official ADR fuel consumption is 7.2 L/100 km urban, 5.8 L/100 km highway and 6.3 L/100 km combined, with combined CO2 emissions listed at 165 g/km. The fuel tank holds 69 litres.

The SWB measures 4,983 mm long and the LWB 5,333 mm, while both share a 3,275 mm wheelbase and a 2,010 mm body width with mirrors folded. Overall height is approximately 1,930 to 1,935 mm, making the Scudo easier to accommodate in commercial parking structures than many high-roof vans. Minimum ground clearance is 150 mm and the kerb-to-kerb turning circle is 12.4 metres.

Payload is one of the model’s strongest points. The SWB is rated to carry up to 1,347 kg and the LWB up to 1,304 kg. Basic load volume is 5.3 cubic metres in SWB form and 6.1 cubic metres in LWB form. Primo versions add a load-through flap in the bulkhead, increasing usable capacity to 5.8 and 6.6 cubic metres and allowing longer items to extend forward into the passenger-side area. Six floor anchorage rings are fitted to SWB models and eight to LWB models.

The cab is designed around daily commercial use. All versions include a heated six-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and armrest, a dual passenger bench with under-seat storage, air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, heated power-folding mirrors and a 10-inch digital driver display. The 10-inch Uconnect touchscreen provides DAB radio, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Primo adds a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and start, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control and a more flexible Moduwork mobile-office setup.

Safety specification is unusually comprehensive for a work van. Standard systems include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assistance, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed assistance, driver-attention assistance, blind-spot assist, hill-start assistance, front and rear parking assistance with Flankguard protection and a reverse camera. Six airbags are fitted, including front, side and curtain protection. The braking system uses 304 mm ventilated front discs and 294 mm solid rear discs.

Fiat Professional Australia provides a five-year or 200,000 km warranty, five years of roadside assistance and service intervals of 12 months or 20,000 km. The official MY26 colour range includes Gelato White, Cinema Black, Maestro Silver and Colosseo Grey. For Australian buyers comparing Peugeot Expert, Renault Trafic, Toyota HiAce and similar mid-size vans, Scudo’s strongest selling points are payload, compact height, dual side-door access and strong safety equipment. Its limitations are a relatively small four-colour palette, front-wheel drive only and the fact that the best load-through and convenience features require the Primo trim.