Fiat will reveal a passenger version of its all-new Fiorino van next summer. The Fiorino Panorama will be a five-seater and tap into the popular van-based MPV market currently dominated in Britain by Citroen’s Berlingo Multispace. It’ll come with a choice of 74bhp 1.4 petrol engine or a 1.3-litre Multijet turbodiesel with 76bhp. ‘We think it’ll be stylish enough and have the right price to appeal to a younger market,’ said Fiat’s Norman Winkler.
Prices should start at about £10,000 – pitching the Fiorino Panorama into competition with the current Doblo which is only 40cm longer. In order to split the two models, Fiat plans to increase the wheelbase of the replacement Doblo due in 2009, making it even roomier.
The quirky-looking, £11,000 Doblo is the cheapest seven-seater on sale in Britain. Bosses want to ensure it maintains that value-for-money position so the larger model is unlikely to have its price hiked significantly.
Neither Peugeot nor Citroen will import to the UK passenger versions of the near-identical Bipper and Nemo that are built in partnership with Fiat. Peugeot is concerned the asymmetric rear doors would inhibit the view out for passengers on the right-hand side and prove a turn-off. Citroen UK doesn’t want to hit Berlingo Multispace sales.