Fiat Fiorino

First generation (1977–1988)

Originally called Fiat 127 Fiorino, the first version is based on the design of Series 2 Fiat 127 with the back being a van box, i.e. a 1.3 metres (4 ft 3 in) tall "high-cube" design, an arrangement subsequently emulated by several European auto-makers. The platform is a stretched version of the brazilian 147 with different rear suspension. It was launched in early November 1977 in panel van and passenger (Panorama) version with the same 903 L (100 GL.000) OHV I4 petrol engine and the 1.050 L (127 A.000) OHC I4, both used in the Fiat 127. Il 1981 Fiat introduce a facelift with new front fascia similar to the similar to the Fiat 147 and the 127 Panorama; the 903 L engine was dropped and the new 1.301 L SOHC I4 diesel engine was introduced together the pick-up version based on the stretched platform of the brazilian Fiat 147 City Pick-Up. At the same time Fiat dropped the name 127 in Europe and called the vehicle simple Fiorino. In 1980 Fiorino was launched in Brazil in panel van version, passenger version and pick-up. Another facelift was launched in 1983 with the new front grille based on the south american Fiat 127 Unificata.

In Europe Fiat sold the kit "Ognitempo" to transform the Fiorino into a mini camper.

The Fiorino was assembled from 1977 to 1981 in Mirafiori factory, Italy, alongside the Fiat 127. In 1980 Fiat start production in Minas Gerais plant, Brazil were the Fiat 147 (and related 127 Panorama) was manufactured and in 1981 transferred the european production from Mirafiori to Minas Gerais.

After brazilian production ceased in 1988, the assembly line of Fiorino transferred in Argentina and continued to be manufactured by Sevel Argentina and sold for the local market. 25.035 units of the first generation was built in the Cordoba factory between 1989 and 1995.

Spanish version

In Spain a commercial vehicle based on the SEAT 127 (a spanish version of the italian 127 built under license Fiat by SEAT) was produced from 1980 by coachbuilder Emelba and called the Emelba 127 Poker. The 127 Poker have a similar "high cube" box design of the Fiorino but different rear doors, rear lights and the platform have a different rear suspension. The 127 Poker was design by Elba Design studio and was available as a panel van, passenger version and pick-up with the 903 L Fiat petrol engine, and was sold in Spain by the SEAT dealerships. Production ended in the 1986 when was replaced by the SEAT Terra, which shares the same engine as the SEAT 127. The spanish 127 Poker was built in the headquarters of coachbuilder Emelba, based in Province of Girona, Catalonia.

Second generation (1988–2013)

In 1988 a more modern version was released, based on the Brazilian Fiat Uno. Second generation Fiorino was made also as Panorama (passenger version) and pick-up body styles. The Fiorino for the European market was sold in over 250.000 until 2000. In Europe, it was a great success, especially as a panel van version.

The United Kingdom's last year of Fiorino importation was 2001, a year after production ceased in Europe.

In 1992 a facelifted Fiorino debuted, with a new style inspired by the Fiat Tipo, and it received re-engineered platform, new interior and more ecological engine. The last facelift for the European market was introduced in 1997.

In 1994 a new version based on the Fiat Mille (an economy version of the old European Uno) platform deputed in South America. This version assembled in Minas Gerais plant remained on sale in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile until late-2013 in antecipation to the requirement for dual SRS airbags and ABS brakes in the Brazilian market from 2014 onwards. ABS and driver SRS airbag had been available as extra cost options for the 2nd-generation Fiorino from late-'98 to 2001, but since the dashboard would not fit a passenger airbag without extensive changes it was more cost-effective to phase it out and replace with a newer generation. The Fiorino 2nd generation was also assembled in Argentina earlier. Over 1.000.000 Fiorinos has been sold in the South America. In 2004 a new facelift version made debut with Fiat Doblò front-style. In 2009 Fiat introduced a new version with new red Fiat logo in the front of the car.

Production in the factory of Córdoba, Argentina ended in the 2000.

Production of the second generation of Fiorino in Brazil was dropped in December 2013, when the new generation was unveiled based on the same platform of the new Brazilian Fiat Uno (also called "Novo Uno", Type 327). The Fiorino was the leader of the segment for 23 consecutive years.

Engines

The engines are the Fiat 1.7L 8V diesel naturally aspirated or turbocharged, the 1.2L and the 1.4L 8V Fire petrol and for the South America the Flex engine 1.0L and 1.5L 8V. In Brazil, both 1242 cc engines are currently available as flexible fuel technology, working on both gasoline and ethanol.

Europe (2006–present)

The third generation Fiat Fiorino (Type 225) leisure activity vehicle was unveiled in mid-2007 and went on sale in early 2008. The Fiorino shares architecture and body work with the Citroën Nemo and Peugeot Bipper under the Sevel joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën. Built by Tofaş in Bursa, Turkey they are produced in both panel van and passenger body styles and are situated below the larger LAVs Fiat Doblò, Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, in their manufacturers' line-ups. Fiat also retails its passenger model as the Fiat Qubo, with the Fiorino name designating the commercial panel van models.

The Fiorino and its siblings are based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform, with a wheelbase of 2,513 millimetres (98.9 in). This project can be seen as a breakthrough in Tofaş history as it carried most of the development work in addition to responsibility for its assembly.

Fiat launched their passenger-carrying equivalent at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. It is branded as the Fiat Qubo.

A derivative of the Fiorino (a small MPV), a passenger version of Fiorino was unveiled in June 2008. This version is suitable for up to five people and can be equipped with different engines, including a 1.3 Multijet diesel (75 PS) or 1.4-litre petrol engine with 73 PS (54 kW; 72 hp). The choice of gearboxes is either a five speed manual or a six speed automatic. In some countries (such as Turkey), this car is simply sold as the "Fiorino".

The Fiat Fiorino Cargo Electric is produced by Micro-Vett.

Citroën Nemo

The Citroën Nemo is a badge engineered van launched in January 2008 by Citroën. The vehicle is the result of a partnership between Fiat, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Tofaş. The other platform derivatives are the Peugeot Bipper and the Fiat Fiorino.

The Citroën Nemo Multispace is a small MPV also introduced in 2008 and based on the same platform.

In April 2010, during a routine evasive manoeuvre test, conducted in Germany, the vehicle rolled over. The shape of the vehicle; as a high-bodied, short wheelbase van caused the roll. The addition of Electronic stability control (ESC) would likely have prevented this but was not available as standard or as an option on the Nemo.

Peugeot Bipper

The Peugeot Bipper is a small delivery van sold by French automaker Peugeot since May 2008. It shares its body, platform and most components with the same generations of the Citroën Nemo and Fiat Fiorino.

The Citroën Nemo, Fiat Fiorino III and Peugeot Bipper were developed jointly with Tofaş following a cooperation agreement signed on 31 March 2005. The vans are manufactured on behalf of all the partners in Bursa by Tofaş.

The claim is advanced that the Bipper a "mini-cargovan" designed for big and small cities, cheaper and a little smaller than the Peugeot Partner. It is asserted that the little van is easy to park, handy for deliveries, and faster than competitor vehicles.

The Peugeot Bipper Tepee is a small MPV also introduced in 2008 and based on the same platform.

Brazil (2013–present)

In 2013, a new version of the Fiat Fiorino van, different from the European version, was introduced in Brazil where it is produced. It replaces in Brazil and other Latin American markets the second generation Fiorino, produced in Brazil since 1994. As the previous the Fiorino was based on the first generation Fiat Uno and its later Fiat Mille evolution, the new one is developed from the second generation Brazilian-built Fiat Uno, an all-new model launched in 2010. The vehicle was introduced in October 2013 as a 2014 model at the 19th edition of the Fenatran (International Road Cargo Transportation Show, held in São Paulo), alongside the Uno Furgão—the panel van version of the Uno it is based on.

The Fiorino is offered with the 1.4 EVO Flex flexible fuel 1,368 cc four-cylinder used in the Uno, from the Fire engine family. It produces 85 or 88 PS (63 or 65 kW; 84 or 87 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 122 or 123 N·m (90 or 91 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm, when running on petrol or ethanol fuel respectively.