The Fiat Scudo III, specifically the facelifted version introduced in November 2023, represents the third generation of Fiat’s popular light commercial vehicle. This variant, the Panel Van 1.5 Multijet (120 Hp) L3, is positioned as a versatile workhorse within the Scudo lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and affordability. The L3 designation indicates a long wheelbase version, maximizing cargo space. It shares its platform and much of its mechanical underpinnings with the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy, a result of the Stellantis group’s collaborative engineering efforts. This generation of Scudo aims to provide a modern and practical solution for businesses and tradespeople requiring a reliable and efficient van.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Scudo |
| Generation | Scudo III (facelift 2023) Panel Van |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Multijet (120 Hp) L3 |
| Start of production | November, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Van |
| Seats | 2-3 |
| Doors | 4-5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 178 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Final |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DV5RUC |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.8 mm (3.34 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.75 l (6.08 US qt | 5.06 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 6100 l (215.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 6600 l (233.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 69 l (18.23 US gal | 15.18 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 22.4 l (5.92 US gal | 4.93 UK gal) |
| Length | 5333 mm (209.96 in.) |
| Width | 1920 mm (75.59 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2204 mm (86.77 in.) |
| Height | 1935 mm (76.18 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3275 mm (128.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Front overhang | 904 mm (35.59 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1153 mm (45.39 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Scudo III 1.5 Multijet is the DV5RUC engine, a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel. This engine is part of the Euro 6d-Final compliant engine family, utilizing a common-rail direct injection system for optimized fuel delivery and combustion efficiency. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output to 120 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine employs a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to improved breathing and overall performance. The six-speed manual transmission is standard on this variant, providing a good balance between fuel economy and drivability. The engine also incorporates a Start & Stop system and a particulate filter to reduce emissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 120 horsepower output, coupled with the six-speed manual gearbox, provides adequate performance for typical commercial van duties. While not designed for outright speed, the engine delivers sufficient torque for hauling moderate loads and navigating urban environments. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, prioritizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. Compared to higher-output versions of the Scudo, such as those with more powerful diesel engines, this variant offers a more economical driving experience, albeit with a noticeable difference in acceleration and load-carrying capacity. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but traction can be limited when fully loaded on slippery surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Scudo III 1.5 Multijet L3 typically comes with a functional, yet practical, level of standard equipment. Basic features include a driver’s airbag, ABS brakes, power steering, and a basic audio system. The cabin is designed with durability in mind, featuring hard-wearing plastics and comfortable seating for up to three occupants. Optional extras often include air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and various safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Trim levels vary by market, but generally offer upgrades to interior materials, exterior styling, and additional convenience features.
Chassis & Braking
The Scudo III utilizes a McPherson strut independent suspension setup at the front, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The rear suspension employs a trailing arm configuration, optimized for load-carrying capacity. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance, offering a light and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Scudo III 1.5 Multijet L3 has been generally well-received in the light commercial vehicle market. Critics praise its fuel efficiency, practicality, and competitive pricing. Compared to other vans in its class, such as the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter, the Scudo offers a compelling value proposition. The 1.5-liter engine provides good fuel economy, but some reviewers note that it can feel underpowered when fully loaded. Reliability reports suggest that the Scudo is a generally dependable vehicle, benefiting from the shared engineering with Peugeot and Citroën. However, like all diesel vehicles, it’s important to adhere to recommended maintenance schedules to ensure long-term reliability.
Legacy
The 1.5 Multijet engine, in various iterations, has proven to be a robust and reliable powerplant within the Stellantis group. The Scudo III, and specifically this 120 hp variant, is expected to maintain a reasonable resale value in the used market, particularly among businesses seeking a cost-effective and dependable van. Its relatively simple mechanical design and readily available parts should contribute to lower maintenance costs over its lifespan. As commercial vehicle technology evolves towards electrification, the Scudo III will likely be remembered as a practical and efficient workhorse of the diesel era.
