| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1977 - 1987 discontinued in 1987 |
The Fiat Fiorino (127), produced between 1977 and 1987, is a classic compact minivan derivative of the Fiat 127 platform. Introduced in 1978 as a versatile and practical vehicle, the Fiorino was designed to offer efficient cargo space combined with the maneuverability of a small car. This model targeted urban users and small business owners who needed a light commercial vehicle with minimal running costs.
Built on the foundation of the Fiat 127 hatchback, the Fiorino retained a compact footprint. Although precise official external dimensions vary slightly depending on specific body styles and markets, typically the Fiorino featured a length around 3.5 meters (approximately 11.5 feet), offering a modest yet practical cargo volume in a tight and easy-to-drive package. Its width was roughly 1.5 meters (around 4.9 feet), making it convenient for narrow city streets and tight parking spaces.
Height-wise, the Fiorino (127) stood about 1.7 meters (5.6 feet), which provided ample headroom and a versatile interior for both cargo and passenger transport duties. The vehicle's design emphasized maximizing internal volume without sacrificing the compactness required for navigating crowded urban environments.
Under the hood, the Fiorino commonly used small displacement Fiat engines inherited from the 127 series, which contributed to its light weight and good fuel efficiency. This combination of small size, practicality, and economical performance established the Fiorino as a popular choice in Europe and other markets needing a compact yet capable minivan.
Overall, the Fiat Fiorino (127) represents a significant step in the evolution of compact commercial vehicles, blending the efficiency of a small passenger car with the functionality of a van. It remains remembered for its practicality, robustness, and utility during its decade-long production run.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Fiat Fiorino a leader in its class
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The Fiat Fiorino (127) from 1978 to 1987 features compact dimensions designed for urban and small commercial use. It has an approximate length of 3,545 mm (139.6 inches), a width of about 1,500 mm (59.1 inches), and a height close to 1,675 mm (65.9 inches). These dimensions make it a practical minivan with a relatively small footprint, contributing to its maneuverability in tight city environments while still providing decent interior space for both passengers and cargo.
The wheelbase of the Fiat Fiorino (127) minivan is approximately 2,000 mm (78.7 inches). A longer wheelbase generally provides more legroom and interior volume, and while this Fiat model has a relatively short wheelbase, it was efficiently utilized to maximize cargo and passenger space inside the compact body structure. This balance helped maintain the Fiorino's reputation as a practical urban utility vehicle, giving it both stability on the road and usable interior space.
The curb weight of the Fiat Fiorino (127) varies depending on specific configurations, but it generally weighs around 860 kg to 950 kg (1,896 lbs to 2,094 lbs). This lightweight contributes to its fuel efficiency and agility, especially suited for city driving and light commercial tasks. This manageable weight, combined with its compact size, also makes it easy to handle, park, and maneuver through narrow urban streets.
The Fiat Fiorino (127) offers a practical cargo capacity that varies with seat configurations but generally ranges between 1,400 to 2,000 liters, depending on whether the rear seats are folded or removed. This versatile interior volume was a key selling point for small businesses and tradespeople needing a compact yet spacious minivan for transporting goods. Despite its small external size, the Fiorino balances passenger comfort and cargo space effectively.
The ground clearance of the Fiat Fiorino (127) is approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches). This moderate ground clearance helps the vehicle navigate urban roads, speed bumps, and mild rough patches without difficulty. While it’s not designed for off-road use, its clearance is sufficient for everyday city and light commercial use, providing a good balance between stability, handling, and practicality.
Yes, the Fiat Fiorino (127) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Given its compact dimensions — about 3.54 meters (11.6 feet) in length, 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in width, and 1.68 meters (5.5 feet) in height — it is smaller than most modern minivans and SUVs, which makes parking in standard single-car garages easy and hassle-free. This attribute was particularly beneficial for urban drivers who had limited parking space.
The Fiat Fiorino (127) is essentially based on the Fiat 127 platform, but it was adapted with modifications to create a practical minivan/wagon-style vehicle. Compared to earlier small commercial Fiats, the Fiorino gained greater length and height for improved cargo capacity and interior space, while maintaining a compact width. These adjustments allowed it to better serve as an urban delivery vehicle. Its overall size is slightly larger than the original Fiat 127 hatchback, adding utility without compromising city maneuverability.
Compared to other small minivans and utility vehicles from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Fiat Fiorino (127) was notably compact. While competitors like the Renault Kangoo or the Ford Transit Connect (which appeared later) were larger, the Fiorino's smaller footprint made it ideal for tight European city streets. Its cargo capacity was competitive given its size, and it was generally lighter and easier to drive than larger vans, appealing strongly to small businesses requiring economical and compact transport.
The Fiat Fiorino (127) generally accommodates two to five passengers depending on the configuration — commonly two upfront with a bench or folding seats in the rear. The cabin was designed to maximize utility rather than luxury, providing sufficient space for drivers and passengers for short trips and commercial use. Its taller roofline added headroom, making it more comfortable than typical small hatchbacks, especially for load-carrying purposes.
During its production from 1977 to 1987, the Fiat Fiorino (127) was valued for its compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It was designed as a versatile minivan, ideal for small businesses, tradespeople, and families needing a reliable and affordable vehicle. Its simple mechanics made maintenance easy and economical. The vehicle's blend of compact footprint, good load capacity, and urban maneuverability made it a practical choice in European cities, serving both passenger and light commercial needs effectively.
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