In the bustling world of commercial vehicles, functionality often trounces form, and practicality reigns supreme. A van is a tool, a workhorse designed to haul, deliver, and endure the daily grind. But what if that tool could be more? What if it could offer the comfort of a passenger car, the technology of a modern SUV, and a dash of European flair? Enter the Fiat Professional Scudo, a nameplate reborn to challenge the status quo and prove that your mobile office can be as refined as it is reliable.
The New Zealand van market is a tough nut to crack, dominated by well-entrenched titans. For any newcomer to make a dent, it needs to offer something genuinely different. We were handed the keys (yes keys) to the all-new Scudo to see if its blend of Italian design, modern engineering, and on-road comfort is enough to lure Kiwi business owners away from the familiar.
While the Scudo is built on a shared platform that underpins other excellent European vans, Fiat has managed to give it a distinct and handsome identity. Our test model, finished in a crisp Solid White, presented a professional and modern look. The front end eschews the blunt, utilitarian look of some rivals for a more car-like design, with sleek headlamps and a tidy grille that wouldn't look out of place on one of Fiat's passenger cars. It's a design that says "skilled professional" rather than just "delivery driver."
The van's overall proportions are described as compact, which is a significant advantage in tight urban environments and multi-level car parks where every centimetre counts. Yet, this compactness doesn't compromise its core purpose. The slab-sided profile and boxy rear are all about maximising cargo space of 6.1m3. Practicality is clearly a priority, evidenced by the dual sliding side doors and wide-opening/raising rear door that provide versatile and ample access for loading and unloading, no matter how you’re parked. Plus the rear door offers great cover should it rain. It’s a smart design that blends aesthetic appeal with the non-negotiable functionality required of a commercial vehicle.
Step inside, and the Scudo’s mission to blend work and comfort becomes immediately apparent. Fiat has engineered a car-like driving position that promises to keep you comfortable, even on long-haul journeys across the country. The cabin space is thoughtfully laid out and very usable. One of the standout features is the clever underseat storage compartment, a perfect, hidden spot to stow a laptop, tablet, or clipboard away from prying eyes, a definite plus for any professional on the move.
Fiat offers flexibility to suit your team's needs, with the choice between a three-person bench seat (complete with that large storage compartment) or individual seats to manage the space independently. During my test, we noted that getting in and out could be made a touch easier with the addition of a grab handle for the driver. However, once you're settled, the ergonomics are excellent. In true van-driver fashion, the wide door ledge proved to be a perfect, comfortable resting spot for an elbow during a long drive.
Security is also well-considered. The locking system allows you to section off the cabin from the cargo area, so you can leave the rear of the van unlocked for loading while keeping your personal items in the cabin secure, or vice-versa. It’s this combination of car-like comfort, clever storage, and practical security that elevates the Scudo's interior from a simple cockpit to a genuine mobile workspace.
In 2025, a vehicle's technology is as important as its engine, and the Scudo delivers with a modern suite of connectivity and infotainment features. Dominating the dashboard is a 10-inch color touchscreen, the hub for the DAB radio, MP3 player, and various inputs, including 4 USB ports and a WIFI connection.
Crucially, the system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is no longer a luxury but an essential feature, allowing you to seamlessly project your smartphone's interface onto the large screen. You can get directions from Google Maps, stream music, and safely make calls or send messages using voice commands, all while keeping your focus on the road. Whether you use Siri or Google Assistant, the system integrates with the vehicle's controls (knobs, steering wheel buttons, and the touchscreen) for easy and safe operation.
In addition to the main screen, the Scudo features an innovative digital cluster. This secondary 5-inch screen is positioned to display key driving information at a glance, including your speed, fuel consumption, local speed limits, and the status of the active safety systems. The only slight hesitation in speed was the reversing camera; while the official specs boast an improved resolution on the 10'' display with a dynamic grid, my camera took a beat or two to engage, suggesting a software update could make the experience a little snappier.
The heart of the new Scudo is its Euro 6D compliant Multijet3 Turbo Diesel engine, which produces a capable 106kW of power and a very healthy 370Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a smooth 8-speed fully automatic transmission, and the pairing is exceptional. The powertrain and auto work in true harmony, delivering a ride that is impressively smooth and quiet for a diesel vehicle.
On the road, the Scudo feels secure, stable, and surprisingly nimble. We put it through an unscheduled torture test, taking it over the Auckland Harbour Bridge during a high wind warning. Where taller, less composed vans might feel nervous and unsettled, the Scudo didn't bat an eyelid, holding its line with confidence. The ample torque is readily available, making for effortless acceleration even with a potential load in the back.
Fiat has also equipped the Scudo with a modern ecosystem of safety features. The system includes Traffic Sign Recognition with an active speed limiter, Lane Departure Warning that provides audible and visual alerts, and an Advanced Emergency Braking System that can autonomously apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision. These features provide peace of mind and act as a vigilant co-pilot on every journey. For the business-minded, the Scudo is designed to work, not rest. It requires a service only every 48,000km or 12 months and comes standard with a 3-year/200,000km warranty and 5 years of roadside assist, minimizing downtime and unexpected costs.
Scudo vs. Toyota Hiace
No van review in New Zealand would be complete without comparing it to the undisputed market leader: the Toyota Hiace. The Hiace has built its reputation on rock-solid reliability and ultimate practicality, making it the default choice for many. The Scudo's 2.0L diesel engine with 106kW and 370Nm is up against the Hiace's formidable 2.8L turbo-diesel, which typically produces around 130kW and 450Nm. On paper, the Toyota has a clear power and torque advantage. However, the Scudo's sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission offers more ratios and a more refined, car-like shifting experience compared to the Hiace's 6-speed auto.
And while on the matter of numbers, the Fiat’s 8.2L/100km trumps the Toyota’s 9.3, and at the rear 215g vs 243g has the Italian breathing a little easier.
Driving and comfort is where the Scudo makes its case. Its front-wheel-drive, car-based platform delivers superior ride comfort and quieter operation. The Hiace, with its traditional rear-wheel-drive, ladder-frame construction, is incredibly robust but feels more like a commercial truck to drive. For operators spending all day behind the wheel, the Scudo’s refined dynamics could be a deciding factor.
The Scudo's interior feels a generation ahead, with its large 10" touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and elegant design. The Hiace is the epitome of function-over-form, durable and logical, but its cabin and standard infotainment can feel more utilitarian and dated in comparison.
Lastly, capability. In terms of payload, the Scudo tips the scales at 1,329kg’s while the Toyota max’s out at 1,120kgs. What’s more, the Scudo will tow a whole 1-tonne more 2,500 vs 1,500 braked. I’m told that the roof will carry more weight too!
In reality, the choice comes down to priorities. The Toyota Hiace remains the champion of raw power, and proven, rugged simplicity. It’s the indestructible hammer in the toolbox. The Fiat Professional Scudo, however, is the modern multi-tool. It offers a more comfortable ride, superior in-cabin technology, and a level of driving refinement that can turn a long workday into a pleasant drive. It’s for the business that values the well-being and comfort of its driver as much as its cargo.
For the modern professional who wants their van to be more than just a cargo box, the Fiat Professional Scudo makes a compelling and stylish argument. It’s a workshop on wheels with the soul of a sedan.
