If you want big space for small money, the Fiat Scudo could be the car for you. However, you should be warned that there is very little else to recommend the Italian company’s MPV. Before we tackle its drawbacks, it is worth remembering that it will match rivals such as the Ford S-Max and the Renault Espace for load-lugging capability at a fraction of the price: buyers can pick up a three-year-old example in good condition for £8,000 or so.

Okay, so it’s no work of art, and with its boxy, van-like shape it looks more commercial vehicle than family car. And that’s because beneath the skin it is just that.

The Scudo van is a popular commercial vehicle, and its people-carrier variant was introduced in early 2007 to capitalise on MPV popularity without having to create one from scratch.

Sadly, the Scudo’s workman­like roots are all too obvious. On the road it offers a high driving position and clear visibility, but because the suspension is made for heavy loads it is unforgiving over poor surfaces. Handling has never been a strong suit of any MPV, but the Scudo plumbs new depths, rolling round corners like an ocean liner in a heavy swell. And a paucity of soundproofing means wind and road noise are excessive at high speeds.

Two engines, both diesel, have been available from launch: a 90bhp 1.6-litre, in the five-seat Combi model, and a 2-litre with either 120bhp or 136bhp that is found in the five-seat and eight-seat Combis as well as the more luxurious Panorama model.

With little penalty in fuel economy for having the extra power (both 2-litre engines return about 35mpg in mixed motoring) and about £300 separating them in price, you should keep an eye out for the 140bhp, which feels less challenged by a full complement of passengers and their luggage. It is sold in small numbers, though, so you are likely to have to settle for the 120.

For all its limitations, a used Scudo remains one of the cheapest ways to carry up to eight people and their luggage.

It may be little more than a van with seats, but at least it has eight of them, and for many buyers that is reason enough to give it a long, hard look.

Reliability and servicing

The Scudo has not enjoyed the best reputation for reliability; common faults include suspension wear, cracked anti-roll bars and intercooler problems. Be wary of cars that are outside their original warranty and have no used-car cover. High-mileage examples are common and many will have been worked hard — something often borne out by worn seats and scuffed trim. Shop with care, ideally at a Fiat franchised dealer, and don’t be afraid to haggle for a warranty as part of the deal.

Residuals

The Fiat Scudo does not boast the best residual values in its class. A three-year-old example is likely to be worth only a third of what it cost new. Which is good news if you’re in the market for a second-hand one.

Need to know

Clutch: Check it’s light and smooth and does not slip as you go uphill in high gear
Dashboard: Blown dashboard bulbs are time-consuming to put right
Doors: Check sliding side-door mechanism is smooth and that doors align correctly
Exhaust: Rattling heat shields are easily cured
Gearbox: Five- and six-speed manuals exist; neither has a slick gear change
Suspension: Some owners have to replace anti-roll bars every 30,000 miles or so, and suspension bushes often wear
Tyres: Easily kerbed front wheels lead to misalignment and uneven tyre wear
Upholstery: Worn upholstery suggests hard use, so ask the seller if it has been used for domestic or business purposes
 




 

The one to buy

A 2008 08-registered Fiat Scudo 2.0 120 Combi 8-seater with 10,000 miles
Price Pay £12,450 at a dealer or £11,350 privately

 

Alternative

Or for similar money:

Mercedes-Benz Viano Trend 2.0 CDI 2004 53
Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD LX 2007 56
 
Figures based on CAP July 2010 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited July 2010