Fiat Professional tells us it will strengthen its offering at the heart of the medium van segment when its new Talento van goes on sale in Ireland next month. It claims it is versatile and economical, and prices start from €18,735 excluding VAT and VRT for the 1.6-litre multijet 95hp SWB standard roof van.
The Italian manufacturer says it is designed to offer supreme versatility and choice. It is available in either short or long wheelbase form, with a wide variety of body styles and with a choice of powerful and highly efficient state-of-the-art engines.
Behind its compact and stylish exterior lies an impressive all-rounder offering an interior volume of up to 8.6m³ – and enough space to accommodate three Euro pallets even in short wheelbase form – a payload of up to 1,249kg and formidable load pulling power.
Available with a choice of advanced turbo and twin turbo diesel powerplants, Talento can return up to 6.1 l/100km (46mpg ) on the official combined cycle while CO2 emissions are reduced to as low as 160g/km.
Talento also features a suite of cutting edge Fiat Professional technology – including emergency brake assistance and trailer stability assist – created to improve the comfort, productivity and safety of those on board.
The arrival of Talento, which is positioned between the Doblò Cargo and Ducato in the Fiat Professional range, gives the brand one of the most complete van ranges available in Ireland, with a model to suit the specific needs of virtually all end users.
Intelligent design
Design has been at the core of Talento’s development from the beginning and the vehicle’s stylish appearance adds to its appeal.
With bold, clear-cut lines and an upright stance, Talento is unmistakably part of the Fiat Professional family. But a number of unique styling cues give it a personality of its own.
At a glance, the model is compact and well-proportioned – the forward-stretching windscreen connecting elegantly to the short bonnet to create an imposing and dynamic front end. This is further enhanced by the grille which is designed to wrap around the headlights for additional effect and added protection.
The squared-off rear end, meanwhile, helps to maximise the Talento’s carrying capacity and the practicality of the load while giving the van a broad stance that exudes stability and strength.
Flexibility is a core strength of the new Talento, with buyers able to choose from a huge array of options to tailor-make a vehicle that fully meets their needs.
Panel vans are available with a standard or high roof in both long and short wheelbase form while people carriers and crew cabs are also available in long and short wheelbase guise.
Innovative features include the CargoPlus storage area under the passenger seats which allows professionals to carry objects up to 3.75m in length (4.15 for LWB versions ) by sliding them into a special bulkhead opening.
Rear doors can open up to a wide angle of 255°, while the sliding side door has an aperture of 1,030mm and a load edge just 100mm above the ground. The load volume equals 5.2m³ in short wheelbase models, 6m³ in long wheelbase versions and a generous 8.6m³ in the long wheelbase high-roof derivative.
This means that the Talento, even in the short wheelbase trim level, is capable of carrying three Euro pallets and, depending on the version, a payload of up to 1,249kg with a GVW of up to 3,060kg.
Fiat Professional says safety was a key consideration throughout the development of Talento and as a result all models are equipped with an impressive array of safety features.
All versions are fitted with LED daytime running lights, ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution ) and EBA (emergency brake assistance ), in addition to a sophisticated ESC system with hill holder and traction+ and a blind spot-mitigating interior mirror as standard.
Buyers can also specify the advanced trailer stability assist system which automatically modulates engine power and the braking force applied to each wheel to ensure the stability of both vehicle and trailer.
The Talento’s cabin is functional, practical and comfortable. Ergonomically shaped seats, a cleverly designed console and well positioned controls all help to create a relaxing environment.
This clever layout has also created space an incredible 90 litres of storage in a variety of shapes and sizes, including compartments hidden under the seat base and behind the seat back of the passenger seats.
Meanwhile, an innovative fold-down central seat features a detachable clipboard holder and optional smartphone/tablet holder.
Standard equipment on the entry level Fiat Professional Talento includes remote central locking, electric front windows (one-touch lowering on the driver’s side ), electrically operated and heated door mirrors, a full bulkhead, a height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and an arm rest, dual passenger seat, a powerful audio system, a full-size spare wheel and steering-wheel remote controls. The entry-level Combi Active adds a rear tailgate with luggage cover, passenger airbag, and folding/removable rear seats.
The long-wheelbase Fiat Professional Talento is priced from €20,335 (1.6 multijet 120hp ), the crew cab starts at €21,145 (1.6 multiJet 95hp ) and the Combi is priced from €24,000 (1.6 multijet 95hp ).
Galway Truck & Van Centre on the Headford Road is the Fiat Professional dealer in the region.
