Like any merger between two large companies, the creation of the Stellantis group will take time to bear fruit. Except on the utility side: Fiat will soon launch its new Ulysse and Scudo, derived from Peugeot Expert / Traveler, Citroën Jumpy / Spacetourer and other Opel Vivaro / Zafira.
Fiat did not wait for the creation of the Stellantis group in early 2021 to forge links with PSA. Between 1994 and 2010, the two generations of the large Ulysse minivan were already the result of an agreement with Peugeot and Citroën. Same story for the Scudo utility, marketed between 1996 and 2016. Two models that were then built in the French factory in Hordain (59), in the north of France, near Valenciennes. The Italian brand has therefore chosen to revive these two appellations for these next novelties, which will be produced there. They will join the Peugeot Expert / Traveler, Citroën Jumpy / Spacetourer and Opel Vivaro / Zafira, not to mention the Toyota ProAce / ProAce Verso.
Electric and diesel from the start
Available to order between late 2021 and early 2022, the Scudo will succeed the Talento in the Fiat Professional range. A logical choice, since this mid-size utility was based on a Renault Trafic, under an agreement that has now lapsed. Using the base of models that are already part of the Stellantis galaxy will therefore allow serious savings, especially since the changes to be made are minimal: the first “teaser” image barely reveals a new grille, somewhat reminiscent of the Tipo.
As a bonus, this will make it possible to offer a 100% electric version, so far absent on the Talento. Granted 136 hp, this E-Scudo should be available with two battery capacities: 50 or 75 kWh. It will coexist with the 2.0 BlueHDi diesel of PSA origin, available in 120, 145 and 180 hp. Three lengths, bearing the name of Van, Combi and Cab, are also on the program. Subsequently, a variant with a fuel cell powered by hydrogen could also land, as on its badged Peugeot, Citroën and Opel clones.
TO READ. Hydrogen: Stellantis unveils three fuel cell utilities
Category change for Ulysses 2022
Launched in the first half of 2022, the Ulysses obviously does not mark the return of a real large minivan at Fiat, the category being damaged. It is to the Scudo what the Zafira has become to the Vivaro at Opel: a version suitable for large families. Depending on the configuration chosen, it will be able to transport from six to nine people, in diesel as in electric version. From the summer of 2022, he will be supported by a little brother, who will be available to both professionals and individuals. The Italian brand will indeed give a succession to its small utility and ludospace Doblo. By taking again, this time, the base of Berlingo, Partner and Combo, like Argus It was announced to you a few days ago.
