Peugeot Bipper
| Company type | Commercial vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Fiat |
| Products | Compact commercial vehicles (panel vans, pickups, passenger variants) |
| Parent | Fiat (now part of Stellantis) |
The Fiat Fiorino is a compact commercial vehicle manufactured by the Italian company Fiat since 1977. Its initial two versions were panel van adaptations of the Fiat 127 and Fiat Uno, whereas the present third generation was created in collaboration with PSA Peugeot Citroën (now under Stellantis) and is built on the Fiat Small platform.
The latest iteration, known as the Sevel LAV, also offers a passenger variant called the Fiat Qubo, alongside badge-engineered models such as the Citroën Nemo and Peugeot Bipper. Within each brand's portfolio, it occupies a position below vehicles like the Fiat Doblò, Citroën Berlingo, and Peugeot Partner.
Its name is inspired by the fiorino d'oro, an ancient Italian currency.
First generation (1977–1988)
Originally introduced as the Fiat 127 Fiorino, this first generation (Type 147) was derived from the Series 2 Fiat 127 featuring a "high cube" cargo box roughly 1.3 meters in height—a design that later influenced several European manufacturers. The chassis was an extended version of the Brazilian Fiat 147 platform, incorporating a revised rear suspension.
Debuting in November 1977 as a panel van, it utilized the same 903 cc OHV petrol engine found in the Fiat 127. By March 1979, a larger 1050 cc OHC Fiasa engine became available alongside a glazed passenger model named Panorama. That year also marked the commencement of right-hand drive production for markets such as the UK, where only the larger engine option was offered.
Production in Italy at Mirafiori ended in 1981, coinciding with a front-end redesign that incorporated taller Fiat 147 sheetmetal and an additional air intake below the grille. The original Italian-made 903 cc petrol engine was phased out and replaced by a new 1301 cc SOHC diesel powerplant. Meanwhile, Brazilian variants underwent a facelift featuring square headlights ("Europa"), which also influenced certain Fiorino pickup and higher-trim van versions from 1982 onward.
Right-hand drive models maintained the original Fiat 127 styling and were assembled by Bertone; these were available solely as vans with either flat or "Hi-Top" roofs. A minor facelift in 1985 introduced Fiat's five-bar grille, mirrors similar to those on the Ducato, and a five-speed manual gearbox. Production concluded in late 1987, still utilizing the initial sheetmetal design with quarter windows in the front doors.
In European markets, Fiat dropped the "127" suffix, selling it simply as Fiorino. The Brazilian launch occurred in September 1980 and was based on the locally manufactured Fiat 147 equipped with a 1.3-liter engine. Initially, this was offered only as panel or glazed vans capable of carrying approximately . Since late 1978, Fiat had marketed a pickup variant based on the shorter Fiat 147 body; by 1981 this switched to using the longer Panorama/Fiorino chassis.
From 1982 onwards, Brazilian customers could select from several high cube configurations: Furgão (two-seat panel van), Vetrato (glazed two-seat), and Combinata, which featured removable benches accommodating six additional passengers. The Settegiorni was a five-seat station wagon equivalent to Europe's Panorama/Combi model.
Additionally, in Europe, Fiat offered an Ognitempo conversion kit that transformed the Fiorino into a campervan.
Production
From 1977 until 1981, the Fiorino was manufactured at the Mirafiori facility in Torino, Italy, sharing the assembly line with the Fiat 127. Production expanded in 1980 to the Minas Gerais factory in Brazil, where the Fiat 147 and the related 127 Panorama were also produced. By 1981, manufacturing for the European market transitioned from Mirafiori to Minas Gerais. Bertone continued to produce versions for right-hand drive markets and certain European countries until late 1987, maintaining the original front styling of the Fiat 127.
Following the conclusion of Brazilian production in 1988, the manufacturing equipment was relocated to Argentina. Starting in August 1989, Sevel Argentina began producing the Fiorino as either a van or pickup tailored for local consumers. Argentine variants were equipped with a domestically built 1.3-liter petrol engine based on the Fiat 128 SOHC engine or the Brazilian-sourced 1.3 diesel engine. Subsequently, the petrol powerplant was upgraded to a low-compression 1.4-liter unit, also utilized in the Spazio/Vivace. Between 1989 and 1995, Sevel assembled 25,035 first-generation Fiorinos at its Córdoba plant. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Betim factory produced a total of 250,545 units from 1980 through 1988—comprising 172,086 vans and 78,459 pickups. The pickup variant enjoyed significant domestic success with over three-quarters of sales occurring within Brazil, whereas nearly 90% of van production was exported primarily to European markets.
Spanish version
In Spain, starting in 1980, coachbuilder Emelba developed a commercial vehicle based on the SEAT 127, which itself was a Spanish-licensed version of the Fiat 127. This model, called the Emelba 127 Poker, featured a "high cube" cargo box design reminiscent of the Fiorino but incorporated unique rear doors, lighting elements, and suspension setup. Created by Elba Design studio, it was available as a panel van, passenger transport model, and pickup truck. The vehicle was powered by a Fiat-sourced 903 cc petrol engine and distributed through SEAT dealerships.
Production ceased in 1986 when it was succeeded by the Panda-derived SEAT Terra, which utilized the same engine as the SEAT 127. The Emelba 127 Poker was manufactured at Emelba’s main facility located in Girona, Catalonia.
Engines
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Second generation (1988–2014)
The second generation, designated Type 146, was launched in 1987 and derived from the Brazilian Fiat Uno-based Duna sedan. It featured a sturdier chassis engineered for commercial applications. This generation was offered in several configurations: panel van (Fiorino Cargo), passenger version (Fiorino Panorama), and pickup truck, debuting in the European market in 1988. In Venezuela, the pickup variant was sold under the name Premio Pickup, while in Brazil it initially carried the Uno Pickup badge before adopting the Fiorino nameplate.
By the year 2000, European sales had surpassed 250,000 units. Imports into the United Kingdom ceased in 2001, following the end of production for export markets a year earlier.
The initial powertrain options included a 1301 cc Fiat Fiasa petrol engine delivering , alongside a 1.7-liter diesel engine rated at . In 1989, a new 1.5-liter Fiasa engine developed in Brazil was introduced, offering and torque figures. The European models came equipped with fuel injection and a three-way catalytic converter, producing power at 5600 rpm.
European customers could also choose a smaller 1.1-liter engine based on the Fiat 128, with an output of . It is important to note that during phase I, the Fiorino pickup was only available with the diesel engine in Europe.
First facelift (phase II)
The Fiorino underwent its first facelift in 1992, adopting design cues from the Fiat Tipo. This update included a redesigned platform, refreshed interior components, and optional engines with improved emissions profiles. The diesel unit was upgraded with a revised induction system and injector pump to enhance smoothness and reduce pollutants; however, this resulted in a slight power decrease of two horsepower to . Versions equipped with catalytic converters featured a marginally reduced fuel tank capacity () to accommodate the emissions hardware.
Second facelift (phase III)
In 1994, Fiat introduced an updated Fiorino built on the Fiat Mille platform. Although the front fascia remained largely unchanged initially, this iteration featured an extended wheelbase and reworked rear side panels that incorporated either single side windows or solid pressings. The fuel filler cap was redesigned to include an integrated flap. To comply with emissions regulations without sacrificing power (), European diesel models incorporated exhaust gas recirculation. Petrol variants received a 1.4-liter "Tipo" engine; meanwhile, Brazilian markets also had access to a one-liter version producing at 6000 rpm, capable of reaching speeds up to , with a payload capacity of . The European catalyzed 1.4-liter petrol engine generated .
Production of phase III units occurred at the Minas Gerais facility, with sales continuing across Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile until late 2013. This production run concluded ahead of new Brazilian safety mandates requiring dual SRS airbags and ABS brakes starting in 2014. The final European facelift in 1997 introduced a grille design without a horizontal bar; subsequent grille revisions followed in 2001 and 2002 alongside updates to Fiat’s emblem.
From late 1998 until 2001, ABS brakes and driver-side SRS airbags were offered as options. However, due to dashboard design limitations that made installing passenger airbags prohibitively expensive, this model was eventually phased out in favor of more modern replacements.
Sevel Argentina also assembled second-generation Fiorinos. Across South America, cumulative sales exceeded one million units.
Third facelift (phase IV)
In 2004, Fiat unveiled another facelifted Fiorino featuring front-end styling inspired by the Fiat Doblò. A new red Fiat badge was introduced on the front grille in 2009.
Production of the second-generation Fiorino in Brazil concluded in December 2013, making way for a new generation based on the Brazilian Fiat Uno platform. The Fiorino maintained its position as segment leader in Brazil for an impressive span of 23 years. A total of 981,922 units were manufactured at Betim: comprising 775,620 Cargo/Panorama models and 206,302 pickups.
Powertrains
The available engines encompassed the Fiat 1.7 L 8-valve diesel, offered in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, alongside the 1.3-litre "Fiasa" petrol engine, as well as the 1.2 L and 1.4 L 8-valve Fire petrol units. In South American markets, flexible-fuel variants featured the Fiasa Flex engines in 1.0 L and 1.5 L 8-valve configurations equipped with flex-fuel technology.
- 1.0 L petrol
- 1.2 L Fire petrol
- 1.4 L petrol
- 1.5 L flex-fuel (available in spi and mpi versions)
- 1.7 L diesel and turbo diesel
Europe (2007–2024)
The third-generation Fiat Fiorino (Type 225), classified as a leisure activity vehicle, was introduced in October 2007 with sales commencing in February 2008. Created through the Sevel joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën (currently Stellantis), it shares its platform and body design with the Citroën Nemo and Peugeot Bipper. Manufacturing started in November 2007 at Tofaş's facility located in Bursa, Turkey.
Available in both panel van and passenger configurations, this model is positioned beneath larger vehicles such as the Fiat Doblò, Citroën Berlingo, and Peugeot Partner. The passenger edition is branded as the Fiat Qubo, whereas commercial versions continue under the Fiorino nameplate.
Built upon the FCA Small platform derived from the Fiat Grande Punto, it features a wheelbase measuring . This project represented a significant achievement for Tofaş, which took on major development and assembly tasks.
Fiat unveiled the passenger-focused Qubo at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. This compact MPV seats up to five occupants and offers powertrains including a 1.3 Multijet diesel engine producing 75 PS and a 1.4-litre petrol unit delivering .
In certain markets such as Turkey, the Qubo passenger variant is marketed as the "Fiorino Panorama."
By 2020, production of the Qubo passenger version ceased in some regions but continued in others.[1] The commercial Fiorino model remains available worldwide.
Peugeot Bipper and Citroën Nemo (2008–2017)
The Citroën Nemo is a rebadged van introduced by Citroën in January 2008, developed collaboratively by Fiat, PSA Peugeot Citroën, and Tofaş. Its platform derivatives include both the Peugeot Bipper and Fiat Fiorino models.
The Citroën Nemo Combi, later renamed Nemo Multispace, is a compact MPV launched in 2008 that shares this common platform.
During an evasive manoeuvre test conducted in April 2010, the vehicle experienced a rollover attributed to its tall body and short wheelbase design. The absence of electronic stability control (ESC)—which was not offered on this model—likely contributed to this outcome.
The Peugeot Bipper is a compact delivery van available since May 2008, sharing its bodywork, platform, and components with the Citroën Nemo and Fiat Fiorino.
These vans were developed jointly with Tofaş following a 2005 agreement and are produced at Tofaş's Bursa plant for all three manufacturers.
Positioned as a "mini cargovan," the Bipper targets urban logistics needs, offering a smaller and more cost-effective alternative to the Peugeot Partner.
The Peugeot Bipper Tepee is a small MPV variant introduced in 2008 that utilizes the same underlying platform.
2016 update
In April 2016, Fiat Professional unveiled an updated Fiorino lineup, showcasing a redesigned front bumper accented with a chrome strip that harmonized with the styling cues of the Doblò and Ducato models. Enhancements also included refreshed alloy wheels and new plastic trims. Inside, the cabin was upgraded with a Magneti Marelli-developed infotainment unit featuring a 5-inch touchscreen that combined radio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and AUX inputs.
The engine range comprised a 1.4-liter petrol Fire engine producing 77 hp, a 1.4-liter Natural Power petrol/methane bi-fuel option, and diesel variants based on the 1.3 Multijet engine delivering either 80 or 95 hp. The environmentally conscious EcoJet variant utilized the 1.3 diesel engine paired with manual or automated manual transmissions ('Comfort-Matic'), complemented by low rolling resistance tires and a variable displacement oil pump to optimize efficiency.
Trim configurations—Cargo, Combined, and Panorama—were available with an Adventure package applicable to all versions. This package included elevated suspension, mud and snow (M+S) tires, distinctive alloy wheels, protective bumper bands, and the Traction+ electronic differential lock system to enhance traction.
Versions branded under PSA did not receive these updates and production for those models concluded in December 2017.
By July 2018, Fiat Fiorino engines underwent re-homologation to comply with Euro 6D-Temp emission regulations.
In February 2022, Fiat introduced its refreshed corporate logo prominently on the front fascia of the Fiorino.
Engine specifications
| Model | Fuel type | Engine configuration | Displacement | Power output | Engine code | Emission class | CO2 emissions (g/km) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 8V | Gasoline | Inline 4-cylinder 8-valve OHC | 1,360 cc (83 cu in) | 73 hp (54 kW) | PSA TU3 | Euro 4 | 152 | |
| 1.4 8V | bi-fuel Gasoline-CNG | Inline 4-cylinder 8-valve | 1,368 cc (83.5 cu in) | 69 hp (51 kW) | Fiat Fire Natural Power | Euro 5 | 114 | Available exclusively on Fiat Qubo |
| 1.3 16V | Diesel | Inline 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC | 1,248 cc (76.2 cu in) | 75 hp (55 kW) | Fiat Multijet | Euro 4 | Fitted in Fiat Fiorino and Qubo | |
| 1.3 16V | Diesel | Inline 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC | 1,248 cc (76.2 cu in) | 76 hp (56 kW) | Fiat Multijet | Euro 5 | 113 | |
| 1.3 16V | Diesel | Inline 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC | 1,248 cc (76.2 cu in) | 96 hp (71 kW) | Fiat Multijet | Euro 5 | ||
| 1.4 8V | Diesel | Inline 4-cylinder 8-valve OHC | 1,398 cc (85.3 cu in) | 70 hp (51 kW) | PSA DV4 HDi | Euro 4 | 119 | Utilized in Citroën Nemo & Peugeot Bipper (2007–2010) |
Production and sales statistics
| Year | Production volumes | Sales figures | Remarks | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemo | Qubo | Bipper | Nemo | Qubo | Bipper | |||
| 2009 | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | 32,300 | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | 34,300 | ||
| 2010 | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | 42,900 | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | 44,500 | ||
| 2011 | 33,406 | Template:TBA | 34,760 | 34,304 | Template:TBA | 34,354 |
Cumulative Nemo production reached 154,959 units. |
|
| 2012 | 27,500 | Template:TBA | 24,200 | 28,500 | Template:TBA | 26,000 |
Nemo's total production climbed to 182,400 units. | |
Latin America (2013–present)
In 2013, Fiat unveiled a new Fiorino model in Brazil that is manufactured domestically and differs from its European counterpart. This iteration, unlike the earlier Fiorino which was based on the first-generation Fiat Uno and its Fiat Mille derivative, utilizes the platform of the second-generation Fiat Uno (327) launched in 2010.
The model made its debut at the 2013 Fenatran exhibition in São Paulo as a 2014 edition, appearing alongside the Uno Furgão panel van variant.
It is equipped with a 1.4L Fire EVO Flex inline-four engine from the Fire series, shared with the Uno. This powertrain produces between 85 and 88 horsepower and generates torque around 12.4 to 12.5 kgm depending on whether petrol or ethanol is used.
In Mexico, this Brazilian Fiorino is sold under the Ram Trucks brand as the Ram ProMaster Rapid, while in Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru it is marketed as the Ram V700 Rapid.
A refreshed version featuring subtle design modifications was introduced by Fiat in December 2021 for the 2022 model year.
Starting from May 2022, the Fiorino has also been available in Brazil under the Peugeot nameplate as the Partner Rapid.
Sales
| Year | Brazil | Mexico | Argentina | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat | Peugeot | |||
| 2002 | 7,980 | |||
| 2003 | 7,389 | |||
| 2004 | 8,970 | |||
| 2005 | 12,501 | |||
| 2006 | 12,325 | |||
| 2007 | 16,033 | |||
| 2008 | 18,143 | |||
| 2009 | 17,074 | |||
| 2010 | 17,413 | |||
| 2011 | 18,025 | |||
| 2012 | 14,321 | |||
| 2013 | 12,435 | |||
| 2014 | 23,824 | |||
| 2015 | 14,983 | 5,205 | ||
| 2016 | 9,760 | 7,185 | ||
| 2017 | 10,947 |
382 |
8,221 | |
| 2018 | 13,547 |
4,884 |
6,917 | |
| 2019 | 17,237 |
4,043 |
4,109 | |
| 2020 | 17,852 |
4,005 |
2,126 | |
| 2021 | 20,602 |
3,647 |
1,695 | |
| 2022 | 20,953 | 1,146 | 1,477 | 1,283 |
| 2023 | 21,865 | 1,716 | 3,962 | |
| 2024 | 20,208 | 761 | ||
External links
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