The Fiat Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet (95 hp) L1H1 M1 is a commercial vehicle produced by Fiat Professional from 2016 to 2021. Positioned as a versatile passenger and cargo transport solution, the Talento Combi falls within the mid-size van segment, offering seating for six to nine passengers. The “L1H1” designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height – a standard length and standard height configuration. This particular variant, equipped with the 1.6 Ecojet engine producing 95 horsepower, served as an entry-level option in the Talento Combi range, prioritizing fuel efficiency and practicality over outright performance. It was primarily marketed towards businesses and families requiring a spacious and adaptable vehicle for both passenger and light commercial duties.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Talento |
| Generation | Talento Combi |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Ecojet (95 Hp) L1H1 M1 |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 6-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 155 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 153 km/h (95.07 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 19.4 kg/Hp, 51.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1500 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | R9M 413 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.45:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1844-1906 kg (4065.32 – 4202.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2830-2925 kg (6239.08 – 6448.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 986-1019 kg (2173.76 – 2246.51 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1000 l (35.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3200 l (113.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 20 l (5.28 US gal | 4.4 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4999 mm (196.81 in.) |
| Width | 1956 mm (77.01 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2283 mm (89.88 in.) |
| Height | 1971 mm (77.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3098 mm (121.97 in.) |
| Front track | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1628 mm (64.09 in.) |
| Front overhang | 933 mm (36.73 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 968 mm (38.11 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.40 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Fiat Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet utilizes the R9M 413 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of a family of engines developed in collaboration with Renault. It features a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power and efficiency. The engine employs a diesel common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine produces 95 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque at 1500 rpm. The engine’s 15.45:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, transmitting power to the front wheels. This transmission was chosen for its balance of fuel economy and usability.
Driving Characteristics
The 95 hp Ecojet engine in the Talento Combi provides adequate, but not exceptional, performance. Acceleration is modest, particularly when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The engine’s peak torque of 260 Nm, available from 1500 rpm, provides reasonable pulling power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The six-speed manual transmission allows for efficient gear selection, helping to keep the engine within its optimal operating range. Compared to higher-powered versions of the Talento, this variant prioritizes fuel economy over outright speed. The gear ratios are tuned for maximizing fuel efficiency rather than providing sporty acceleration. The front-wheel-drive configuration offers predictable handling, but it can exhibit torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet L1H1 M1 typically came equipped with a range of standard features designed for practicality and comfort. These included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. The interior typically featured durable cloth upholstery and a functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included rear parking sensors, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, cruise control, and upgraded seating configurations. The “Combi” designation indicates a focus on passenger comfort, with features like multiple seating rows and flexible cargo area configurations.
Chassis & Braking
The Talento Combi utilizes a McPherson strut independent suspension setup at the front, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The rear suspension employs a semi-independent coil spring arrangement, balancing ride comfort with load-carrying capacity. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The hydraulic power steering provides a reasonable level of assistance, making maneuvering easy.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet was generally well-received as a practical and affordable commercial vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior, versatility, and fuel efficiency. However, the 95 hp engine was sometimes criticized for being underpowered, especially when the vehicle was fully loaded. Compared to other vans in its class, such as the Volkswagen Transporter or the Ford Transit, the Talento offered a competitive price point but lacked some of the refinement and performance of its rivals. The 1.6 Ecojet variant offered better fuel economy than the higher-powered diesel options, making it an attractive choice for businesses focused on minimizing operating costs.
Legacy
The Fiat Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet has proven to be a relatively reliable workhorse in the used car market. The R9M engine, while not without its quirks, is generally durable and capable of high mileage with proper maintenance. Common issues include diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, particularly with frequent short trips, and occasional turbocharger problems. However, these issues are typically manageable with regular servicing and preventative maintenance. Today, the Talento Combi 1.6 Ecojet remains a popular choice for businesses and families seeking a spacious, practical, and affordable van. Its combination of fuel efficiency, versatility, and reasonable running costs continues to make it a compelling option in the used vehicle market.
