The Fiat Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet (145 hp) L2H1 is a commercial vehicle produced by Fiat Professional from 2016 to 2021. Positioned as a versatile workhorse, the Talento Crew Cab offered a unique blend of cargo capacity and passenger comfort, catering to businesses requiring both. The L2H1 designation refers to the vehicle’s length (L2 – long wheelbase) and height (H1 – standard roof height). This variant occupied a mid-range position within the Talento lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and cost, appealing to a broad spectrum of commercial users. It was primarily sold in European and select international markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Talento |
| Generation | Talento Crew Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Ecojet (145 Hp) L2H1 |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 164 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 181 km/h (112.47 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 145 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1500 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | R9M 452 |
| 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 | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1916 kg (4224.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2940 kg (6481.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1024 kg (2257.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 6000 l (211.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 5399 mm (212.56 in.) |
| Width | 1956 mm (77.01 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2283 mm (89.88 in.) |
| Height | 1971 mm (77.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3498 mm (137.72 in.) |
| Front track | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1628 mm (64.09 in.) |
| Front overhang | 933 mm (36.73 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 968 mm (38.11 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.73 m (45.05 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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 |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet utilizes the R9M 452 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of a family of engines developed by Renault, and subsequently used by Fiat and other manufacturers. The engine features a twin-turbocharger setup with an intercooler, designed to deliver a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The common-rail direct injection system, coupled with a high compression ratio of 15.45:1, contributes to its torque output of 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) at a relatively low 1500 rpm. This engine is known for its responsiveness and ability to handle heavy loads. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing drivers with good control over the engine’s power band. The transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for both city driving and highway cruising, prioritizing fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 145 hp 1.6 Ecojet engine, paired with the 6-speed manual transmission, provided adequate performance for typical commercial applications. While not a particularly sporty vehicle, the Talento Crew Cab offered sufficient power for hauling loads and navigating various road conditions. Acceleration was reasonable, and the engine’s torque made it capable of maintaining highway speeds with ease. Compared to higher-output versions of the Talento, this variant prioritized fuel economy over outright speed. The manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, enabling drivers to optimize fuel consumption and maintain control in challenging situations. The relatively long wheelbase and suspension tuning focused on ride comfort and stability when carrying a load, rather than sharp handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab configuration of the Talento 1.6 Ecojet typically included features geared towards practicality and functionality. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, power windows, and central locking. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and driver/passenger airbags were also standard. The interior was typically finished with durable, easy-to-clean materials. Optional extras included a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded seating. The Crew Cab layout itself was a key feature, offering seating for up to six passengers in addition to the cargo area.
Chassis & Braking
The Talento Crew Cab utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. Hydraulic power steering was standard, offering a reasonable level of assistance without feeling overly light or disconnected. The vehicle’s chassis was designed to withstand the stresses of commercial use, with a robust construction and reinforced components.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet was generally well-received by commercial vehicle operators. Critics praised its versatility, fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing. Compared to other vans in its class, such as the Volkswagen Transporter and Ford Transit Custom, the Talento offered a compelling value proposition. The 1.6 Ecojet engine provided a good balance of performance and economy, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking a reliable and cost-effective work vehicle. However, some reviewers noted that the interior lacked the refinement of some of its competitors. The manual transmission was favored by many drivers for its control and fuel efficiency, but some preferred the convenience of an automatic option.
Legacy
The Fiat Talento, including the 1.6 Ecojet variants, has established a reputation for reliability and durability in the commercial vehicle market. The R9M engine, while not without its occasional issues, has proven to be a robust and long-lasting powerplant when properly maintained. On the used car market, Talento Crew Cabs continue to be sought after by businesses and individuals requiring a versatile and affordable van. The availability of spare parts and relatively straightforward maintenance procedures contribute to its ongoing appeal. While newer generations of commercial vehicles offer more advanced technology and features, the Talento remains a practical and dependable option for those seeking a no-nonsense workhorse.
