The Fiat Talento Van 1.6 MultiJet (95 hp) L2H1, produced from 2016 to 2021, represents a key offering in Fiat Professional’s light commercial vehicle lineup. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range option within the broader Talento range, this variant focused on providing a balance of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability for businesses and tradespeople. The L2H1 designation indicates a medium-length wheelbase and a standard roof height, making it a versatile choice for various applications. It shared its platform with the Renault Trafic and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, a result of the alliance between the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) groups.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Talento |
| Generation | Talento Van |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 MultiJet (95 Hp) L2H1 |
| Start of production | 2016 year |
| End of production | 2021 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 154 km/h (95.69 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 18.7 kg/Hp, 53.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 146 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 |
| 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 | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1781 kg (3926.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3030 kg (6680.01 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1249 kg (2753.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 6000 l (211.89 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 | 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 (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) | 13.73 m (45.05 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 Talento 1.6 MultiJet utilizes the R9M engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of a family of engines developed jointly by Renault and Fiat. 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 95 horsepower variant is tuned for fuel economy and reliability rather than outright performance. The engine’s valvetrain consists of four valves per cylinder (DOHC), contributing to improved breathing and efficiency. The standard transmission for this variant was a 6-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and fuel efficiency. While an automated manual transmission (AMT) was available on some Talento models, it was less common with the 95 hp engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 95 hp 1.6 MultiJet engine, paired with the 6-speed manual transmission, provides adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration is modest, and the van is best suited for urban and suburban driving rather than high-speed highway work. The engine delivers its peak torque of 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) at a relatively low 1500 rpm, which provides good pulling power for carrying loads. The gear ratios are tuned for economy, with a relatively long final drive. Compared to higher-output versions of the Talento (like those with the 145 hp engine), this variant feels noticeably slower, especially when fully loaded. The manual transmission offers precise shifts, but the clutch pedal can feel somewhat heavy during extended use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Talento 1.6 MultiJet L2H1 typically came with a functional, rather than luxurious, equipment list. Standard features generally included air conditioning, a driver’s airbag, ABS brakes, power steering, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. The interior was primarily focused on durability and practicality, with hard-wearing plastics and easy-to-clean surfaces. Trim levels were relatively simple, with options such as upgraded audio systems, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a passenger airbag available. Upholstery was typically a durable cloth material. The L2H1 configuration provided a generous cargo volume of approximately 6000 liters (211.89 cu. ft.), making it suitable for a wide range of commercial applications.
Chassis & Braking
The Talento utilizes 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 provides a reasonable balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is a hydraulic rack and pinion system, offering a direct and responsive feel. The suspension is tuned to prioritize load-carrying capacity over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars are included to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Talento 1.6 MultiJet (95 hp) L2H1 was generally well-received as a practical and affordable light commercial vehicle. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and load-carrying capacity. However, the engine’s modest power output was often noted as a limitation, particularly when the van was fully loaded or traveling on hilly terrain. Compared to the more powerful Talento variants, this version offered lower running costs but compromised on performance. It competed directly with vans like the Renault Trafic, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, and Volkswagen Transporter, offering a competitive price point and a good level of standard equipment.
Legacy
The 1.6 MultiJet engine, while not known for being particularly refined, has proven to be relatively reliable in the Talento. Common issues are typically related to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the turbocharger, particularly if the van is used primarily for short journeys. On the used market, the Talento 1.6 MultiJet (95 hp) L2H1 represents a good value proposition for businesses seeking a cost-effective and practical light commercial vehicle. Its simplicity and relatively low maintenance costs make it an attractive option for those prioritizing affordability and reliability over outright performance.
