The Fiat Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet (145 Hp) L1H1, produced from 2016 to 2021, is a commercial vehicle designed to bridge the gap between a standard van and a pickup truck, offering both cargo space and passenger capacity. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Talento lineup, it catered to businesses and families needing a versatile vehicle for work and leisure. The “L1H1” designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height – a standard length and standard height configuration. It’s based on the Renault Trafic/Opel Vivaro platform, a result of the collaboration between the PSA Group (now Stellantis) and Renault. This model aimed to provide a practical and efficient solution for those requiring a flexible load-carrying and people-moving capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Talento |
| Generation | Talento Crew Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Ecojet (145 Hp) L1H1 |
| 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) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 160 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 181 km/h (112.47 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 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 | 1864 kg (4109.42 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2835-2845 kg (6250.11 – 6272.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 971-981 kg (2140.69 – 2162.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3200 l (113.01 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 | 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 track | 1628 mm (64.09 in.) |
| Front overhang | 933 mm (36.73 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 968 mm (38.11 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.40 m (40.68 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 Renault-developed R9M engine family, specifically the R9M 452 variant. This is a 1.6-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine featuring a twin-turbocharger setup with an intercooler. The twin-turbo configuration is crucial for balancing low-end torque with higher-end power delivery. The engine employs a diesel common rail direct injection system, allowing for precise fuel metering and optimized combustion. The 15.45:1 compression ratio is typical for modern diesel engines, contributing to efficiency. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a good balance between fuel economy and driver control. The engine’s transverse mounting optimizes space utilization within the front-wheel-drive configuration.
Driving Characteristics
The 145 hp and 340 Nm of torque provided by the 1.6 Ecojet engine offered a reasonable level of performance for a commercial vehicle. While not particularly sporty, the engine delivered adequate power for everyday driving and hauling moderate loads. The twin-turbo setup helped to minimize turbo lag, providing a relatively responsive driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to higher-output versions of the Talento, this variant prioritized fuel efficiency over outright speed. The gear ratios were tuned for practicality, emphasizing low-end torque for easier maneuvering and load-carrying. It wasn’t as quick accelerating as the higher horsepower options, but it offered a more economical and relaxed driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab configuration of the Talento 1.6 Ecojet typically included features geared towards both work and passenger comfort. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and a driver’s airbag. The Crew Cab layout featured two rows of seating, accommodating up to six passengers. Interior upholstery was typically durable and practical, often utilizing hard-wearing cloth materials. Optional extras included a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded seating options. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetic flair.
Chassis & Braking
The Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis with independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. Hydraulic power steering provided assisted steering, making maneuvering easier, especially when parking or navigating tight spaces. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet was generally well-received as a practical and versatile commercial vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior, flexible seating configuration, and reasonable fuel economy. Compared to other vans in its class, such as the Volkswagen Transporter or Ford Transit, the Talento offered a competitive price point and a good level of standard equipment. The 1.6 Ecojet engine was considered a good compromise between performance and efficiency, although some reviewers noted that it could feel underpowered when fully loaded. The manual transmission was favored by many drivers for its control and fuel efficiency, although an automatic option was available on some trims.
Legacy
The Fiat Talento, and specifically the 1.6 Ecojet engine, has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. While diesel engines can be prone to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not properly maintained, the R9M engine family has generally demonstrated good durability. On the used car market, the Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet represents a good value proposition for businesses and families needing a versatile and affordable vehicle. Its practicality, fuel efficiency, and relatively low running costs make it a popular choice among those seeking a workhorse van that can also comfortably accommodate passengers. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and DPF servicing, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
