The Fiat Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet (95 hp) L1H1, produced from 2016 to 2021, represents a practical and versatile offering within the light commercial vehicle segment. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the Talento Crew Cab lineup, it catered to businesses and families needing both cargo space and passenger capacity. The “L1H1” designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height – a standard length and standard height configuration. This variant aimed to balance affordability with functionality, offering a diesel-powered workhorse with seating for up to six occupants. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the demand for such vehicles is substantial, and served as a competitor to vans like the Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter, and Ford Transit Custom.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Talento |
| Generation | Talento Crew Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Ecojet (95 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 | 154 km/h (95.69 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 19.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| 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 kg (4065.32 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2825-2835 kg (6228.06 – 6250.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 981-991 kg (2162.73 – 2184.78 lbs.) |
| 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 | 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 1.6 Ecojet utilizes the Renault-sourced R9M engine family, specifically the R9M 413 variant. This is a 1.6-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine. It employs a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The engine features a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for optimized combustion. The 95 horsepower output is achieved at 3500 rpm, while peak torque of 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) is available from just 1500 rpm, providing good low-end pulling power. The engine meets Euro 6 emission standards, incorporating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard for this configuration, chosen for its balance of fuel economy and driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 95 hp Ecojet engine, paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox, delivers adequate performance for everyday driving and light commercial duties. Acceleration is not brisk, but the readily available torque at low engine speeds makes it suitable for carrying loads and navigating urban environments. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine needs to be revved somewhat to achieve quicker acceleration. Compared to higher-output versions of the Talento (like those with 125 or 145 hp engines), this variant feels noticeably slower, especially when fully loaded. However, it offers a more economical driving experience. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but it’s not designed for aggressive driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab L1H1 1.6 Ecojet typically included features such as air conditioning, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, electric front windows, and central locking. Safety equipment included ABS, electronic stability control, and driver and passenger airbags. The interior was functional and durable, with hard-wearing plastics and cloth upholstery. Optional extras included rear parking sensors, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and upgraded seating. The Crew Cab configuration specifically offered a second row of seats, increasing passenger capacity to six, making it suitable for transporting work crews or families.
Chassis & Braking
The Talento Crew Cab utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The rear suspension is a semi-independent coil spring setup. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The hydraulic power steering provides a reasonable level of assistance, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The vehicle’s weight distribution and suspension tuning prioritize load-carrying capability and stability over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet was generally well-received as a practical and affordable light commercial vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior, good fuel economy, and competitive pricing. However, some noted that the 95 hp engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving on hilly terrain. Compared to the more powerful Talento variants, this version offered a lower purchase price and slightly better fuel efficiency, making it attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Against competitors like the Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter, the Talento offered a compelling value proposition, particularly in terms of standard equipment and load capacity.
Legacy
The 1.6 Ecojet engine, while not known for being exceptionally refined, has proven to be reasonably reliable in the Talento. Common issues, if any, typically relate to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) requiring regeneration, particularly with frequent short journeys. The manual transmission is generally robust. On the used car market, the Talento Crew Cab 1.6 Ecojet represents a good value option for businesses or families needing a versatile and affordable van. Its relatively simple mechanicals and readily available parts contribute to lower maintenance costs. While not a performance vehicle, it remains a practical and dependable workhorse.
