The Fiat Talento Van 1.6 MultiJet (120 Hp) L1H1 was a light commercial vehicle produced by Fiat Professional from 2016 to 2021. Part of the second generation Talento range, this variant occupied a key position in the lineup, offering a balance between affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality for businesses and tradespeople. The L1H1 designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height – a standard configuration within the Talento range. It was designed to compete with similar vans from Renault, Opel/Vauxhall, and Volkswagen, offering a versatile cargo solution in the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Talento |
| Generation | Talento Van |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 MultiJet (120 Hp) L1H1 |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 170 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 166 km/h (103.15 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1500 rpm (221.27 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 | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1726 kg (3805.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2800-2950 kg (6172.94 – 6503.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1074-1224 kg (2367.76 – 2698.46 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 5200 l (183.64 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 (Back) 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 1.6 MultiJet L1H1 was powered by the R9M 413 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was part of a family of engines developed by Renault and used across several brands within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, including Fiat. It featured a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power and efficiency. The engine employed a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for optimized combustion. The R9M engine is known for its relatively robust design and ability to produce good torque at low engine speeds. The 120 horsepower output was achieved at 3500 rpm, while the peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) was available from just 1500 rpm. This made it well-suited for hauling loads without excessive gear changes. The engine also incorporated a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet Euro 6 emission standards. The van was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its durability and fuel efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 MultiJet engine, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, provided adequate performance for typical van duties. While not a particularly sporty vehicle, the Talento offered sufficient power for highway cruising and city driving, even when moderately loaded. The relatively high torque output at low rpm meant that drivers didn’t need to rev the engine excessively to maintain speed or accelerate. The gear ratios were well-chosen to maximize fuel economy and provide a comfortable driving experience. Compared to higher-powered versions of the Talento, this 120 hp variant felt less strained when carrying heavy loads, but acceleration was noticeably slower. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control, but some drivers might have preferred the convenience of an automatic option, which was available on other Talento trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Talento 1.6 MultiJet L1H1 typically came with a functional, rather than luxurious, equipment list. Standard features included a driver’s airbag, ABS brakes, power steering, and a basic audio system. The cabin was designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a straightforward layout. The base trim level focused on providing essential features for commercial use. Optional extras included air conditioning, a passenger airbag, rear parking sensors, a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Interior upholstery was typically hard-wearing fabric. The L1H1 configuration offered a generous cargo volume of 5200 liters, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Chassis & Braking
The Talento utilized a front-wheel-drive layout, contributing to its relatively low weight and good fuel efficiency. The front suspension consisted of independent McPherson struts with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. The rear suspension was a semi-independent coil spring setup. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Talento 1.6 MultiJet L1H1 was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable light commercial vehicle. It offered a good balance between fuel economy, load capacity, and price. Compared to competitors like the Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter, the Talento was often seen as offering good value for money. However, some reviewers noted that the interior was somewhat basic compared to some rivals. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the 1.6 MultiJet engine delivering competitive figures. Reliability was generally considered good, although the DPF system could be a potential source of issues if the vehicle was primarily used for short journeys.
Legacy
The Fiat Talento 1.6 MultiJet L1H1 remains a popular choice in the used commercial vehicle market. The R9M engine, while not without its potential issues (particularly related to the DPF), is generally considered durable and relatively inexpensive to maintain. The van’s practicality and generous cargo space continue to make it a valuable asset for businesses and tradespeople. Its affordability and fuel efficiency contribute to its ongoing appeal, making it a sensible option for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective light commercial vehicle.
