Fiat’s rugged Scudo has made it once, twice, three times a winner after being crowned Small Panel Van of the Year in the latest What Van? awards.

Developed as part of a long term partnership between Fiat and PSA and built in the Sevel Nord plant, France, the Fiat Scudo is designed for Europe’s busy towns and cities and has won over the What Van? panel of judges for a third time.

A big carrying capacity, ease of loading and unloading, choice of cargo space and top safety features are among the attributes highlighted by the judges, showing once again why the Scudo makes such as versatile and popular all-rounder among business users.

Powered by a choice of two common rail diesel engines – a 1.6-litre developing 90bhp or a 2.0-litre with 120bhp, the Scudo’s power is driven through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The bodyshell incorporates differentiated rigidity zones; stopping comes courtesy of disc brakes all-round – along with ABS and EBD – and a driver side airbag is standard.

“Access to the Scudo three-man cab could scarcely be bettered,” says Neil McIntee, editor, What Van?. “There’s no step up thanks to the low floor and the handbrake won’t get in your way. The comfortable and supportive seat is positioned at exactly the right height for people on multi-drop work who have to leap in and out of the cab continually.”

Additionally, the Fiat Fiorino was Highly Commended in the Light Van category, making it a successful What Van? awards for Fiat Professional, the commercial vehicle arm of Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd.

“Winning just one prize from a respected title such as What Van? is a great honour, so getting three for the same vehicle is fantastic news,” says Gerry Clarke, director, Fiat Professional. “The blend of comfort, versatility, safety and carrying capacity is evident for all to see in Scudo – including, clearly, the What Van? judges.”

The Fiat Scudo is available through Fiat Professional’s commercial dealer network, starting at £14,815 for the Business 1.6 MultiJet 90bhp and rising to £17,995 for the MAXI Comfort 2.0 MultiJet 120bhp.