Has anyone got a FIAT ?

I believe the Fiat (as opposed to the Peugeot) is only used if automatic gearbox is required.

Clearly the Fiat chassis has more convertors and the Auto version seems ok. We have friends with Autotrails with this combo, I have no experience with the Kingham conversion

My self I would be happier with a Fiat round here as the main dealers have more about them than any of the Peigeot ones and should you need parts the Fiat ones seems to be more sensibly priced than their PSA cousins

I tried a fiat automatic and have to say was not keen myself. But I am not a fan of the base van either, sadly 80% of motor homes and van conversions are on that platform and only Fiat offers its semi automatic system. Very jumpy and has a preference to change down as soon as I took a foot of the accelerator on my test drive of one.

Looking forward to collecting my (used) Autosleeper Kingham in a week too but this is on a Peugot. My present van is on a Fiat and it has always run like a dream with no issues ...so I am hoping that the Peugot is as good at the very least ...

We have a fiat kemerton and both my husband and I find it very easy and smooth to drive. We are really happy with it. We get around 34 miles to the gallon. I'm sure you'll be pleased with your new van.

The Fiat version uses its own engine and gearbox unit, whereas the Peugeot and Citroën versions use their own PSA unit. Hence the difference in price, making the Fiat version more expensive. 

I've driven both Peugeot and the Fiat 130hp engine, in panel van guise and for me, the Fiat is way nicer to drive and less noisy than the PSA engined versions. 

I think too that the Fiat has longer engine service intervals too, but can't be100% sure on that.

Machloop wrote:

Having just ordered a FIAT based Kingham, I'm wondering how these vans are fairing for others. Are there any out there ?

Can I remind members that coloured & non standard fonts are not allowed, lets keep things tidy please 

If you wish to highlight text can members please stick to just 'Bold or Italic' fonts please, Thanks.

Admin wrote:
Can I remind members that coloured & non standard fonts are not allowed

Oops, sorry about that, I didn't read the full rules. 

Only available as ComfortMatic robotised auto for 2015 models, but 2016 models should come with five year warranty on base. And of course 2.3-litre, but 130 - Peugeot Boxer 2.2-litre 150bhp on 2015 on

Hi Terrya231

Welcome to the forum, perhaps you'd like to say hello here...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

terrya231 wrote:Only available as ComfortMatic robotised auto for 2015 models, but 2016 models should come with five year warranty on base. And of course 2.3-litre, but 130 - Peugeot Boxer 2.2-litre 150bhp on 2015 on

Sorry but I don't understand what you are trying to say here. Can you say it again please ?

I too have just ordered a FIAT but can't help you as mine won't be delivered until sometime in the middle of next year.

I have not driven an auto but I do drive a Smart which has the same sort of auto box. I consider these to be clutchless manuals rather than auto. You can leave the car to sort out when to change gear (which in the Smart gives a less than smooth ride) or press the lever to go up or down, or in my case press the lever to go up and let the electronics to change down. This (for me) gives a very smooth ride.

The one big disadvantage of this arrangement over having a clutch or a "normal" auto is in parking. Yes, the worst thing about the shortest car in the world is parking it!  On a normal auto you can select R and it will creep backwards leaving you to brake when you are in position. A manual is similar as you can ride the clutch and go back slowly. In the Smart you select R and the car stays still. You then have to accelerate to get the clutch to engage and you start going backwards - often quicker than intended. You then press the brake but have not yet reached where you needed to be. I think I need to practice my left foot braking technique.

Having said all that and being aware of the Smart car box I am still happy to have ordered a FIAT auto for my next van.

I test drove a Fiat semi auto, I have to say it operated far from smooth on its changes. In fact I found it totally unacceptable which is why I won't buy one now.  Sadly 80% of production motor homes are only available on the Fiat if you want an Auto.

m8form8 wrote:I test drove a Fiat semi auto, I have to say it operated far from smooth on its changes. In fact I found it totally unacceptable which is why I won't buy one now.

That may be so but as Heather can't get the Pug seat to a position that she can fully depress the clutch I think when she drives, the auto FIAT will be smoother than the Pug.