2021/22 Kemerton XL on FIAT auto 140 or 160

Hi, I’m looking at buying a new Kemerton XL and fancy one on the Fiat base van with the new 9 speed auto gearbox. I’m keen on the Marquis Auto versions which come in white and have lots of extras. However I see that only the 140 bhp engine is available but would have preferred the 160 version. Is the 140 up to the job? I know the Kemerton XL one of the largest models and with extras fitted would be quite weighty compared to the same powered Symbol for example. Has anyone experience of both 140 and 160 autos on these vehicles? Thanks

I can't answer your question directly but based on the experience of running a 6m Kemerton with a 150 engine and a manual box I'd be wary of a 140. I'm sure it will tool along nicely on the motorways but get to any hilly terrain and you may find it wanting.  Ours struggled on Alpine passes this year, which I realise is a test for any vehicle, but these vans aren't light and I think you need every last kW of power you can get.

If Marguis have added lots of extras then look carefully at the available payload too.

Tim

We had a Warwick Duo on the auto 140 Fiat because it was all we could get. It wasn’t bad but not quite up to the Peugeot manual 160 standard. We could have lived with it with no problems and we live in a hilly area.

Our current little WildAx of 3500kg is also on the 140 auto and it’s fine. The modern engines do seem to give better performance than older ones.

Having said that, given the choice, I’d go for the bigger 160 on the XL even if it is still 3500kg.

Btw, the 9 speed auto box is very smooth and performs brilliantly.

I have a Fairford Plus MQ with the 9 speed Auto and 140bhp.

I was expecting to be disappointed with only 140bhp but it's actually very good.  I've done a few trips across the continent now and find the acceleration to be fine for general driving and it will happily cruise at 70mph on the motorway (whilst getting 32mpg).

The only time I find myself wishing I had a more powerful engine is either when going up a steep incline or when being forced to slow down suddenly from 60-70mph and then accelerate quickly.  In both these scenarios it struggles and the economy plummets.  

Actually the thing I dislike most about this configuration is how it eats through adblue.  I have had a number of German cars with 3.0L diesels that will only consume 5L of adblue every 10k miles or so.  This beast will happily use 5L per 1000 miles depending on driving.  The 2021/2 Ducato is said to have much more efficient engines so I will probably upgrade.

We have a Kemerton with the 130bhp engine auto gearbox and it’s fine. Even fully loaded, full water tank & bikes on the back it tracks along well. It’s no sports car but, I’m on holiday so who cares if that Porsche beats me off the lights! It’s auto so what if it does drop a gear on the hills. Plenty of power for us!

We have a Kingham 160 with the 9 speed Fiat automatic gearbox and I would defiantly recommend it. Due to a mix up with the order we had one of the Marquis vans with the 140 auto for a couple of months.
It drove really well but the 160 is a lot better, at the time it was £1000 extra but worth it as we carry 2 electric bikes on a tow bar mounted rack and replated the van to 4000Kg
Might have a long wait for a new van, ours took 11 months last year.

Hi
   In my opinion go for the 160bhp always go for for the larger engine, you will  regret it if do not, a little extra power will not go amiss,  
 Regards
  Alan

Mines a Nuevo with the 9 speed auto and 160 bhp.

It flies up hill as if they not there.

Glad I paid the extra for it.
Pete

Just a shame that AS are not offering the 180hp which Fiat do produce and some other converters offer.