Fiat Ulysse Technical & Range

 1994 to 2002

Also called	Citroën Evasion (Synergie) Fiat Ulysse Lancia Zeta Peugeot 806
Production	1994–2002
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Sevel Nord van

The Eurovans are a family of large MPVs from the Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat and Lancia badges, built by Sevel at Sevel Nord factory. It was launched in March 1994. Production ceased in November 2010 for Fiat Ulysse and Lancia Phedra, but not for PSA Group siblings. 

The Eurovans differ little technically and visually, being a prime example of badge engineering. The Eurovans share mechanicals and body structure with the Sevel light commercial vans: Citroën Jumpy (Dispatch), Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert. 

First generation (1994-2002)

The first generation Eurovans were introduced in 1994. They are smaller than American vans, like the Chrysler Voyager, which is also available in Europe. In contrast to the Toyota Previa and like American minivans they had sliding rear side doors, a trait they share with their commercial siblings. In spite of the fact that the Voyager also came in the "Grand" versions with elongated body and wheelbase (and the Espace followed suit in 1997), the Eurovans only came in one size. 

The Eurovans were almost identical, the differences consisting in different grilles, lower tailgates/taillights, wheel covers/alloy wheels and exterior and interior badging, as well as different trim levels. In October 1998, the Eurovans were mildly facelifted. 

Inside, the gear lever was mounted on the dashboard rather than on the floor, and the handbrake is on the door side of the driver's seat, which allowed for the elimination of central console and opened up a passage between the front seats. The seating configurations included two fixed seats in front and three individual removable seats in the middle row, along with optional two individual removable seats or a three-seater bench in the third row. 

Engines 

The first-generation Eurovans utilized PSA's XU/XUD engines, regardless of brand. They were later replaced by the PSA EW/DW engine. All were mated to 5-speed manual transmissions, except for the 2.0 16v EW petroleum engine, which had an option of a 4-speed automatic.

The Fiat was named after Ulysses, the Roman name for Odysseus, the hero of Homer's Odyssey. This could have been problematic as Honda used the Odyssey name for their minivan, but the Honda Odyssey was only sold in Europe in its first generation and then named Honda Shuttle. The Ulysse range received a facelift in 1999.

Second generation (2002 to 2010)

February 2002 saw the launch of the second generation of the Eurovans. The floorpan, wheelbase, and suspension were not altered, but all exterior dimensions-including front and rear tracks- were increased. The increase in length of almost 30 cm greatly enhanced interior volume. The new Eurovans were afforded a much more bubbly, contemporary look, along with a modern-looking dashboard with centrally mounted gauges.

The differences between the various versions were more pronounced, encompassing entire front fascias and rear sections (including head- and tail-lights), as well as different interior colour themes. The middle and third row seats now had fore/aft sliders to increase flexibility and also adjustable backs. As with the first generation, a three-seater bench seat was available in the third row, slotting in to the standard third row seat runners, with back-lowering and tilt forward arrangements to increase boot space.

The Fiat and the Lancia were slightly wider than PSA vans, and the Phedra is also longer than other Eurovans. Fiat kept the Ulysse name for its second generation. The direct successor is the Fiat Freemont.

Engines

The engine range comprised again of different versions of the PSA EW/DW engine, paired with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. (A six-speed manual option was added in the UK in late 2004). Additionally, top-of-the-line versions came with the PSA ES V6.

All diesels were PSA's HDIs, but billed JTD by Fiat as well.