Fiat Professional, the commercial vehicle arm of Fiat Group Automobiles SpA, has just announced prices of one of the most eagerly awaited vans in the UK, the new Fiorino.

And the attractive newcomer will certainly deliver on value, with an entry level basic price of just £7,999 for the Cargo Base 1.4 8v Petrol 75. Designed especially for delivery companies and tradespeople who work in and around busy cities, the small but practical Fiorino comes packed with equipment. The top-of-the-range Cargo SX 1.3 MultiJet Diesel 75 costs just £9,400.

The new Fiorino made its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show, Birmingham, on 15-17 April before its UK launch in Fiat Professional dealers on Monday 5 May.

Available with a choice of 1.4-litre 73bhp petrol and 1.3-litre 75bhp diesel engines, the new van offers strong performance, reliability, economy and environmental friendliness. The rugged Fiorino not only looks good on the streets, but on the balance sheets too – the 1.4 gives 40.9mpg on the combined cycle while the 1.3 diesel returns a remarkable 62.8mpg.

With a length of just 3.86 metres, the van offers surprising interior dimensions with a capacity of 2.5m³. This can be increased to 2.8m³ and the working length expanded to nearly 2.5m courtesy of an optional fold-away passenger seat.

Standard equipment in the entry-level Cargo version includes ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, driver's side airbag, height adjustable steering wheel, driver's seat height and lumbar adjustment, locking fuel cap and radio/CD player. The Cargo SX model also gets remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, automatic door locking at 3mph, and an external temperature sensor.

"Things are looking good for Fiorino," says Gerry Clarke, Director of Fiat Professional UK. "This small but beautiful van has taken Europe by storm and I can't wait to see it on sale in the UK. A combination of great looks, amazing carrying capacity and superb running costs will make the Fiorino a huge asset to thousands of businesses."

Three people-carrying versions of the Fiorino (Combi) will also be made available in May, starting at £8,599.