What with an increased awareness of the dangers of drink-driving and a burgeoning need for high-powered people to be transported hither and thither, the market for executive passenger transport is growing apace.

At present, the Germans seem to have the market largely sewn up, but Fiat has just launched a new contender than could see things change.

The new Panorama is a luxury version of the Scudo light panel van, featuring seating for up to nine people and a generous specification.

It goes on sale alongside a rather more basic Combi version.

The new model is available in short and long wheelbase formats, although the Scudo’s high roof versions won’t be available.

Inside, there are either two or three rows of seats, which will house either five/six people or eight/nine depending on whether two or three seats are specified in the front row.

Standard specification includes ABS brakes with EBD, selective remote central locking, an alarm with deadlocks, dual zone climate control, electric front windows and front and side airbags, while ESP traction control is available as an optional extra on the higher-powered long wheelbase model.

Fiat’s 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel offers a choice of 120bhp or 136bhp, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

An automatic box is not available, although Fiat officials have not ruled out this addition in the future.

The Panorama’s combined fuel economy figures range from 37.7mpg to 39.2mpg, while CO2 emissions are from 194g/km to 198g/km. Prices range from £17,500 to £19,230 ex-VAT.

On the road

All versions of the Panorama were available for driving at the launch in Turin.

Thanks to the thick carpeting inside, the ambience is quite different from that of the panel van – a hushed, upmarket feel which will appeal to busy executives who need to get from A to B and maybe do a bit of business at the same time.