Feb 16, 2004 – Fiat has announced that its “move into the past for a fresh look to the future” is to be seen at the Geneva Show, where it shall unveil the Trepiùno. The name is very unusual (and one can’t help wondering how they will spell and pronounce it outside the borders of Italy), but the car concept is not. The new small car is actually intended to be a modern remake of the Fiat 500 (not Cinquecento) success.

What we shall call the “new 500”, aims at challenging the Smart for size and character but has no changes to the original package. It has the cheerful and youthful style of the original but safety standards, front wheel drive, platform sharing and customer’s expectations means its overall length is at least 330 mm more than its ancestor. The baby Fiat born in 1957 was just 2970 mm long, but could accomodate four passengers and had a canvas soft ready to convert it into a four-seater “landaulet”. The designers at the Fiat Style Centre have challenged themselves with the aim of seeking innovative ideas not just for exterior styling but for interior architecture as well.

The name of the show car, which actually means “Three-plus-one” states that this is a peculiar four-seater car. Indeed, the interior layout and the thin seats allow so much room in the back that “two further places can be created through a clever arrangement of backrests and cushions”. In addition the flexibility designed into the passenger compartment provide comfortable accommodation for tall passengers in the back. Here the facia can be deflated by means of a conversion process to leave room for the front passenger and make more legroom available for the passenger seating behind, despite the very short length of the car.

At Geneva, Fiat is introducing the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’, the concept car designed by the Fiat Style Centre to represent the theme of ‘back to the future’. The prototype is a modern reworking of the cars that marked the first wave of mass motorisation in Italy. In fact the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’ prototype, immediately conveys the idea of compactness. This is due to a side section made up of several overlapping layers and a shell-shaped roof that looks much smaller than the sides when viewed from above. The car’s specific proportions and certain external traits give it a fun appearance that also conveys a clear impression of solidity and sturdiness.

Working with a total length of just 3.3 metres, the designers lengthened the passenger compartment to obtain a pleasing shape that features a very airy side view, a very short bonnet and minimal wheel overhang. The bonnet is wrapround type and folds over the sides while the omega-shaped rib, now as then, fills the front end without adding any grilles or friezes. Due to its compact size and generous track dimensions, the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’ is also distinctive for its sporting, dynamic appearance.

All these retro hints share one specific characteristic: no motif has been re-used on the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’ before considering its usefulness on a present-day car, reviewing its functions and materials or even finding it new applications. For example, the two headlights set into the front end are accompanied by two supplementary lights that are the very essence of cutting-edge technology. The tail-lights, on the other hand, work with LCD screens that display readings in graphic mode: and so communication passes from the car’s interior to its exterior. Another example of reworked style is the famous canvas hood found in some superminis of the past that has been interpreted by a Sky-dome on the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’. The large window, continuous with the windscreen, stands in for the roof in linear and airy manner while emphasising the two arched pillars.

And so from the exterior to the interior. The designers devoted the greatest attention to details without ever losing sight of the simplicity that is the keynote of the new car. Simplicity does not mean stripped bare, however, but exemplifies a particular approach to styling and construction where the aim is simplified use. The result is an airy, spacious passenger compartment, a place where you can live well and be at your ease throughout the time you spend in your car. And it is also a welcoming, protective place due to the broad ring that delimits the entire interior space. The appointments include front seats of minimum thickness that offer more comfort than seats with conventional padding. They are made out of a layer of soft polyurethane that is complemented by a more rigid polyurethane structure to create a flexible, comfortable three-layer structure able to absorb all loads and, above all, not detract from the volume and space.

The seats allow so much room in the back that two further places can be created through a clever arrangement of backrests and cushions. For example, the split backrests fold forward to create the customary extended load compartment. Or they can be turned up to cover the extended boot area from prying eyes. All this makes it possible to reconfigure the interior to suit the car’s various applications and also to accommodate tall people in the back. In a normal 3+1 configuration, the front passenger seat is moved so far forward that it is almost swallowed up by the facia. The facia can be deflated by means of a conversion process to leave room for the front passenger’s legs. This makes more room available for people in the corresponding rear seat.

New material technology has made the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’ the first car to transcend the classic ‘2+2′ arrangements of certain coupés or open-topped sports cars and also the configurations of many city cars that limit passenger room to just two seats in the front. The prototype has thus made it possible for the 3+1 concept to be introduced for cars with little room in the back. This has been achieved through an innovative structure, able to adapt to the most common transport needs and satisfy the greatest number of users: 2 seats, 3 seats, 3+1 emergency seat. To sum up, the Fiat prototype joins the boot compartment to the facia by means of a set of possible conversions that effectively make the interior fully reconfigurable.

The facia deserves a section of its own due to its shape and functional potential. In fact the ‘Fiat Trepiùno’ proposes an innovative solution that can incorporate the structure and equipment of a present-day dashboard. The upper area therefore accommodates 2 drawers while the controls on the central console are under a film. All you have to do is brush them with your fingers and a light will follow your movements and receive your input. A liquid crystal display extending from the same console shows the menu of another one-touch multifunction control. This control is located between the front seats so that it can be used in intuitive, simple manner without dropping your gaze from the road. Light is also used to ensure the driver obtains a response to any operation: air conditioner temperature or main service activation. Night-time driving and night-time passenger compartment perception are also aided by lights through the use of LEDs concealed in the floor and door pouches. An original design, then, to meet a new post-modern consumer trend that reworks retro shapes and styles to meet present-day needs. It is evident in fashion, music, furnishing and lifestyle: the term ‘post-modern’ surfaced at the end of the Nineties and inspired designer collections throughout the world. A look that juxtaposes retro smells and colours with up-to-the-minute symbols, objects and styles. A mixture of past and future, a style and construction movement that moves away from mass production to create a unique object.

Source – Fiat Media

Fiat Oltre - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The ”Oltre Fiat” show car was presented at the 2005 Bologna Motor Show in a spectacular display; this unique model confirms the Fiat Group’s technological excellence even in the large four-wheel drive and off-road segment.

It is derived from the Iveco LMV (Light Multirole Vehicle), the new military off-road vehicle that embodies cutting edge technical features and has won the FCLV (Future Command and Liaison Vehicle) contract for the British Army, also being chosen by the Italian Army.

The show car has very generous external dimensions: it is 4,870 mm long, 2,050 mm tall, 2,200 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 3,230 mm. It has ”exuberant” styling, developed around a silhouette with straight wheelarches that cut across the uncluttered sides. The door handles have been recessed deliberately, so that they do not constitute an obstacle when driving off-road. In other words, the design concept underlines the car’s practical personality, which is taken to an extreme by the vehicle’s real performance.

Fiat Oltre - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The Crew-Cab version (long cab with an open platform) achieves a perfect balance between the feeling of dominating the terrain from inside the comfortable cab, and the Spartan personality of a pure expedition Pick-up. The tubular structure above the cab enhances the solidity of the whole vehicle, focusing attention on the presence of a complete rollover bar inside the cab. And finally, the adjustable sunshade at the top of the windscreen increases the dynamism of the roof, and recreates the typical structure of vehicles used for desert crossings. The Oltre-Fiat clearly embodies power and solidity, having inherited all the features peculiar to the military model, starting from the permanent 4×4 transmission that allows it to tackle any situation or route. The merit also goes to the generous 50 cm ground clearance, and the highly efficient independent suspension system with coil springs and coaxial dampers.

Fiat Oltre - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The vehicle’s extraordinary capacity as an ”explorer” is also enhanced by the fact that all-wheel drive is engaged automatically when it is needed. All three differentials lock, a system that guarantees optimal wheel grip in all conditions. Thanks to these solutions, the Oltre Fiat can negotiate a lateral gradient of up to 40%, and longitudinal gradients of 80%; it can also tackle fords of up to 85 cm, and this can be increased to 1.5 metres by mounting special inlet and exhaust pipe extensions. And finally, the show car is fitted with high performance, ultra sporty (V speed code), low profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 315/40R26 XL (Extra load) tyres.

Fiat Oltre - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The vehicle on show in Bologna can therefore perform a wide range of functions; it is equipped with an Iveco F1C Common rail diesel engine, with a variable geometry turbo and intercooler. The 3-litre engine has 4 cylinders in line and delivers a maximum power output of 185 bhp at 3700 rpm, and peak torque of 456 Nm at 1800 rpm. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine gives this extraordinary vehicle a top speed of over 130 km/h.

Fiat Oltre - www.robson.m3rlin.org

And finally, the Oltre-Fiat show car weighs about seven tonnes, ready for the road and exploiting all its load capacity. It can seat four or five people, depending on the interior outfit, with an overall payload of about three tonnes.

Fiat Oltre - www.robson.m3rlin.org

Specifications

Price          –
Production          –
Engine     3 liter inline-4 diesel
Weight     –
Aspiration     turbocharger & intercooler
Torque     336 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
HP     185 @ 3700 rpm
HP/Weight     –
HP/Liter     61.7 hp per liter
1/4 mile     –
0-62 mph     –
Top Speed     81 mph

The Fiat Seicento is a city car produced by the Italian company Fiat, introduced in late 1997 as a replacement for the Fiat Cinquecento. The Seicento did not differ much from its predecessor, retaining the same engines, chassis and general dimensions, although it did gain a minor 9 cm in length (total length of 3.34 m). The design was similar too, in which the Seicento kept the same 3-door hatchback body, instead of the 5-door mini MPV look seen on many Korean city cars. Like its predecessors, the Cinquecento and Polski Fiat 126, the Seicento is built in Fiat’s factory in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. From 1998 to April 2004, 1.1 million examples of the Seicento had been produced.

The Seicento name was intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 600, Seicento being the Italian word for this number.

EuroNCAP performance

In EuroNCAP crash tests, the Fiat Seicento was only awarded a 1.5 star rating, and fractionally beat the worst contenders in the history of EuroNCAP, namely the Rover 100 and the original Chrysler Voyager MPV .[3] This is not so surprising, as the car has an extremely short front-end and keeps many components from its predecessor, originally conceived in 1991.

In comparison, another small car, the Smart Fortwo (which has a shorter front end), earned three stars in the crash test.

Versions
Trims/Equipment

Fiat Seicento Sporting with optional full length electric canvas hood.

At launch, the Seicento was available with three trim levels; a basic ‘S’ with black bumpers and spartan equipment and initially the 899 cc engine; an ‘SX’ model, a slight upgrade over the ‘S’ with colour coded bumpers, electric windows, central locking and a sunroof – which was also available as a ‘Citymatic’ with a clutchless manual gearchange – and a ‘Sporting‘ with the larger FIRE engine mated to a close-ratio gearbox, and anti-roll bars added. Cosmetically, this version gained 14″ alloy wheels, sports seats and bodykit with optional Abarth 14″ wheels and side skirts also available.

In 1999, the FIRE engine was used in the special ‘Suite’ version, which came with air-conditioning. A special edition ‘Soleil’ model was available in some markets, which was based on the ‘SX’ model but came with a full-length electrically-folding fabric roof.

After the 2001 update, all cars were given clear indicator lenses, with the Sporting model getting a restyled bodykit. Cars built from this period also come with an anti-lock braking system. A ‘Michael Schumacher’ edition of the Sporting, with the Abarth styling kit, was also launched at this time to celebrate the Ferrari driver’s Formula 1 success.

In 2004 the model was withdrawn from the UK market and production of right hand drive models ceased. The left hand drive model was facelifted gaining a new shape of wheel rims and the introduction of the new Fiat logo in the rear.

Then, in 2005 the name seicento was replaced by 500 (in occasion of the 50 anniversary of the glorious first edition, in 1955) together with some changes in the front and in versions dotations: now the name Fiat is written on the seats. The new versions now are named “Class” and “50 annivesary”, thus reminding the strict relationship between this model and the previous one.

The Seicento is available with two engines: the old 899 cc OHV (29 kW / 40 hp) engine used in early base S and SX models (which was removed from West European markets due to emissions regulations), and the 1108 cc FIRE (40 kW / 54 hp and used in the Sporting version since launch), was fitted universally with multi-point fuel injection from 2001, replacing the old pushrod units. There was also a version with an electric engine (30 kW / 41 hp).

Tuning

German tuner Novitec created a special edition of the Fiat Seicento, adding a turbocharger and six-speed gearbox to the little car. The German tuner is able to extract 101 hp (74 kW) from the 1242 cc FIRE engine.

Future replacement

No official replacement plans are known at the moment. The Seicento will continue to be produced alongside the Fiat Nuova 500, which was officially presented to the press in July 2007.

Retro is still cool, according to Fiat, which has already tapped into its past for a new badge and created a fashionable range of merchandise featuring its logo style from the 1920s.

The latest Fiat 500—cinquecento in Italian—is also about reestablishing Fiat’s Italian pride. Five years ago, Fiat was in dire straits and seemed certain to fall into the arms of General Motors under an agreement made in 2000. Sergio Marchionne, a Canadian-Italian businessman, was appointed CEO of Fiat in 2004 and given the freedom to do whatever it took to turn the company around. His first action was to negotiate a divorce settlement with GM, which ended up costing the General $2 billion. A jubilant and now cash-rich Fiat put ads in newspapers throughout Italy proclaiming, “Fiat is Italian again.”

Small cars are Fiat’s specialty, and a range of new ones—starting with its cheapest model, the Panda, and following with the Grande Punto—has improved Fiat’s sales. Following the success of the modern-day Volkswagen New Beetle and Mini Cooper, Fiat presented the Trepiuno concept at the 2004 Geneva auto show.

The concept borrowed the design of the 1950 Nuova Fiat 500 but was built on a modern Panda platform. Three years later, and 50 years to the day after the first appearance of the iconic original, a party that involved the whole city of Turin welcomed the debut of the ‘08 500.

Film buffs will remember the old 500 from La Dolce Vita and some of Fellini’s other films. It was tiny (116 inches long), had suicide doors, two seats with room for luggage where the back seats would be, and a spartan specification—a rear-mounted 479cc engine and a four-speed manual transmission without the benefit of synchromesh. In postwar Italy, owning one was a rite of passage for Italian motorists.

The new car has no relationship to the old, other than the surprisingly faithful adaptation of the body shape. The ‘08 is significantly larger—it’s 139.8 inches long—accommodates four people, and offers a range of gas and diesel four-cylinder engines that drive the front wheels. The cabin has the spirit of the original, with its simple cream-colored plastic that looks like Bakelite, but it also has modern conveniences: seven airbags, climate control, and a connector for your iPod.

Luca De Meo, the youthful Fiat brand boss, admits the success of BMW’s revisionist Mini did influence some of the reborn 500’s traits. Like the Mini, the 500 is ripe for customizing. There are 11 exterior colors, seven trim levels, 19 decal packs, and more than 100 accessories available at launch. And like the Mini, there will be a family of 500s, including a convertible and a wagon.

There is a big difference between the price of the Fiat and a Mini Cooper. Fiat 500 prices in Europe start at about $16,000. If that seems high, blame the weak dollar; this price point is about $6000 less than what the cheapest Mini costs in Europe. And although its German owners are content for the Mini to be a stand-alone brand, the 500 is actually Fiat’s halo car, albeit its smallest model, but one that sells for a premium and will likely enhance Fiat’s reputation. You could call it bottom-up marketing.

Riding atop the Panda’s front-drive platform, the 500 handles well. With a lower center of gravity than the Panda and a wider stance, the 1.4-liter 500 feels better than the equivalent Panda. It is an entertaining drive, with enough power to spin its front wheels, a slick six-speed gearbox that does a good job of compensating for the engine’s lack of torque, and a sport button that increases the effort of the electric power steering while increasing throttle sensitivity.

The seating position is a bit too high and the interior trim doesn’t feel quite as good as it looks, but the designers deserve credit for the new-old style of the single instrument, which houses a speedometer and tachometer in concentric circles and has an electronic display at the center.

It is a bit ironic that this very Italian car is built in Poland. But it’s built alongside its platform mate, the Panda. Could this be the car that brings Fiat back to America? De Meo isn’t ruling out that possibility. An upcoming turbocharged version with 135 horsepower will be sold under the Abarth name (known for high-performance Fiats), and that most powerful of 500s is being considered for the U.S. as the next stage after the reintroduction of Alfa Romeo to the U.S., which is expected in the next two years.

On July 4, 1957, in Turin, Fiat presented the Nuova Fiat 500, a real icon of our times, with which Fiat concluded a revival that had begun straight after the Second World War. On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years later, again in Turin, Fiat will present the new Fiat 500 which will be marketed immediately after the launch. And the new car will conclude an equally important cycle of revival for Fiat Automobiles SpA.

Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in the plant in Tychy (Poland), the new 500 is a 3-door model with very compact measurements: it is 355 cm long, 165 cm wide, 149 cm tall and has a wheelbase of 230 cm. The car is extremely entertaining to drive, due to its three engines: a 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet turbodiesel unit and two petrol engines, the 69 bhp 1.2 8v and the 100 bhp 1.4 16v, all of which are available with five or six speed mechanical gearboxes.

The model confirms Fiat Automobiles SpA’s undisputed leadership in this category – a result of its extraordinary heritage of technical, design and human experience accumulated in over a century – and it takes a quality leap forward in terms of comfort and safety, technology and equipment for this segment.

The new 500 is the most up-to-date solution for the motorist who ‘enjoys’ his car in complete freedom, appreciates it for day-to-day use, but also wishes to drive a car that is entertaining and practical, environmentally-friendly and accessible, but also appealing and full of fun.

Kicking the tires:
First walk around the car is impressive, especially for the high-end models (€14,500). The 500’s design is harmonious in every detail. This particular dealer is smart enough to have a vintage 500 right next to the new one; the size difference is astounding. We mistook the old 500 for a roller skate at first glance.

Warming the seats:
We’re not ashamed to say that the interior is the best part of the nuova 500. The fit and finish is spectacular. The haptics should make the guys over at Lexus think twice about their quality. We know, we know, it sounds crazy, but it’s really that good. One weird aspect is the lack of a traditional glove box. In its place is a Lotus Elise-like shelf.

If you have your heart set on a place to store contraband, you can order a cool little storage box that goes under the passenger side seat bottom. Shockingly, if you put two six footers in the car, there’s still plenty of legroom in the back. Rear headroom, on the other hand, is a struggle. Hopefully your friends are short or don’t mind having their heads bash against the roof.

On the road:
Our tester was equipped with the top shelf petrol engine, a 1.4L 16-valve four pot good for a hundred horsepower and mated to a manual six speed. Even though the engine in the tester has the highest output currently available, (Abarth, you can toss us a tester any time) it’s sort of a buzzy, lazy lump. Take off is peppy, but it’s a flat experience after first gear.

Engine braking is not a possibility as the RPMs just jump up to redline without actually providing any resistance. The car tosses into the corner happily, but the crappy tires on the test car protested loudly. We’d be interested to know how cars equipped with better shoes perform. Amusing for this segment is the “Sport” button. As far as we could tell, the purpose of the button was to light up the “Sport” indicator light, that’s it.

Bottom Line:
The 500 is very pretty, very comfortable, a sipper of fuel, and great as a daily driver in the cramped streets of Europe. It will probably do very well considering the low price, handsome styling and three-page long options list. We’re definitely smitten with the great interior and we like the packaging better than the Mini. If Fiat ever plans on bringing it over to the US, they’ll need to rework that motor to have a chance of competing with the unter-Bimmer, but we see great possibilities in this little car.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door hatchback

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE (Italy): $16,000

ENGINES: SOHC 8-valve 1.2-liter inline-4, 59 hp, 75 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.3-liter diesel inline-4, 68 hp, 107 lb-ft; DOHC 16-valve 1.4-liter inline-4, 94 hp, 94 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 90.6 in Length: 139.8 in Width: 65.0 in Height: 58.7 in
Curb weight: 2150 lb

PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST, 1.4-LITER):
Zero to 62 mph: 9.5 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 115 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST, 1.4-LITER):
European combined cycle: 36 mpg

A new Fiat 500 was announced by Italian automaker Fiat on May 5, 2006. Images of the new Fiat 500 were presented on March 20, 2007, and the car was launched officially on July 4, 2007, with 250,000 in attendance. This was the largest launch party held in the last ten years, a testament to the 500’s huge popularity. The car was displayed in the squares of 30 cities in Italy for the launch.

The car is produced at the moment only in Tychy, Poland, by Fiat Auto Poland alongside a sister model, the second generation Ford Ka due for release in 2008, and the other city car in the Fiat range, the Panda.

The 500 is almost identical to the concept car Trepiùno, presented in 2004. Strictly a four-seater, three-door hatchback and about the same length as the Panda, it is intended to compete both in the city car market and the “fashion car” niche market. The 500 may be badged in different markets as the Fiat 500, the Fiat Nuovo 500, or the Fiat Cinquecento.

The 500 is available with three different trim levels: Pop, Lounge and Sport. Customers can choose also between 15 interior trims, 9 wheel options, 19 decals and 12 body colours. There are over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours and trims.The car is also available with Blue&Me Navigation system.

The launch show, which took part in the Turin’s Murazzi del Po region, was a huge firework spectacle that also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the old 500 launch. The show was coordinated by Marco Balich, who was also responsible for Turin’s 2006 Winter Olympic Games, and was an event never made before for a car launch. Several artists performed during the show, including Lauryn Hill, Israeli dancing group Mayumana and others. In the first part of the show, artists reproduced scenes of the 60s, such as scenes from films by Federico Fellini, a Beatle’s show made by a cover band and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Happy Birthday, Mr. President, which became “Happy Birthday, dear Cinquecento” (sung by a Marilyn cover to celebrate the original 500’s fifty years). Several bikes also represented the Giro d’Italia competition, filmed by a camera man inside an original 500, just like in the 60s. Both the 500 and the bikes floated on the river.

The show was broadcast live by Italian Canale 5 and by a live video stream at fiat500.com, which was watched by over 100,000 people online.

The design of the new 2007 Fiat 500 is based on the Fiat Trepiuno concept introduced at the 74th Geneva Motorshow in 2004. This car featured a distinctive retro-look, with Fiat hoping to emulate the retro-styled Volkswagen New Beetle and success that the BMW MINI achieved in recent years, with the 500 being substantially cheaper than those cars, with a starting price of €10,500. The basic price is 10,500 euro in Italy; with options 15,000 euro. Trepiuno was designed by Fiat Stile Centre.

The new 500 has seven airbags (five in the UK-spec models) in all models except the “naked” (sold only in Italy) version. There are also electric aids available such as ABS brakes, ESP (electronic stability program), ASR (antislip regulation), HBA (hydraulic brake assistance) and hill holder device.[8] The 500 was awarded with 5 stars by EuroNCAP, succeeding the BMW MINI as the shortest car to have a five-star rating.[9]Fiat also said that the 500 was engineered so that it will be able to achieve a six-star rating when EuroNCAP starts to adopt this classification.

A project called “500 wants you” was launched by Fiat as part of a major online advertising campaign. The project uses the Internet to involve the public in planning the evolution of the new vehicle. The official 500 internet page has been visited by over four million people.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has indicated that the United States may receive the newly designed Fiat 500. “Sooner or later it is a possibility that the 500 will arrive on the American market,” he said, adding “but it will not happen now, probably after 2010.”

It is rumored that the 135-horsepower Abarth version will make it to U.S. shores after 2010. The car would likely be sold in U.S. Alfa Romeo dealerships after Alfa Romeo (set to return to the U.S. in 2009) retains a firm foothold in the market.

Fiat chief technology officer Harald J. Wester revealed there are two new small cars in the works and the 500 minicar will be sold in North America, although he didn’t give a timeline. He also confirmed the car would be produced at either a U.S. plant or one of Fiat’s existing facilities in South America.

The Fiat 126 was a city car introduced in 1972 as a replacement for the Fiat 500. Most were produced in Poland as the Polski Fiat 126p until 2000. It was replaced by the front-engined Fiat Cinquecento in 1993.

The 126 used much of the same mechanical underpinnings and layout as its rear-engined predecessor, but with an all new bodyshell closely resembling a scaled-down Fiat 127. Engine capacity gradually increased from 594 cc to 652 cc and then to 704 cc in new “restyling” model Fiat 126 Bis (1987-1991), with 26 bhp of motive power.

In Italy, the car was produced in the plants of Cassino and Termini Imerese until the 1980s.

The car continued however to be manufactured by FSM in Poland, where the 126 was produced from 1973 to 2000 as the Polski Fiat 126p. After the introduction of the 126 Bis (126p with water-cooled engine – Polish own construction), the original model continued to be produced for the Polish market. The car was also produced on license by Zastava in Yugoslavia. In 1984, the 126 received a facelift, giving it plastic bumpers (for all versions) and a new dashboard. This model named Fiat 126p FL. In 1994, the 126p received its next facelift, and some parts from Fiat Cinquecento, this version named 126 EL. The 126 ELX introduced a catalytic converter.

Despite clever marketing, the 126 never achieved the frenzied popularity of the 500. The total number of 126 produced is estimated at c. 1,300,000 in Italy, 3,300,000 in Poland and an unknown number in Yugoslavia.

Polski Fiat 126p (literally in English: Polish Fiat 126p) was produced in Poland between 1973 and 2000. At first it was almost identical with the basic model, but there were some differences, like the higher chassis, the modified grille on the back, and the front blinkers that were white in Italy but orange for other markets. To distinguish it from the original Italian car, the letter “p” was added to its name. It was produced by Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych (FSM) in Bielsko-Biała and Tychy under Italian Fiat license. Due to a relatively low price it used to be very popular in Poland and was arguably the most popular car in Poland in 1980s. Its very small size gave it the nickname Maluch (“the small one”, pronounced “Mah-looh”, IPA: ['malux]). The nickname became so popular that in 1997 it was accepted by the producer as the official name of the car.

It was exported to many Eastern bloc countries and for several years it was one of the most popular cars in Poland and in Hungary, too. It also found market success in Australia for several years from the the late 1980s to the early 1990s under the brand name FSM – Niki 650.

History of PF 126p

* 1972 – the FSM car factory was built in Bielsko-Biała.
* 6 June 1973 – the first Polski Fiat 126p constructed from Italian parts. It cost about 69 000 zlotys (an average monthly salary in that times was about 3,500 zlotys while low income was 800 zloty)
* 22 July 1973 – the official opening of the factory’s production line (till the end of that year over 1500 Fiats were manufactured) .
* September 1975 – production started in a factory in Tychy.
* 1977 – engine capacity increased from 594 cc (36,26″) to 652 cc (39,80″). Engine power increased to about 24 hp equal about 17 kW.
* 1978 – production of types with engine capacity 594 cc stopped.
* 1979 – production of Polski Fiat 126p continued only in Bielsko-Biała.
* 1981 – 1,000,000th Polski Fiat 126p produced.
* December 1984 – technical changes in the construction and body. Type FL created.
* 1987 – beginning of the production of Polski Fiat 126p Bis version (capacity 700 cc – 42,73″).
* May 1993 – 3,000,000th Polish Fiat 126p produced.
* September 1994 – body improvement, creating type “el” with parts similar to those used in Fiat Cinquecento.
* January 1997 – introduction of a catalytic converter.
* October 2000 – production was stopped after a production of 3,320,000 units. All Fiats of the last limited Happy End series were yellow.

The global production of this amiable car was 4,670,000 units : 1,350,000 in Italy and 3,320,000 in Poland.

The PF 126p has a very special meaning for the Poles and its story had a connection with Polish politics in a communist period (Polish People’s Republic, up to 1989). In a communist system, a private car was considered a luxury good, due to limited availability and low salaries. In 1971, there were only 556,000 passenger cars in Poland[2]. It should be noted that in a socialist planned economy, a decision whether a state-owned factory can produce a car was taken on a political basis, not an economic one. The authorities themselves initially did not find the idea of private cars attractive. The first relatively cheap Polish car was Syrena, but its production was limited. Limited numbers of cars were also imported from other Eastern Bloc countries. It was difficult to buy a foreign car because the Polish currency złoty was not exchangeable, just like currencies in other communist states, and there was no free market. The PF 126p was supposed to be the first real popular car, to motorize ordinary families (from this point of view, it is commonly considered as the Polish Volkswagen Beetle or Citroën 2CV). The licence was bought after the rule in Poland was taken by the new communist party leader, Edward Gierek, who wanted to gain popular favour by increasing consumption after spartan times of ascetic Władysław Gomułka. Despite it was a very small city car, in reality it was the only choice for most families, playing a role of a family car (common holiday view were four-person families riding PF-126s abroad with huge suitcases on a roof rack; sightings of PF-126s towing a small-type caravan were a few times also reported). Its production, however, was not sufficient and the PF 126p was distributed through a waiting list. Often the families had to wait a couple of years to buy a car. A coupon for a car could also be given by the authorities for merits.

Fiat has announced the restyling of its flagship Croma. The Nuova Croma is now called a station wagon. The Nuova Croma is unchanged in size (4.78 m long, 1.77 m wide and 1.60 m high, with a 2.70 m wheelbase). The trunk volume is unchanged too (500 liters with 5 passengers, 1,600 liters with the backseat folded).

The main changes to the exterior are the radiator mask now more similar to the Fiat Bravo’s one, and the rear bumper, that gets a new two-colour tone; in the side view the Nuova Croma remains the same as the old model. The engines too are the same available for the pre-restyling version: Multijet diesels (1,9 in two power steps, 120 bhp and 150 bhp and 2,4 five-cylinders 200 bhp) and gasoline units (1,8 140 bhp and 2,2 147 bhp).

here are five different gearboxes: the petrol engines are offered with 5-speed manual transmissions, with the option of sequential automatic transmission on the 2.2 16v, and all the diesel engines have 6-speed gearboxes (the sequential automatic one is offered as an optional on the 150 bhp 1.9 Multijet, and as the standard unit on the 2.4 Multijet).

The Nuova Croma has received the five-star NCAP rating and is equipped with active safety features including ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution). ESP (standard throughout the range) is combined with ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) which intervenes if the driver changes down too abruptly, to return torque to the engine and prevent excessive dragging of the drive wheels, HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance), and hill-holder.

Furthermore, there will be a new infotainement system, which adds to the Hi-Fi “Interscope Sound System” combined with the CONNECT Nav Plus a brand new monitor for the rear-seat passengers that allows to connect a PlayStation.

The production target for the Nuova Croma will be about 50-60.000 cars a year, with prices starting at 23.500 Euro for the 1.8 petrol engine.

The Nuova Croma makes its debut, the Station Wagon as Fiat sees it, a car full of innovation and substance, with new styling and a more rational range. It can boast both second generation Multijet engines and a lavish array of comfort, safety and infotainment equipment.

The Nuova Croma is a benchmark for its segment, with an amazingly roomy interior, and an excellent level of ‘well-being on board’ however long your journey is, thanks to equipment worthy of a flagship that is now the standard outfit, and above all for the original ‘styling’ formula inherited from the previous model – the ‘Comfort Wagon’ concept – that makes it, once more, the roomiest car in its segment.

With its even more dynamic look, the Nuova Croma immediately communicates a new approach to the car. It was designed to meet the needs of European society, where there is a growing trend among ‘new families’ (young families with children) to pay more attention to substance, and to demand safety and reliability from the family car: all at an accessible price. Which is why the new model is ideal for people who need space, practicality and low running costs during the week for professional reasons, and demand a good-looking, comfortable, safe station wagon for their free time, to that they can travel with the whole family in complete peace of mind.

With its elegant, distinctive styling, the Nuova Croma is even more dynamic thanks to a number of styling changes introduced by the Fiat Style Centre. To start with, consistent with the Fiat ‘family feeling’ introduced with the Grande Punto and reiterated on the Bravo, the front of the Nuova Croma features original drop-shaped headlights with distinctive Italian styling, highlighted by a stylish burnished finish; the design of the front air inlet and the grille with its wide links and Crome Shadow painting, is also new.

There is a new rear bumper, very similar to an air extractor, which gives the car a sportier look, and the same dynamism conveyed in the side view by the new light clusters, together with the wings, rear spoiler and new sideskirts. Last but not least, the model’s elegant look is underlined by the combination of polished black pillars with new chrome detailing on the window frames and rubbing strips.

The interior of the car has also received a number of styling changes that underline the typically Italian refinement (new cloth or leather upholstery for the seats and an original Wenghe-effect treatment of the mouldings) as well as a new steering wheel and a richer, more elegant instrument panel.

The Nuova Croma is available with one bodywork version, which is one of the roomiest in its class; 478 centimetres long, 177 wide, 160 tall, and with a wheelbase of 270 cm, measurements that translate into an extraordinary amount of space inside.
The model’s distinguishing features are the generous amount of headroom for passengers, and the space between the seats (the best in its category), while the raised driving position guarantees excellent control over the road and better exterior visibility, even for rear passengers.

Thanks to the flat floor and the raised front and rear H points, it is extremely easy to get in and out of the car. What is more, the new model has one of the largest glazed areas in its market bracket (3.254 m2), and guarantees excellent acoustic and vibrational comfort, thanks to painstaking analysis of the passenger compartment and specific suspension calibration.
Another strong point of the Nuova Croma is the modular luggage compartment with its loading volume of 500 litres that becomes 1,610 litres up to the roof with the rear seats folded down. The luggage compartment is fitted with a practical Cargo box system that exploits all the available space: a removable shelf the same size as the luggage compartment that creates a continuous floor, level with the bumper ledge, to simplify loading and unloading. It also acts as a cover for a lower storage area 16 centimetres high, where fragile or valuable items can be stowed away from prying eyes. The lid of the cargo box can also be stored on the bottom of the well to increase loading capacity.

The raised driving position and ergonomic controls make travelling in the Nuova Croma particularly enjoyable. And there are numerous exclusive accoutrements to choose from: a brand new DVD player, the Blue&Me™ system (also available in the NAV version), the ‘Interscope Sound System’ Hi-Fi and CONNECT Nav Plus. The Nuova Croma also proposes the best the market can offer in terms of automatic devices that help to reduce the fatigue of driving, for example Cruise Control, a rain sensor, parking sensor, tyre pressure sensor and Follow-me-home headlights that stay on for a few seconds. We should also mention the ‘adaptive cornering’ function of the front foglights, that are activated automatically with the dipped beams on the basis of the steering angle.

And finally, to raise the level of comfort even higher, the Nuova Croma adopts a reliable, tried and tested suspension system, with MacPherson struts at the front and Multilink suspension at the rear, tyres designed specifically to enhance comfort and safety, and electro-hydraulic power steering that makes all manoeuvres more comfortable.

Original outside, spacious and quiet inside. The Nuova Croma is the Station Wagon from Fiat, designed for people with very different needs, taste and life styles, but who all share one thing: they want their car to be comfortable. And for people who also want exciting performance, the Croma offers the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine (combined with a 6-speed automatic sequential gearbox), which tops its class for specific power: 83 bhp/litre.

The Nuova Croma comes with two sparkling petrol engines (140 bhp 1.8 16v and 147 bhp 2.2 16v, the latter not available in Italy) and three Multijet turbodiesels (120 or 150 bhp 1.9 and 200 bhp 2.4) which reiterate Fiat Group Automobiles’ superiority in the field of diesel engines. All the engines meet EU Stage 4 emission standards, and the diesel units are fitted with particulate filters. They are offered with 5 different gearboxes that exploit the engine performance in full; all the petrol engines are combined with 5-speed transmissions, with the option of sequential automatic transmission on the 2.2 16v, and all the diesel engines have 6-speed gearboxes (the sequential automatic unit is offered as an alternative on the 150 bhp 1.9 Multijet, and as the standard unit on the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet 20v).

The Nuova Croma was designed and built to achieve the highest safety standards, and has been awarded the prestigious five-star NCAP rating that puts it at the top of its class, thanks to an array of sophisticated devices that are standard equipment on the model, starting from passive safety features such as: 2 ‘dual stage’ frontal airbags, 2 side airbags at the front, 2 curtain-bags and a knee-bag for the driver (rear sidebags are available on request).

The new Fiat Station Wagon behaves predictably at all times, thanks to the sophisticated electronic devices it incorporates to control dynamic behaviour: from braking to drive. They include ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and, above all, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) which is standard throughout the range. The ESP on the Nuova Croma incorporates a number of additional features: ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) which limits drive wheel slippage when road grip is poor; MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) which intervenes if the driver changes down too abruptly, to return torque to the engine and prevent excessive dragging of the drive wheels; HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance), electro-hydraulic brake assistance, which automatically intervenes during panic braking; and finally, the Hill-holder that helps the driver on hill starts.

The Nuova Croma is a car of substance that comes in an extremely comprehensive range. Different solutions are offered on different markets, but they all offer the same value for money. In Italy, for example, the range includes a choice of 4 engines (the 2.2 petrol engine is not available), 5 outfits (Classic, Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Must), 10 bodywork colours, and 4 interior environments, available in a choice of cloth, Castiglio and two types of leather.

We must not forget that the Nuova Croma range offers every customer, no matter how demanding, a choice between different options and accessories which may underline the model’s practicality and versatility, or cater for the customer’s practical and emotional demands. The Nuova Croma is perfect not only for the modern family, but also for businesses and professionals. And as a result, Fiat Automobiles Financial Services proposes a range of purchasing solutions and use formulae aimed specifically at these customers.

Engine size: 2197 ccm (134.06 cubic inches)
Fuel type: Gasoline, unleaded 95
Fuel mixed driving: 8.6 litres/100 km (27.35 miles per gallon)
Seats: 5
Drive: Front wheels
Transmission: 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
Engine and transmission
Engine location: Front, transverse
Displacement: 2197 ccm (134.06 cubic inches)
Engine type: Inline, 4 cylinder
Max power: 147.00 PS (108 kW or 145 HP) at 5800 Rev. per min.
Max torque: 203.00 Nm (20.7 kgf-m or 149.7 ft.lbs) at 4000 Rev. per min.
Compression: 10.0:1
Bore x stroke: 86.0 x 94.6 mm (3.4 x 3.7 inches)
Fuel system: Injection
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel control: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
Speed and acceleration
Top speed: 210.0 km/h (130.5 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 10.1 seconds
Power/weight ratio: 0.0927 PS/kg
Exterior and interior
Chassis type: Combi
Max no. of doors: 5
Passenger space: 4,980 litres (1,316 gallons)
Cargo space: 500 litres (132 gallons)
Optional cargo space: 1,610 litres (425 gallons)
Aerodynamic dragcoefisient: 0.3
Steering, brakes and tires
Steering: Traction control. Electronic stabilasation program (ESP).
Brake details: Antiblocking system (ABS).
Front tire dimensions: 200/55-R16
Rear tire dimensions:
Dimensions and weight
Weight: 1,585 kg (3,494.3 pounds)
Max weight with load: 2,030 kg (4,475.4 pounds)
Towing weight: 1,500 kg (3,306.9 pounds)
Overall length: 4,760 mm (187.4 inches)
Overall width: 1,780 mm (70.1 inches)
Overall height: 1,600 mm (63.0 inches)
Wheelbase: 2,710 mm (106.7 inches)
Fuel capacity: 62.0 litres (16.38 gallons)
Other specifications
Aprox price as new EUR: 21930
CO2 emissions: 146.0 g/km

nternally codenamed Project 176, the Punto was announced in September 1993 and launched in early 1994 as a replacement for the aging Fiat Uno. The Punto was voted European Car of the Year for 1995. The Punto’s distinctive clean-cut styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro was an instant hit (though one of the car’s most recognisable features, the vertical tail lights, were not part of Giugiaro’s original design and were in fact added later in-house at Fiat). Competitive pricing which undercut rivals such as the Opel Corsa and Volkswagen Polo also helped the Punto become an instant success in the marketplace.

Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 L petrol engines and the 1.7 diesel engine. The 1.2 engine’s actual capacity is 1.242 liters, available in 2 versions. The first, was fitted in the Punto ELX 75 and produced 75 HP at 6000 RPM while the second, fitted to Punto ELX 85 produced 86 HP at 6000 RPM. Both came with a 5 speed manual gearbox. A 1.6 Sporting was also available producing 88bhp (replaced in 1997 by the more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) 1.4 GT using an evolution of the turbocharged 128 SOHC engine originally found in the Fiat Uno Turbo Mk II- capable of running over 200 km/h (124 mph) and reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.9 seconds. This car was also fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with different gear ratios than the ELX series. During the years the GT was made in three different “series” with power 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) (1993-1995),133 PS (131 hp/98 kW) (1995-1997) and 130 PS (128 hp/96 kW) (1997-1999). A cabriolet (convertible) version was also available; built by Bertone (rather than at the main Fiat factory) it featured a powered fully-retracting roof and was one of the cheapest open-top cars in the world at the time.

Particular version of the Mark I Punto were the Punto 6Speed, a 1.1 FIRE Punto 55 with a 6-speed gearbox, the Punto Selecta, the only Punto in history with the automatic gearbox, and the Punto ED (Economical Drive), a 1.1 Punto whose 5-speed geabox was designed for high fuel efficiency.

Body style(s) 3/5-door hatchback
Engine(s) 1.2 L 8v I4
1.2 L 16v I4
1.8 L 16v I4
1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed manual (Sporting)
6 or 7-speed CVT/semi-auto (Speedgear)
Wheelbase 2460 mm (96.9 in)
Length 3800 mm (149.6 in)
Width 1660 mm (65.4 in)
Height 1480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight 860–1050 kg (1895–2314 lb)
Fuel capacity 47 L (10.3 Imp. gallons)
(12.4 U.S. gal)

The second generation Nuova (New) Punto, codenamed Project 188, was launched in 1999. The styling was all-new while retaining the original Punto’s distinctive shape and design, while the chassis and interior were completely overhauled. The new Punto also became the first Fiat in decades to carry the original round Fiat badge, to celebrate Fiat’s centenary.

The 1.1 and 1.4 turbo engines were discontinued due to emissions issues, and the entry-level models had only a 1.2 petrol unit (with either 8 or 16 valves, giving 60 and 80 hp respectively) or a 1.9 diesel (with or without common-rail injection). Two sporty versions vere offered. The 1.2 16 valve Sporting model, complete with 6 speed gearbox, and the hot 1.8 HGT which could reach almost 130 mph. The HGT accelerates 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, it was considered a big improvement in handling over the Mark 1 GT.

The Mark two Fiat Punto has also adopted Dualdrive electric power steering and comes with two operation modes, using an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine. This results in reduced fuel consumption and less environmental impact. It has a fuel economy of 31.7 mpg – urban and 58.4 mpg – extra urban for the 1.7 diesel. The 1.8 petrol does 31.7 mpg – urban and 48.7 – extra urban.

Performance
0-60 mph 8.6 seconds.
Top Speed 125 mph | 201.1 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine
Engine Configuration I
Cylinders 4
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Displacement 1747.00 cc | 106.6 cu in. | 1.7 L.
Valves 16 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain DOHC
Horsepower 130.00 BHP (95.7 KW) @ 6300.00 RPM
Torque 121.00 Ft-Lbs (164.1 NM) @ 4300.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio 17.6 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter 76.5 BHP / Liter
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Transmission Information
Gears 5
Transmission Manual

Dimensions
Bed Length 55.00
Seating Capacity 4
Exterior
Length 149.601 in | 3799.9 mm.
Width 65.401 in | 1661.2 mm.
Height 58.301 in | 1480.8 mm.
Wheelbase 96.901 in | 2461.3 mm.
Vehicles with similar dimensions

Steering
Rack and Pinion with Power Assist

Tires / Wheels
Tires 185/55 R15 V

Fiat Abarth Grande Punto S2000 Testing.

Fiat Panda 4X4 vs Range Rover

The Fiat Barchetta (pronounced “bar-KET-tuh”) is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat from 1995 to 2005 (though production was paused between May 2002 and 2004).
The Barchetta was developed between 1990 and 1994 under the project name Tipo B Spider 176. It was designed by Andreas Zapatinas, Peter Barrett Davis and other car designers at the Fiat Centro Stile, and prototyping was carried out by Stola.Production began in February 1995. The Barchetta was based on the chassis of the Mark 1 Fiat Punto. Its 131 PS / 96 kW engine is the 1.8 L petrol engine, with twin-cam and variable camshaft timing, which is notorious for its diesel-like clattering noise when failing. The Barchetta weighs 1060 kg (2337 lb) without air conditioning and can accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

The Barchetta was revised in 2003 for its relaunch the following year, with a myriad of small alterations inside and out. Production of the car finally stopped in June 2005. Car bodies were welded at ILCAS in Sparone Canavese, and final assembly was done in Chivasso by the coachbuilder Maggiora. After Maggiora’s bankruptcy in 2002, Fiat relocated production of the Barchetta to its Mirafiori plant and resumed production two years later. Production of the Barchetta was limited to left hand drive cars only, even though the car was marketed and sold in two right hand drive markets, the United Kingdom and Japan.

It must be one of the shortest stays ever in new car showrooms. Italian giant Fiat has axed its Croma range from UK dealer forecourts because of “disappointing sales”.The compact MPV with estate car styling was launched in autumn 2005. But the manufacturer sold only 440 examples to the end of that year, while 2006 saw 827 find homes. It’s disappointing, but the figures speak for themselves,” said a company spokesman. “Fiat hasn’t stopped Croma production in Italy, and it continues to be made in right-hand drive. We’ve got a few in stock, but we won’t import the car in volume.”

Fiat will, however, still sell the cars to customers directly if they would specifically like to buy a Croma: “We can supply people who want one, although it will be done centrally, rather than via the dealer network,” said the spokesman. The decision is down to Fiat’s need to prioritise the model lines it wants to promote. The company would rather put a big effort behind vehicles such as the Panda and Sedici, plus the forthcoming 500 city car.

Fiat has reviewed the reasons for the Croma’s poor UK performance, but won’t reveal them publicly. The 10-strong range included three trims and a choice of four engines. Then Auto Express contacted one dealer posing as a potential customer, the salesman told us: “Fiat is not recognised for selling large cars in Britain, and it’s difficult to get people to think about the company if that’s what they’re looking for.”

It is available in both 3- and 5-door hatchback versions, as well as a station wagon called “Stilo MultiWagon”. The Stilo has a 4* Euro NCAP safety rating. Originally, its petrol engines were the 1242 cc DOHC 16 valve engine also powering the Punto and Lancia Ypsilon with an output of 80 bhp (60 kW) combined with a 6 speed manual gearbox, a 102 bhp (76 kW), 1.6 L with a 5 speed manual gearbox, a 131 bhp (97 kW), 1.8 L, again with a 5 speed manual gearbox and a 168 bhp (125kW), 5 cylinder, 2.4 L engine combined with Fiat’s Selespeed 5 speed semi-automatic gearbox, also used on the Alfa Romeo 147. The 2.4 L engine was reserved for the hatchback versions. An 8 valve, 1.9 JTD unit with 115, 120, 130 or 16 valve 150 bhp diesel unit were/are also available.

The Stilo’s styling received mixed reviews, with many journalists and enthusiasts criticising it as being too bland and too German-looking. Critics also attacked the car’s excessive weight and its semi-rigid rear axle, which was seen as a step backwards from the acclaimed set-up used in the Bravo/Brava and which resulted in handling many found uninspired and uninvolving. The engine range, particularly the 1.2 litre petrol, was also criticised for being underpowered. The car’s fuel economy was also seen as poor for its class, a result of the car’s heavy weight and the transmission, which used very long gear ratios. Another point of criticism was the Selespeed gearbox, which was seen as too slow in its reactions and particularly inappropriate for the high-powered Abarth version. Nevertheless, the car won praise for its high levels of grip (aided by the unusually wide tires) and its brakes.
In the UK, different trim levels available are/were: Active, Active Aircon, Blue, Dynamic, Sporting, Abarth, GT, Prestigio, XBOX limited edition, Michael Schumacher and the Schumacher GP, with general modifications by British car specialists, Prodrive.
The Stilo was the first car worldwide to use the TRW Column-Drive Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) technology later introduced on the 2003 Nissan Micra & Renault Megane.
As the Stilo model range has aged, the amount of equipment from the options list has now been lessened. The Stilo was originally offered in some markets with a radar guided cruise control option; it included sensors in the front bumper and rear of the car to adjust the speed of the car according to other vehicles’ speed. This was soon dropped as it became apparent that other interferences were creating undesired results for the driver. A keyless entry, named ‘Easy Go’, push button start, similar in function to Renault’s, Mercedes’ and BMW Mini’s systems, was also an available option.

For MY2006 the Stilo was updated with a new front grille, different seat fabric, a relocation of the electric mirror controls from the window control console to just behind the gear stick, removal of the centre arm-rest (which when in the downward position prevented comforable use of the handbrake as in the Audi A3) and the deletion of the rear air vent.

The Stilo was ultimately a sales disappointment. An extensive advertising campaign using Formula 1 stars Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello did little to aid the car’s sales. In 2004, the 1242 cc engine was dropped in favour of the Punto’s 1.4 L unit, increasing the car’s power to 95 bhp (71 kW), again combined with the 6 speed gearbox. Also, the taillights were altered and the Abarth version gained a manual gearbox instead of the Selespeed.

For those who own a ratty, old Fiat Spider or X1/9 and dream of a day when the Italian carmaker returns to America, don’t hold your breath. But do make plans to travel to Geneva to witness the rebirth of Fiat’s performance brand, Abarth. At the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, Fiat is presenting two new cars: The Grand Punto Abarth Preview and Grande Punto Abarth S2000.

The Grand Punto Abarth Preview is a snapshot of the production car that goes on sale in Europe in September. The Grand Punto competes directly with BMW’s Mini. Power comes from a 155-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder, but buyers will be able to purchase a booster kit pushing output to 180 hp.

The Grande Punto Abarth S2000 gets us really excited but, unfortunately, is only available as a rally car. It features four-wheel-drive and a 270-hp, turbocharged four. Look for the Abarth S2000 in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship.

This car is small and very fast.
Original engine was .0650 CC (25HP), new engine has 1.7 CC (140 HP).
0-60 6.0 secend
0-200 18.0 secend
This is cool car

Driving Backwards Fiat 126p