27.10.2004 Fiat Auto SA will be rejuvenating its entire commercial range this year, starting with the Strada, which will be PREVIEWED to the South African public when the 'Auto Africa Expo 2004 opens its doors today

Fiat Auto South Africa (FASA) will be rejuvenating its entire commercial vehicle range during the coming year, with the new Strada pick-up among the most significant new models to be offered in this sector.

Due to be launched in mid-2005, the Strada will be a key product in Fiat’s model line-up, supporting the further development of the brand and the dealer network in South Africa.

Today FASA will reveal the pick-up to South African's for the first time when the latest edition of the bi-annual motor show, 'Auto Africa Expo 2004', opens its doors to the public.

The Strada will also form the cornerstone of Fiat Auto’s expanded export strategy, as the local operation will serve as the global source of right-hand drive versions of this three quarter-ton light commercial vehicle (LCV).

More specifically, FASA is responsible for Fiat’s growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Strada is set to form an important part of this expansion process. “The Strada has proved its capacity to lead the market in countries such as Brazil,” explains Giorgio Gorelli, managing director of Fiat Auto South Africa.

“Locally, the Strada will prove an extremely important player in the light commercial vehicle sector, bringing cutting-edge European technology and processes to this segment.

“While building a separate new identity for Fiat’s commercial vehicle range, the Strada will also lead the way by offering exceptional reliability, low running costs as well as easy servicing and maintenance, particularly in the case of the turbodiesel engine,” Gorelli says.

Indeed, the Strada has proved an important contender in the South American LCV market, leading the industry with some 25 000 units sold each year.

The latest version earmarked for local release recently benefited from an extensive facelift, giving it a more up-to-date and attractive styling. Using the Palio platform as a basis, the Strada is designed to satisfy a wide variety of roles, ranging from traditional workhorse applications through to leisure-oriented activities.

This is achieved by combining the benefits of a car, in terms of agility, driving ease, comfort, attractive style and power, with the hard-working nature of a light commercial vehicle.

Credited with a payload of over 700 kg, the Strada exceeds the limitations of the conventional half-ton segment, opening up new opportunities for both private and business use.

The appealing design reveals an ideal balance between cabin and load area, featuring generously proportioned doors that boost accessibility and practicality. Generous space is provided in the cabin, offering high levels of comfort, while large glass areas aid all-round visibility.

One of the greatest strengths of the Strada is a large and practical load box that is a full 1 770 mm in length and 1 350 mm wide. With a useful 1 090 mm between wheel arches, and a very competitive load rating of 705 kg, the Strada is credited with a 1 100 litre capacity, making it a very attractive choice for load-lugging roles.

Practicality is further enhanced with sturdy tie-down hooks located within the load compartment, allowing objects to be secured with ease. The Strada’s suspension has been designed to strike the optimal balance between driving comfort and load-carrying ability.

The front set-up comprises an independent MacPherson strut layout with forged steel lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar, while a live axle is used at the rear, along with longitudinal single-section parabolic leaf springs.

Braking is taken care of by a dual-circuit cross-over system with load proportioning valve – the latter ensuring the best possible braking performance regardless of the load conditions. Ventilated 257 mm discs are used in front; with the 228 mm drum brakes at the rear incorporating self-centering shoes and automatic play take-up.

Three engine options will be offered, including a 1 697 cc four-cylinder turbodiesel unit that offers low running costs, frugal consumption and exceptional reliability. The 1.7 TD has a power output of 51 kW at 4 600 r/min, matched to a maximum torque figure of 135 Nm at 2 500 r/min.

A 1,6-litre 16-valve engine heads the petrol range, boasting 74 kW of power at 5 500 r/min, linked to 140 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min. Catering for a more affordable price segment is the 1,2-litre eight-valve engine, with figures of 54 kW at 6 000 r/min and 102 Nm at 3 250 r/min.

The final specification, equipment levels and pricing will be announced in due course. However, when it makes its debut in mid 2005, the Strada will be a notable entrant into the commercial vehicle segment, offering business and private buyers alike a thoroughly convincing package that is sure to make it a popular contender in the highly competitive LCV class.