21.10.2004 The opening of the 2004 edition of the Salão de São Paulo today will see Fiat Automóveis unveil a special version of the Doblò Adventure, the Estrada Real

The opening of the 2004 edition of the Salão de São Paulo will see Fiat unveil a special version of the Doblò Adventure, the Estrada Real (Real Road).

This new version of the popular all-terrain Doblò, built in Brazil, and known locally as the 'Adventure', is targeted at customers "who seek the spirit of freedom, both on and off road", as well as paying homage to the famous Estrada Real.

The Estrada Real is a 1,400km stretch of highway that thrusts itself up the centre of the giant South American nation. Built in colonial times, it opened up Brazil's inner heartlands for the first time, allowing gold and other precious rocks to be mined and then brought down to the coastline around Rio de Janeiro.

Today the Estrada Real is also a focus for tourists, awestruck by the breathtaking natural vistas that can be witnessed along its huge length. Fiat Automóveis, the Brazilian arm of the Italian carmaker, is one of the routes supporter's, and this new model aims to highlight this fact.

Powered by a 108bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine, and riding 22.3 cm off the ground, the Adventure Estada Real offers a widespread upgrade over the base model. A new enclosed roof mounted rack, rear trunk nets, and door storage bins, help increase load capacity to 360 litres. The luggage area has been redesigned to offer better organisation of space, alowing for the internal transport of bulky items such as bicycles.

Visually, the Doblò Adventure Estrada Real gains logoed door sill protectors, a decal on the front wing, while the rear tyre cover is emblazoned with a country map that picks out the famous route's path. It will also come with a traveller's guide to the Estrada Real. Specially produced for the launch, it includes a detailed history, cultural maps and tips on both lodging and restaurants.

Standard equipment for the Doblò Adventure, which already boasts a raised ride height, strengthened suspension, and chunky, hard-wearing tyres, includes air-bags, ABS, CD player and adjustable level light units.

by Iinuma Wesley in Brazil ( additional material: Warley Zamboni, Autocar Brazil )