The new Fiat Palio II range, which has just gone on sale in South Africa, is defined by style, reliability and affordability, features that are particularly relevant in the highly practical Palio Espresso Van.

“The new Palio Espresso Van delivers a high level of equipment, value and convenience. It defines a new standard in the segment in terms of comfort, safety and versatility.” Says Giorgio Gorelli, managing director of Fiat Auto South Africa. “It provides a uniquely flexible transport solution that will appeal to small business owners, fleet operators and a wide diversity of other applications and working environments.”

Even though it is designed for a working role, the new Palio Espresso Van retains the inherent style and appeal of the new Palio II, while retaining ultimate reliability and price-conscious affordability – both in the purchase price and the running costs.

The new Palio Espresso Van is available in a three-door configuration, with all of the design cues that make the standard new Palio II so distinctive and widely appealing. Adding to its attractive appearance, the new Palio Espresso Van features colour-coded bumpers and a body-colour front grille, with contrasting black side mirrors, door handles and side skirts.

Interior accommodation for the driver and front seat passenger mirrors that of the standard new Palio II, with attractive yet durable ‘Vogue’ cloth trim for the seats. The rear windows are blanked out to provide an added measure of security, keeping items in the load area out of sight, and ensuring a safer load compartment.

The new Palio Espresso Van is credited with a massive 896 dm3 of load space when packed to roof height, making it an extremely effective transport tool for small to medium-sized cargo, as well as precious loads. In the interests of occupant safety, a sturdy grid separates the passenger area from the load compartment, preventing articles from being flung forward through the cabin in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
 

It may be designed for working applications, but the new Palio Espresso Van incorporates an uncharacteristically high level of standard features for a vehicle in this segment.

Tinted windows, intermittent two-speed windscreen wipers, internally adjustable external mirrors and pre-wiring for radio and antenna fitment are all included in the basic retail price. In addition, vehicle security is taken care of by key-operated central locking and the Fiat CODE rolling code immobiliser – both of which ensure a significantly higher level of protection than is normally enjoyed at this level.

Practicality is enhanced with the inclusion of a heated rear window, interior remote boot opener; rev counter and a 12-volt power point.

In line with its working role, the new Palio Espresso Van features 13-inch steel wheels adorned with a centre cap, matched to 155/80 R13 tyres.

As with the passenger models in the new Palio II range, the new Palio Espresso Van benefits from adjustable front head restraints, a third high-level brake light, rear fog lights, halogen headlights, side impact bars in all doors, anti-submarining seats, a collapsible steering column, Fire Prevention System (FPS) and a full-size spare wheel.

Power is provided by Fiat’s renowned 1,2-litre eight-valve engine. This 1 242 cc four-cylinder unit is credited with 54 kW of power at 6 000 r/min, along with 102 Nm of torque at 3 250 r/min, allowing for a respectable 0-100 km/h time of 13,5 sec and a top speed of 164 km/h in unladen conditions.

Low fuel consumption is also an attractive element of this package, as the 1.2 engine consumes just 7,8 l/100 km in the combined cycle. This drops down to 5,9 l/100 km at a steady 90 km/h, with a corresponding figure of 7,9 l/100 km at 120 km/h.

Adding to the low running costs, the new Palio Espresso Van only requires servicing every 20 000 km and enjoys the full after-sales backing in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and to trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide.

Fiat Auto South Africa offers Fiat owners a 24-month Manufacturer Warranty, unlimited mileage and an additional 12-month Dealer Extended Warranty or up to 100 000km in total, three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION