Fiat Auto South Africa (FASA) is entering a new market segment with the new Palio II and Siena II by offering the option of a diesel engine for the first time.

Three models will be available namely, Fiat Palio II 1.7 TD, Fiat Palio II 1.7 TD EL and Fiat Siena II 1.7 TD EL. The vehicles will retail for R96 900 for the Fiat Palio II 1.7 TD, R116 900 for the Fiat Palio II 1.7TD EL and R123 100 for the Fiat Siena II 1.7 TD EL respectively.

Diesel power has gained market acceptance at a remarkable rate over the past five years, with the passenger car segment experiencing phenomenal growth in this area, with sales almost tripling.

Thus, the ability to offer the attraction of impressive all-round performance matched to economical consumption is a key strategy in expanding the presence and market penetration of Fiat’s new Palio II and Siena II range.

“We break new ground with the latest Palio II and Siena II as they are now available for the first time with a turbo diesel engine, offering good performance and low running costs,” says Giorgio Gorelli, managing director of Fiat Auto South Africa.

“Not only do the new Palio II and Siena II compete with the latest in style, but they also offer a very attractive proposition in terms of overall affordability and reliability.

“This shows the commitment of Fiat Auto South Africa towards providing our customers with the best value for money, and giving them the reassurance of quality and longevity,” explains Gorelli.

In addition, the local introduction of the diesel engine presents Fiat Auto SA with even greater export opportunities, particularly into Sub-Saharan Africa – a region that offers enormous potential.

ULTIMATE RELIABILITY

In order to offer the best combination of value and reliability, Fiat selected an indirect injection turbo diesel engine for the Palio II and Siena II.

The 1.7 TD uses a pre-chamber and a mechanical pump to deliver the indirect diesel injection, along with a turbocharger to boost all-round performance. A single overhead camshaft and two-valve-per-cylinder configuration are used on this four-cylinder 1 697 cc engine, along with a 20,3:1 compression ratio. This contributes to a power peak of 51 kW at 4 600 r/min. The maximum torque output is rated at 135 Nm at 2 500 r/min.

With a five speed manual gearbox, performance is very lively for a vehicle of this nature, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 16 sec, and a top speed of 160 km/h.

EXCELLENT ECONOMY

Fuel efficiency is an inherent attraction of this model, as the 1.7 TD is capable of consuming an exceptionally frugal 6,9 l/100 km in the combined cycle test, which comprises 18 percent city driving, 57 percent secondary roads and 25 percent highway conditions.

This allows for a tank-to-tank range on the fuel capacity of 47 litres (with an additional 5-7 litre reserve) of almost 700 km.

Constant speed driving at 90 km/h sees the consumption dropping down to a remarkable 5,0 l/100 km. At 120 km/h the 1.7 TD consumes 7,0 l/100 km.
 

This makes the 1.7 TD the most fuel efficient and cost effective model in the range, ensuring exceptionally low running costs – a trait that will appeal to fleet, business and private buyers alike.

FIAT PALIO II 1.7 TD 5dr

The Palio II 1.7 TD is available exclusively in five-door configuration. The entry level Fiat Palio II 1.7 TD is an affordable diesel model with a high level of standard equipment. This includes extensive colour coding on the bumpers and grille surround, with contrasting black side skirts, door handles and exterior mirrors. In addition, the diesel model benefits from 14-inch steel wheels, fitted with full wheel covers and 175/65 R14.

Tinted windows, key-operated central locking, two-speed front windscreen wipers with an intermittent function and a lockable fuel cap are all included on the features list as well as power steering. Further equipment includes the Fiat rolling code immobiliser, a heated rear window, luggage compartment lighting, a single-piece folding rear seat, pre-wiring for radio and antenna fitment, comprehensive instrumentation, internally adjustable side mirrors and 12-volt power point with an integrated ashtray.

Despite its entry-level status, 1.7 TD still counts the likes of height adjustable front head restraints, a high-level third brake light, Fiat’s Fire Prevention System (FPS), rear fog lights, side impact bars in all doors, anti-submarining seats and a collapsible steering column among its numerous safety enhancements.

FIAT PALIO 1.7 TD EL 5dr

The EL specification level takes the Palio II 1.7 TD up a notch, boasting additional comfort and safety features. On the styling front, the EL benefits from full colour coding, which extends to the body-coloured external mirrors, door handles and side skirts.

Functionality and comfort is enhanced with electric front windows, a rear ashtray, height adjustment for the steering wheel, a digital clock, front and rear grab handles, as well a useful 60/40 split for the folding rear seat – the latter extending the standard 290 dm3 load volume to a useful 650 dm³ with the seat folded, remote operated central locking and rear window wiper.

In addition, the EL owner enjoys the benefits of air-conditioning, an interior remote boot opener, illuminated glove box, passenger-side sun visor with mirror, driver’s left footrest, practical door pockets and a modern silver finish on the centre console. On the safety side, an airbag is included for the driver, linked to height adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners for both front seat occupants.

FIAT SIENA II 1.7 TD EL

The equipment level on the Siena II 1.7 TD EL matches that of the equivalent Palio II EL model, with the obvious exclusion of the rear window wiper.

This four-door sedan model offers an attractive combination of space, comfort and practicality – particularly as it has one of the largest boot capacities in its class, rated at 500 dm3. This extends to a commodious 920 dm3 when the 60/40 split folding rear seat is lowered.