Taking initiative, showing commitment, listening to customers and bringing unique products to the South African market.

Fiat is making a bold statement at the Durban Motor Show. This important event provides an opportunity not only to showcase some unique new products due for launch in the South African market very soon, but to continue Fiat’s strong commitment to bringing technologically advanced cars of great quality to an increasingly demanding market, with great value for money.

“I believe there is no better way to show our commitment to the South African market than to put on a full show at the Durban Motor Show with four exciting pieces of news from the world of Fiat,” said Giorgio Gorelli, managing director of Fiat Auto SA. “Fiat cars address some of the most important issues currently facing the South African market: they are reliable, address some unique customer needs and above all they are affordable.”

First up is a turbo diesel derivative of the popular Fiat Palio. “We are breaking into new territory for Fiat and a segment of the market hardly explored with the introduction of an affordable, small diesel hatchback,” says Gorelli. The  Palio 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.  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.

Fuel efficiency is an inherent attraction of this model, as the 1.7TD is capable of consuming an exceptionally frugal 6,9l/100 km in the combined cycle test, allowing for a range of almost 700 km. The same engine is also launched on the spacious new Fiat Siena II,  providing a stylish, spacious and affordable sedan vehicle.  With a boot capacity of 500 dm3 as well as a comfortable cabin, the Siena TD will feel at ease on long trips, be they business or holiday-related.

Fiat’s expansion into the commercial vehicle market is represented in Durban by the Strada, due for launch midway through this year. “The Strada will form the cornerstone of our 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),” said Gorelli.

Using the Palio platform as a basis, the Strada is designed to satisfy a wide variety of needs, ranging from traditional workhorse applications through to leisure-oriented activities. It has a payload of over 700kg, exceeding the limitations of the conventional half-ton segment and opening up new opportunities for both private and business use.

Three engine options will be offered, including a 1 697cc four-cylinder turbodiesel unit with low running costs, frugal consumption and exceptional reliability. The 1.7 TD has a power output of 51kW at 4 600 r/min, matched to a maximum torque figure of 135Nm at 2 500 r/min. A 1,6-litre 16-valve engine heads the petrol range, boasting 74kW of power at 5 500 r/min, linked to 140Nm 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 54kW and 102Nm.
 

Next up on the stand at the Durban Motor Show is the Fiat Punto Automatic, offering high levels of fashion appeal, technology and safety. “We are now able to provide a strong offering in the small automatic segment with the Punto,” says Gorelli. “The transmission features modern technology and continues to show Fiat’s commitment to meeting customer requirements.”

The automatic transmission is mated to the 1 242cc 16-valve petrol engine producing 59kW at 5 000 r/min and 114Nm at 4 000 r/min. In five-door Dynamic guise, the list of standard features is long, making the two-pedal Punto an attractive package as an exciting urban commuter. Central locking, smart front and rear windscreen wipers, electric door mirrors, front fog lights, a 60/40 split rear seat and Dualdrive electric power steering are just some of the standard features. Electric front windows, an LCD onboard computer, air conditioning, ABS, 14-inch alloy wheels and a Blaupunkt radio with CR front loader and six speakers as well as steering wheel mounted audio controls, complete the comprehensive appointments package of the automatic Fiat Punto 1.2 Dynamic.

That brings us to the show piece of Fiat’s activities at the Durban Motor Show and the preview of an all-new model expected half way through the year. “The Fiat Panda will arrive in South Africa as the 2004 European Car of the Year and a unique car in the domestic market,” says Gorelli.

The Panda 4x4 is a car with small external dimensions, but one that offers the comfort normally associated with larger cars. It is innovative, has an appealing design and cutting-edge technology open to all. It brings clever solutions to make onboard life simpler and better. And it combines all these attributes in a distinct personality of its own with a desire to get away from it all.

It is ideal in town traffic, and perfect on longer journeys. It may be experienced as an out-and-out off-roader or a fun car able to weave its way through traffic. This is, in essence, a car with a dual personality that conveys an immediate impression of freshness and fun backed by solidity and sturdiness and a small does of pizzazz.

“The Fiat Panda 4x4 will be a totally unique product in South Africa when we introduce it half way through the year,” says Gorelli. “It has no direct competitors. It has a strong mechanical core that makes it safe, respectable off-road, completely useable on-road and with a typically fun, vibey, Fiat character.”

“The 2005 Durban Motor Show is a base to showcase not only some exciting plans for Fiat, but to show our support of the Durban community as an example of our commitment to the South African community and our continuous investment in products, technology and people,” concluded Gorelli.