The South African motoring scene is changing rapidly. This is particularly evident in the very competitive entry-level segment of the market. Old stalwarts of the more established brands, throwbacks to the past, have had to make way for newer upstarts, superminis which have been specifically designed for the now generation. Enter the Fiat Palio eCo, an up-to-date compact hatch that has it all – style, safety, security and serviceability in a most affordable package.

STYLE & CONVENIENCE

With a recommended price tag of just R71 900 for the Palio eCo three-door and R73 900 for the Palio eCo five-door, don’t imagine that this newcomer is some stripped-down version of Fiat’s evergreen hatch. Standard kit includes: colour-coded bumpers; tinted windows; key-operated central locking; Fiat rolling code immobiliser; intermittent two-speed windscreen wipers; internally adjustable external mirrors; pre-wiring for radio and antenna fitment; heated rear window; rev counter; halogen headlights; 12-volt power point and full wheel covers.

For the past two years, Fiat Auto South Africa in conjunction with Wits University and more recently Fiat Auto Brazil, has undertaken a very comprehensive cost-saving exercise to first of all identify areas to reduce costs in the manufacturing process and, secondly, to pass these savings on to the consumer. The cumulative result of this research is the new Fiat Palio eCo. Although most of the ‘savings’ have taken place under the skin, a few are ‘visible’. Take for example the cloth trim on the door panel. Simply by orienting the ‘grain’ of the fabric to run horizontally as opposed to vertically has resulted in the more economical use of upholstery material. Another example of a running change that will shortly be implemented concerns  the passenger door lock. Central locking renders a key lock on the passenger side redundant and in line with many modern designs, the passenger door will no longer have a visible key lock.

SAFETY & SECURITY

All Palio eCo models feature height-adjustable front head restraints, a third high-level brake light, rear fog lights, side impact bars in all doors, anti-submarining seats, a collapsible steering column and a full-size spare wheel. Fiat’s Fire Prevention System (FPS) is also included as standard. vThis system cuts the fuel supply and the electronics of the car in the event of an accident, thereby reducing the chance of a fire breaking out on impact.
 

Fiat’s rolling code immobiliser is another standard fitment that ensures peace of mind.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

The 1.2 eight-valve engine that sees service in the eCo offers a good balance between drivability and economy. This 1 242 cc unit is credited with 54 kW of power at 6 000 r/min, along with 102 Nm of torque at 3 250 r/min. This contributes to a thoroughly respectable 0-100 km/h time of 13,5 sec and a top speed of 164 km/h. In the combined cycle the 1.2 consumes 7,8 l/100 km, with constant-speed consumption pegged at 5,9 l/100 km and 7,9 l/100 km at 90 km/h and 120 km/h respectively.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKING

The suspension system for the front-wheel drive Palio eCo features independent MacPherson struts with lower wishbones anchored to a subframe, with additional control provided by the integrated anti-roll bar. At the rear, a torsion beam axle is employed with longitudinal trailing arms and a stabilizer bar. Hydraulic telescopic dampers with a double-acting function complement the helical coil springs used all round. Braking is taken care of by a hydraulically controlled dual-circuit system, using 240 mm ventilated front discs on the 1.2, and larger 257 mm versions on the 1.6 16v models. Drum brakes are utilized at the rear with self-centering linings and automatic wear adjustment.

SERVICEABILITY & WARRANTY

The new Fiat Palio Vibe features 20 000 km service intervals (as opposed to the 15 000 km of most of its competitors) and enjoys 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 eCo owners a 12-month Manufacturer Warranty, unlimited mileage, three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation. As with all new Fiat models, the eCo is covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.