Fiat Automòveis have just introduced onto the Brazilian market flex-fuel engined versions of the Fiorino Furgão and Uno Furgão vans, increasing their long-standing appeal and competitive market position. The Fiorino and Uno vans, which are based on the B-segment Uno versions previously sold in Europe, are already recognised in South America for their all-round versatility, resistance, excellent fuel economy and low base cost of maintenance.

The Uno, now known as the "Mille", is still one of the most popular entry level cars in South America and the Fiorino and Uno Furgão feature its recently revised styling, including bigger bumpers and radiator grille, as well as its enhanced safety features.

Rolling out the Magnetti Marelli developed "FlexFuel" engine technology, which is now embedded across the Fiat passenger car range in Brazil, sees the Fiorino Furgão and Uno Furgão vans both equipped with the punchy new 1.3 litre 8v engine, which is more powerful than the outgoing units and also improves the performance of the two light commercial vehicles. The  FlexFuel system sees the engine able to use pure mixtures or any variation in the mixture of gasoline and alcohol, and all the major automotive players in South America now offer this technology across their model ranges. The worldwide rise of oil prices in particular has brought alcohol back into fashion as a fuel in Brazil after its popularity waned during the 1990s.
 

The 1.3 FLEX (1,241cc) unit is a 4-cylinder 8v unit fitted with a Magnelli Marelli MPI IAW 4AFB electronic ignition system; and in the Fiorino Furgão and Uno Furgão application it offers maximum power of 70.0 bhp using a pure mixture of gasoline and 71.0 bhp with a similar mix of alcohol, at 5,500 rpm. Maximum torque available is 11.4 Kgfm with gasoline, and 11,6 Kgfm with alcohol, at 2,500 rpm.

Both the Uno Furgão and Fiorino Furgão achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds (gasoline) and 14.0 seconds (alcohol) while the Uno van reaches a maximum speed of 156 km/h (gasoline) or 157 km/h (alcohol) and the Fiorino version has a top speed of 144 km/h (gasoline) and 145 km/h (alcohol). Both models come with 145/80R13 tyres fitted to 4.5x13 inch wheels, and have 50 litres capacity tanks. The Uno has a 400 kg payload while the Fiorino-bodied version can carry and extra 220 kg. The Uno Furgão 1.3 FLEX will sell at the dealerships for R$23,720.00 while the Fiorino Furgão 1.3 FLEX R$33,720.00.

by Claudio Perlini