Fiat has just launched the Palio '2008' in Chile, the fourth generation of the most successful and the best selling model in Fiat's Latin American range, which is bigger, more spacious, with an attractive and completely renewed design.

The new Palio '2008' was introduced the press during a prestigious ceremony by the General Manager of Fiat in Chile,  Jorge González. "The New Palio has resulted in a very modern car a new trend in style and it brings new equipment which highlight the excellence in high technology, performance, economy and security," said the executive. The new model, which represents the third and final facelift for the 'Project World Car' Palio hatchback, was officially launched in Brazil at the beginning of March. Built at the Betim plant it has already proved to be as success as the version it has replaced on the Brazilian market.

The new Palio will be available on the Chilean market fitted with the 1,368 cc FIRE engine. The B-segment hatchback is 20 mm longer and 6 mm wider than the third generation model it replaces. Everything outwardly is new: the bonnet, headlights, front and rear bumpers and radiator grille, and as a result a set of lines, with distinctly sporty characteristics, are evident. It serves up a new family styling which is in many respects similar to Grande Punto’s design. The new bumpers transmit a feeling of solidity and security and the side of the car reinforces the appearance of robustness and sportsmanship, and in addition increase the perception of the width of the new Fiat Palio.

The body sections comprising of the two doors and windows were completely redesigned, creating a balance of lines that cause an impression of great dynamism and movement. The rear of the New Palio now is more rounded and higher allowing an excellent outside view.
 

Internally the new model offers more luxury and comfort, the new dashboard is soft to the touch and is of a pleasant colour. All the design is very well rounded to provoke a welcoming environment and a secure feeling. Another aspect of the new internal design is the improved functionality, with a dual glove box, all the controls carefully positioned to offer a comfortable management and the panel of instruments that provides a trip computer and 'My Car Fiat'.

The New Palio arrives in Chile to fully complete the range of Fiat models available in the country. The Chilean market offers to the public: Panda, Panda 4x4, Palio, Palio Weekend, Siena, Idea, Palio Adventure, Strada, Doblò, Grande Punto and Stilo. Chile is uniquely positioned in Fiat's Latin American operations in that the A-segment Panda model, including the capable 4x4 version, is sold, imported from Poland in the same specification as available in Europe. This model isn't available on the major Brazilian and Argentinean markets, and apart from Chile only Mexico offers the small model. Likewise the Grande Punto has been imported direct from Europe for the last year, selling in Chile (and also Mexico) ahead of the arrival of the Brazilian-built version which was introduced to the market in Brazil earlier this month.

by Claudio Perlini