The biggest innovation sees Fiat Automóveis becoming the first car manufacturer in the world to launch a front wheel drive traction vehicle with a differential block system as the new Palio Weekend arrives on the Brazilian market. The 'Locker' system provides the car with a better scenario to extract itself from situations of adherence loss; the differential divides and distributes the torque between the two driveshafts and the wheel with lower adherence rotates more quickly while the other stays locked.

Fiat Automóveis launches the facelifted Palio Weekend range with major styling changes, higher equipment specifications, new engines, and ground breaking new mechanical innovations.

The biggest innovation sees Fiat Automóveis becoming the first car manufacturer in the world to launch a front wheel drive traction vehicle with a differential block system as the Novo Palio Weekend arrives on the Brazilian market. Designated the 'Adventure Locker' by Fiat, it was developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies in partnership with Eaton. The system is offered as standard equipment on the Novo Palio Weekend's 'Adventure' branded version.

The system provides the car with a better scenario to extract itself from situations of adherence loss; the differential divides and distributes the torque between the two driveshafts and the wheel with lower adherence rotates more quickly while the other stays locked.

The resource can be enabled or disabled by the driver by the simple pressing of the "ELD" (Electronic Locker Differential) button located on the dashboard; however the system is only designed to be only used in specific situations at low speed, and for that reason, light and sound indicators warn the driver when the vehicle reaches 15 km/h, at which point the system is turned off automatically.

Another important modification present on the new Adventure version is to its suspension system; it is equipped with a new design of shock absorbers which have been dubbed "Powershock", a technology that has been developed by Magneti Marelli Cofap. The shock absorbers have internal anti-roll springs which help provide a safer and steadier reaction to the steering wheel, making them very suitable for an off-road model.

The external visual changes now wrought to the Novo Palio Weekend have a strong influence from the recently-launched new Siena 2008 model and bring the Palio Weekend model into line with the range's 'family' styling which already features on the saloon, as well as the facelifted Palio 2008 hatchback version which was introduced just over a year ago. The Palio Weekend's front and rear lights are the same as the ones used in the facelifted sedan model, while other new features included a new rear tailgate glass screen, front bumper incorporating lower spoiler air vents and cut with double foglights on the Adventure version.

The Novo Palio Weekend ELX has a family profile which is clearly designed for urban use, focusing on comfort, enhanced internal space and maximised load capacity. Chrome finishing of the front grille, door rubbing strips and a lip across the base of the tailgate, as well as the bumpers painted in the color of bodywork distinguished the version. The Trekking and Adventure versions adopt a typical off-road design, with a raised suspension, tyres designed specifically for on and off-road use measuring 175/70 R14 (Trekking) and 205/70 R15 (Adventure), protective sills under the doors and engine protection shield.

The range's highest version, the Adventure, incorporates a series of accessories which were introduced on the Idea Adventure, such as external bars in the roof and rear-view mirrors fitted with direction indicators; while inside on the dashboard, a compass and an inclinometer indicating longitudinal and traverse angles are standard. The new suspension and the tyres have increased the free height from the ground up to 190 mm, a growth of an additional 20 mm in relation to the previous model.

The Palio Weekend has as optional, CD player MP3/WMA; Connect Radio with CD player MP3/WMA, integrated Bluetooth® and USB entrances for iPod and pen drive; side bags; double front airbag and ABS; parking, rain and dusk sensors; electric power windows; leather finishing for the seats, door panels, gearbox and steering wheel.

The ELX and Trekking versions of the Novo Palio Weekend will be equipped with the new 1.4 Flex engine, launched in Brazilian version of the Punto model last summer, with 85/86 bhp (gasoline/alcohol). The Adventure keeps the 1.8 Flex engine, with 112/114 bhp (gasoline/alcohol). The starting prices for the range are £12,352 (ELX), £12,975 (Trekking) and £16,667 (Adventure).

Photo Galleries:

New Fiat Palio Weekend ELX 1.4 FLEX
New Fiat Palio Weekend Trekking 1.4 FLEX
New Fiat Palio Weekend Adventure Locker 1.8 FLEX (I)
New Fiat Palio Weekend Adventure Locker 1.8 FLEX (II)

by Claudio Perlini