Fiat Auto South Africa has introduced a new version of the Palio model, positioned just above the entry-level GO version, the Palio Active is available in three versions all 5-door which come with better equipment levels than the GO version.

When times are tough, the tough get going in the new Palio Active range by Fiat South Africa. Now fully imported, the latest addition to the Palio collection hones in on affordability to make it the most stylish, spacious hatch on the right side of R100 000. Slotting in just above the entry-level GO! models (3- and 5-door), the new five-door Active takes over the value reigns from the locally manufactured Palio Vibe, but coming in with a considerably lower price tag.

The Palio Active comes in three variants (exclusively five-door configuration): without power steering or air conditioning; with power steering; and with power steering and air conditioning.

The Palio Active has a number of value-added features over and above the GO! including 14-inch steel wheels shod with 175/65 R14 rubber, digital clock, silver-finish trim accents for the centre console and dashboard, all new ergonomic seat design with new fabric design and door compartment pockets.

With a recommended price tag of just R94 300 for the Palio Active with power steering and air conditioning, the saving is close to R8 000 over the old Palio Vibe five-door. The Vibe three-door is phased out to make way for the Active (five-door) in base spec (without power steering or air conditioning) selling for R86 300 and the Active with power steering retailing for R87 300.

Fiat South Africa are appealing to the local market pitching the Palio as a robust, safe, European-designed hatch with reliable mechanics and dependable build quality. Standard equipment includes nice-to-haves like tinted windows, central locking, immobiliser, heated rear window, rev counter, collapsible steering column, side impact bars in all doors and anti-submarining seats. Unlike many of its spatially challenged price competitors, the Palio is a genuine five-seater family sedan with a useable boot. Space for buck it doesn’t get any better than the Palio.

Perky performance means this is no toy-town toddler. The 1.2 eight-valve engine features 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.

Low running costs are ensured thanks to a combined fuel consumption of 7,8 l/100 km in the combined cycle, 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. What’s more, all Palios have 20 000 km service intervals and enjoy full after-sales backing in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide.