Fiat Automóveis introduced onto the Brazilian market the Palio 'Model Year 2009' back in August, and the popular hatchback model is being shown in its new MY format at the Salão Internacional do Automovel in São Paulo this week. The Palio 2009 however remains virtually unchanged from the outgoing model, the most significant aspect being that the top-selling hatchback keeps the same pricing as the outgoing model while offering higher levels of standard and optional equipment.
 

Fiat also introduced the new red-and-silver logo to the exterior of the car and the steering wheel for the first time while two new specification levels arrived on the ELX version: Attractive and Evolution. This represents an improvement in terms of cost benefits to the customers.

The Attractive kit offers: air conditioning, electric front windows with automatic function and anti-pinch device, remote central door locking, 14- and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Evolution kit meanwhile offers: CD player MP3/WMA; Connect Radio with CD player MP3/WMA, integrated Bluetooth®, and USB entrances for iPod and pen drive.

The Palio ELX MY2009 is offered with two engines, both from Fire Flex family, the 1.0-litre unit with 65/66 bhp (gasoline/alcohol) and the 1.4-litre unit with 80/81 bhp (gasoline/alcohol). The ELX 1.0 is available with either 2- or 4-doors for a price of £9,827 and £10,365 respectively. The ELX 1.4 version on the other hand is offered only in 4-door configuration for a price of £10,975.

The sportier Palio 1.8R is equipped with the 1.8 Flex unit, with an output of with 113/114 bhp (gasoline/alcohol). The highest positioned version is available in 2- and 4-door configuration, and can be equipped with: HSD (High Safety Drive) composed of an airbag for the driver and passenger, CD player MP3/WMA or Connect CD player MP3/WMA + live-voice with integrated Bluetooth + USB and iPod connectors, parking sensors, electric rear side windows with anti-pinch device, and electric body-coloured door mirrors.