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Fiat
Group Automobiles South Africa has completed the
rejigging of the Strada pick up range with the
introduction of the Strada Life 1.4, a
'lifestyle' orientated version of the entry
level Strada Working 1.4, which sits just above
this model in the line-up and below the
range-topping extended cab Strada 1.4 X-Space
Adventure. All three models are imported
fully-built from Brazil, and feature the 1.4
litre engine. They are based on the
last-generation Strada hatchback to be produced
in Brazil.
The Strada Life
1.4 takes on the overall theme of the entry-level 1.4
Working but adds a few "lifestyle" touches, such as alloy
wheels, radio with CD player and air-conditioning. Oscar
Rivoli, Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles,
comments: “Offering a few extra luxury touches and aesthetic
enhancements, the new Life is a worthy addition to the
revitalised Strada range and ensures that there’s a Strada
for everyone.” The
Strada Life 1.4
is priced at R129,500 which places it just above the Strada
Working 1.4 (R105,500) and below the Strada X-Space
Adventure 1.4 (R164,500).
Metallic paint is the only option on the range in South
Africa and costs R1,350 for the standard cab versions and
R1,450 for the X-Space.
The new South African line-up of the
versatile pick-up now kicks off with the Strada 1.4
Working and this model represents extremely good value for
money. It may be designated Working, but there’s nothing
utilitarian about its comfort features: power steering,
central locking (key-operated), a Fiat Code immobiliser, rev
counter, tinted windows, third stop light, door pockets,
glove box light, grab handles, load bin liner and a
cigarette lighter/12V power point are all part of the
standard equipment package.
Slotting into the middle of the range
comes the new addition to the line-up, the Strada 1.4 Life,
which is more lifestyle-oriented than the Working, and has
the following additional specifications as standard: air
conditioning, electric windows, radio/CD stereo combination,
14-inch alloy wheels and a sliding rear window incorporating
a chunky, matt black protective frame.
Finally the trio
of models is completed by the range-topping
Strada 1.4
X-Space Adventure - the only under one-ton pick-up in South
Africa to feature an extended cab ‘X-Space’ variant. This
not only makes the cabin airier, but most importantly adds
valuable extra space of more than 30 centimeters or 300
litres behind the seats – very useful for storing small
luggage items or clothes without occupying the passenger
seat. In fact, the space is equivalent in size to that of a
small car’s boot. There’s an added security benefit too:
items that would normally have to be stored in the rear box
can now be safely locked away indoors. What’s even more
remarkable is the fact that all this extra space has not
intruded too much into the rear load box, which shrinks from
1685m to 1303mm in length. The width is unaffected at 1350mm
(1090mm between wheelarches). The payload for the X-Space is
rated at 700kg as opposed to 715kg for the standard version.
Befitting its flagship status, the X-Space Adventure gets
the works (over and above the Life) including colour-coded
exterior trim, front and rear fog lamps, roof rack, silver
dashboard accents and a driver’s airbag.
All models in the refreshed Fiat Strada
range (including the new Life) now have the 60 kW 1.4-litre
8-valve MPI engine – as standard across the range –
replacing the smaller capacity 1.2-litre engine as well as
the 1.6-litre powerplant. This 1368cc engine churns
out a respectable 60 kW at 5500rpm and 120 Nm of torque at
2250rpm. All Stradas come standard with a five-speed manual
box. The new range is completed by new interior trims, new
Fiat badging, new wheel hub caps (Working only – the Life
and X-Space Adventure are equipped with alloy wheels) and a
new instrument cluster featuring re-designed dials including
a rev counter and, for the first time, incorporating an
electronic odometer. More subtle differences include the new
ergonomically designed gear knob and handbrake lever.
The Strada’s core strengths still include
a maximum load capacity of 715 kg for the standard cab
versions (700 kg for the X-Space Adventure) meaning you get
a three-quarter tonner for the price of a half tonner, and
20,000 km service intervals – unique in this segment in
South Africa. There is also tough load box liner (non-slip)
which extends over the tail gate for all variants. Sturdy
hooks are positioned around the edges of the box and on the
floor where they won’t get in the way of loading and
unloading. These can be used to fasten objects securely.
Access to the load compartment is made easier by the low box
ground clearance and a tailgate that opens to 90 degrees.
The tailgate can support a weight of up to 300 kg. The
full-size spare wheel is located behind the passenger seat
for safety and convenience (standard cab versions only)
while the Strada also features key-operated central locking
and power steering across the range and a specially
designed, omega-shaped rear axle – the central part is
raised which enables the vehicle to negotiate rugged terrain
(and avoid ‘middelmannetjie’ scrapes) with ease, making it
one of the most affordable new-generation pick-up ranges in
South Africa.
Enhancing the ownership prospect, the
Fiat Strada has scheduled 20,000 km service intervals and
enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a
comprehensive parts inventory and the back-up of trained
technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide. Fiat Group
Automobiles South Africa offers Fiat owners a 24-month
Manufacturer Warranty, unlimited mileage and an additional
12-month Dealer Extended Warranty or up to 100,000km in
total, three years on paintwork and five years on rust
anti-perforation. The new models are covered by the AA
Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is
active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by
calling the dedicated toll-free number.
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