The first generation Palio ("Project 178") which was launched in Brazil in 1976, was Fiat's first real attempt at a low-cost "World Car" to be built in countries around the globe. The Palio (which spawned sedan, estate and pick-up variants) was a reasonable success in many countries around the globe, but was a real hit in its birthplace Brazil where it found huge favour with consumers as it tapped straight into their demands. Now, after a string of facelifts along the way, the second-generation model thoroughly evolves that concept, this time chasing a customer bases that has become more sophisticated.

To be manufactured again at the Fiat Automóveis plant in Betim, Minas Gerais, in Brazil the design of the second generation model has been completely reworked by Centro Stile Fiat in Italy, introducing familiar cues such as the front end styling of the European market Punto Evo, hints of the Brazilian market's successful New Uno and current Centro Stile design language such as the prominent use of side swages and creases.

The evolutionary makeover leaves the New Palio longer, wider, higher and with a larger wheelbase: all traits that are beneficial to passengers who can now enjoy more internal space and comfort. Besides, the comfort is enhanced by careful reformulation of the cabin, which aims to create an environment that is pleasant  - in which all elements and volumes are in harmony in the contours, colors and textures - and functional.

Three Brazilian-built engines power the New Palio: Fire 1.0 EVO, Fire 1.4 EVO and the 1.6 16V E.torQ (the latter which has been reworked by Fiat Powertrain from the former Tritec project between Chrysler Group and Rover from 1991). All of the engines are 'Flex' capable. The 1.6 16V versions come with manual or Dualogic transmissions.

In total, the new model hits the market with six versions to fulfill all needs and budgets. They are: Attractive 1.0, Attractive 1.4, Essence 1.6 16V, Essence1.6 16V Dualogic, Sporting 1.6 16V and Sporting 1.6 16VDualogic.

The New Palio brings in its equipment list content that serve to enhance the comfort and safety of passengers such as lateral and frontal airbags, ABS brakes, leather steering wheel with radio controls, gear-shift butterfly-type switches on the wheel, twilight and rain sensors, cruise control, windshield heater, CD player with MP3 and iPod/USB ports, fog lamps, rear hatch logo release push and switchblade key with remote control.

The new hatchback also comes with another innovation: the owner of the New Palio can choose from several items to further customise the car, which can be ordered direct from the factory or applied at the dealerships. There are several lines of stickers, badges and liners for the consumer to choose from.

The development of the New Palio required 824,000 hours from the company's engineers. During the process, 526 prototypes, test vehicles and pre-series models were built. They were submitted to 61,434 virtual tests, 61,583 physical tests, and driven for more than 1.7 million kilometers before the final product was ready to arrive in the showrooms. Almost 3,300 new components make up the car. In terms of quality, reliability, endurance and strength, no effort was spared to provide the Fiat customer the best.

NEW DESIGN FOR A NEW CAR

The New Palio that now hits the streets represents a step beyond in relation to the former hatchback - it is bigger and more refined. The contemporary design by Centro Stile Fiat, Italy, is in tune with global trends, but also refers to the identity of the Fiat brand. It shares the stage with functionality, practicality and accurate finishing, aiming to make the New Palio a reference model in its segment.

A significant change that attracts attention to the new Fiat Palio is its size. Its dimensions are noticeably larger than those of the previous Palio. The car has grown: 31 mm in width; 60 mm in height, 28 mm in length and 47.3 mm in the wheelbase. Despite being a compact car, these larger dimensions contribute to raise passenger comfort and more intelligent use of internal space.

The body of the New Palio was developed in accordance with the latest design criterias. The goal was to obtain a lightweight body (compared to competitors) while keeping optimal structural performance. To this end, more resistant materials were used, allowing for the reduction of thickness and hence the weight of components, without loss of structural targets. The use of strategically placed reinforcements also contributed to increase occupant protection.

Italian style in a car 100% Brazilian

Outwardly, everything is different. Its high and sloping waistline defines the model's vocation by revealing sportsmanship. In addition, the highly tilted windshield denotes dynamism. The soft curves form a profile in between hatchback and minivan with modernity and sophistication. The harmonious and dynamic design of the windows in conjunction with the side crease, which rises in the front fender and ends at the rear elongates the model, determines an element of beauty.

The front with rounded and voluminous lines received drop-shaped, bi-parabola headlights, representing modernity and personality. The robust bumper with geometric niches for the fog lamps gives the impression of strength and gallantry. The high and majestic air intake has a horizontal strip, which receives the front number plate of the vehicle. And the Fiat logo is flanked by elegant chrome trim similar to the 500 theme. Well positioned creases "tie-in" all elements.

Smooth surfaces predominate on the side, defined by lines and subtle curves. The waistline begins from the outer corner of the headlight bordering along the windows and on the C column, and extending to the rear window. This line brings harmony to the entire body. Another stronger crease runs on the side, embedding the doorknobs and meeting with the outer corner of the headlight. The car roof makes a slight curve toward the rear, and the windows follow the curve, radiating dynamism and energy. The protruding wheel housings serve as an element of surprise, breaking the great lateral plane and merging with the bumpers.

On the rear, which offers a few hints of recent Citroën design language, the focus is on the lamps. Elongated vertically they invade the region of the rear window, and call attention to their boldness and functionality, as they are easily seen by other drivers. In addition, they make the model exclusive. Bicolor lenses add to the modernity of the body. The brake-light in LED has a long service life and offers excellent viewing for those coming behind and still gives the car a sportier look. The large rear window and gently curved trunk lid with beveled edges create an appealing visual plane, which is complemented by the robust bumper. This embeds the same black strip as the front bumper. The entire rear refers to robustness and modernity.

The biparabola headlight has greater high and low photometric intensity of beams, which ensure a high luminous flux. The bulbs in the headlights were designed to simulate daylight as much as possible, which allows for a more homogeneous distribution, with greater depth and realism of the scenario. The turbine shape of the tail lights, of both the parking and brake lights, make it exclusive. The new model also comes with independent tail reflectors that are separate from the turn lights. Positioned in the bumper, they are traditionally more visible on the highways or in city streets.

Refinement and comfort on board

Internally there is ample internal space especially for a car in B-segment. Special attention was given to the harmonisation of all elements - dashboard, steering wheel, radio, speakers and fabrics - in such a way as to create a warm and refined, but always functional environment. All functional surfaces of the car are covered by panels, giving the cabin a polished and pleasant aspect. The storage compartments, which extend convenience and organization, are everywhere. Depending on the version, they can be a total of 17: four in the dashboard, four in the center console, eight in the doors, and one in the trunk cover.

The wraparound seats are new and designed to be more ergonomic and more comfortable. The structure is light and strong, and very safe. The front seats have antisubmarining system and aft adjustment via rail. The driver's seat can come with height adjustment by lever arms and supports for comfort. The rear seat offers two positions on the back to increase the volume of the trunk. It can also be folded flat, creating a larger luggage space. All head restraints of the seats and arm rests have pourinplace technology, which means they "inject" the foam directly into the fabric, enabling the creation of new and more ergonomic shapes.
 
One of the new features that draw the most attention on the dashboard is the instrument panel - 100% designed and developed in Brazil by Magneti Marelli. It comes with a white LCD, which ensures better visibility of the display, bright new graphics and pointers across the bar, where the arrangement of the elements is entirely three-dimensional. It also features WelcomeMoving, which makes the instrument indicators move and perform a systems check, and greeting to the driver on the turn of the key. The lighting of the dashboard turns on and off gradually, following the movement of the indicators.

In the Attractive and Essence versions, the dashboard's background is black and contains a speedometer, tachometer, clock and partial and full digital odometers, coolant thermometer, analog fuel gauge, and pilot lights. The numbers are in white with red needles, in easy to read format, without distracting the driver. The Sporting version receives a different panel. It contains the same meters of the other versions, but with numbers in larger screen printing gradient and white indicators, and the "Sporting" logo in the center.

Another important point was the development of colour and trim, when Fiat's designers sought through new technologies the best balance of colours, fabrics and textures for both the internal and external looks of the new Palio. A highlight of this work is the insert molding - the central strip that runs horizontally across the panel - which along with the new fabric of the seats and door panels, forms the principal item of internal customization of the new Fiat Palio. With patterns specific to each version, the assembly can be replaced with other colours and prints for customers who want to customise their car.

With the new volume of the interior of the New Palio, the audio system was also configured and positioned to achieve optimal acoustic performance. The package consists of an amplified reception antenna, two front speakers, midwoofer, two rear full range speakers, and two front tweeters. The CD MP3 player is part of the dashboard and adds to its sophistication. The system also features a USB/iPod connection and Bluetooth for hands free phone. Another innovation in the model is the option of radio controls on the steering wheel. The indoor comfort is completed with the engineering work of by Fiat in the air-conditioning system.

STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE

The structure of the new car was designed to meet best safety requirements. In the body high-strength materials have been used on a large scale, resulting in increased rigidity, improved safety performance and reduction in body weight by 15%. The components made out of high strength materials comprise 35% of the body structure. They were also used in 30% of the moving parts of the structure and 34% of the structure of the doors. In addition door safety has been increased against lateral collisions and forced entry through the use of ultra-resistant materials and new lateral protection bars in omega profile.

All of these interventions in the new car has resulted in excellent structural performance, weight reduction, improved performance and enhanced safety. In addition to all aspects that enhance passive safety, the New Palio can also be equipped with four airbags, two in the front and two at the sides. In terms of active safety there are ABS brakes with EBD.

Featuring an entirely new and more robust structure, the suspension is designed and calibrated to provide comfort for occupants in all driving conditions - that is, it absorbs the irregularities of the road and the lateral and longitudinal oscillations and from maneuvers - and ensures the stability of vehicle, keeping the tyre traction on the ground.

To this end, various technical solutions were adopted:
• Front suspension. It has lower arms in the form of rectangular triangle. The goal is to minimize the effect of the braking load in curves and ensure better balance in all operating conditions.
• Rear suspension. The torsion axle and semi-independent wheels result in high torsional rigidity and appropriate flexibility.
• Rubber cushion attached to the body. It has been optimized to improve dynamic response in curves.
• Dimensions of elastic cushions. They were increased to better dampen road roughness, increasing driving comfort.
• Dampers designed and calibrated to achieve the ideal balance between driving comfort and curve stability thresholds.
The front suspension, McPherson type, consists of lower arms in stamped plates, wheel hubs, rods, stabilizer bar, hydraulic dampers and "side-load" helical springs. Dampers and springs work as both elastic and absorbent elements and structural and cinematic elements.

At the rear, the suspension is of torsion beam type, with semi-independent wheels connected by a torsion beam, the most suitable arrangement for the Brazilian roads. The dampers are upright, attached to the body on the inside of the wheel housing. Together with the inclined, larger diameter bushings, the system is very efficient in absorbing the irregularities of the road, and managing the levels of vibrational and acoustic comfort inside the vehicle. The double coil springs have flexibility with progressive action, fulfilling their role of maintaining stability and security in any load condition.

The brake system of the New Palio was designed for safety and firmness. On the versions fitted with the 1.0 and 1.4 engines, the front brake features a disc with floating caliper. The rear has drum brake with self-centering brackets, one command cylinder per wheel and an automatic adjustment device for the assembly. The crossover circuitry ensures reliable braking even if one circuit fails, ensuring that the other one stops the car. The new Fiat Palio features a braking correction valve that acts on the rear brake. If the car is equipped with ABS, the braking correction is electronic, by EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), which acts on the rear brakes. This function is integrated into the ABS.

The acoustic comfort of the New Palio was also extensively worked on by the Fiat's engineers, with a vibrational study of the virtual and physical body. Among the main elements used in the new car are lighter materials and with better performance, besides the suspension, engine with hydraulic cushion in highly elastic rubber, which together with a hydraulic device to provide good vibration filtering. All of which amounts to a reduction in dynamic rigidity, providing higher isolation of vibration and lower noise levels.

An interesting detail of the mechanical development of the New Palio is the layout of components. The designers sought to find the best positions and shapes for the reservoirs using optimised piping and reduced lengths, thereby reducing the number of curves. Thus, the new piping design offers higher quality, lower pressure loss, less exposure to heat, and the elimination of sharp edges. For the customer it also means lower maintenance costs. It is noteworthy also that all versions of the new Palio have adopted the green tyre technology, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

A MODERN AND EFFICIENT MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY

The New Palio will be available with three engines: 1.0 Fire EVO, EVO Fire 1.4 16v and 1.6 E.torQ Flex. All provide adequate performance, fuel economy, and running without vibration or noise, which adds to the experience of comfort provided by the new model.

The Fire 1.0 EVO engine comes from the new Fiat Uno. Running on pure gasoline, it produces a maximum power of 73 hp and maximum torque of 9.5 Nm at 3,850 rpm. With pure ethanol used its power is 75 hp and maximum torque of 9.9 Nm at 3,850 rpm. It equips the Attractive 1.0 version of the new hatchback. This engine was designed to provide good performance with fuel economy and low emissions. Thus, it adopted a series of constructive solutions, such as pistons with specially designed low weight, long connecting rods with fractured layers and a plastic intake manifold. The result is very little internal friction aids fuel economy and low emissions.

The Fire 1.4 Evo is already present in other Fiat models in Brazil such as the new Fiat 500 and the Fiat Uno. Running on gasoline, it achieves a maximum power of 85 hp and a torque of 12.4 Nm at 3,500. With ethanol its power is 88 hp and torque of 12.5 Nm at 3,500 rpm. It shares many characteristics with the EVO 1.0, and is characterised by economy and good performance. This is partly due to continuously variable cam phasing (CVCP), which enables smart variation of up to 50° in phase between camshaft and crankshaft. Thus, each engine's operating regime occurs at an ideal stage to the camshaft, maximising torque at low revs and power at higher ones. Intake and discharge manifolds and the combustion chambers are designed to work in conjunction with the CVCP. The Fire Engine 1.4 EVO equips the Attractive 1.4 version of the new Fiat Palio.

The Essence and Sporting versions feature the 1.6-litre 16v E.torQ Flex already equipping several other models manufactured by Fiat Automóveis and manufactured by Fiat Powertrain, at its recently acquired plant in Campo Largo, Parana. This modern engine is notable for its low weight of moving parts, high performance with fuel economy, reduced emission levels, low levels of noise and vibration, and high reliability. The 1.6 16V has an output of 115 hp and maximum torque of 16.2 kgfm at 4,500 rpm running on gasoline alone. Running on ethanol, it has an output of 117 hp and torque of 16.8 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The E.torQ Flex can be attached to the Dualogic transmission, which allows for driving with automatic transmission - comfortable in stop-and-go urban traffic, as it eliminates the clutch pedal - and in manual, with gear changes sequentially controlled by touching the shift lever. To change the driving mode, just move the lever to position D/M, to the left for over 0.7 seconds. This can be done while in motion, which can be useful in overtaking manouvers as manual mode provides improved performance. In addition, the version that brings this transmission also offers Cruise Control with butterfly-type lever for gear-shifting on the steering wheel.

EQUIPMENT AND RANGE

The New Palio will be released in six versions, with three engine options, two transmissions and three finishes, all with five doors. The existing Fiat Palio 1.0 Fire, with three and five doors, remains the same and continues to be the entry level model.

The New Palio will be sold in 14 different colours. On the Attractive and Essence levels there are four solid and eight metallic colours, including the new color Blue Cosmos. The Sporting version has seven colours, two exclusive: Modena Red and Indianapolis Yellow, chosen specifically to accentuate its sporty aura.

In its range of content, the new Fiat Palio features innovations to make even more complete, attractive and competitive, including: thermal windshield, not present in any Brazilian market competitor; lateral airbags; leather steering wheel with radio controls; butterfly-type gearshift switch on steering wheel; cruise control; logo push (electric opening system of the trunk); green tyres; switchblade key with remote control; anti-theft wheel bolts; customisation decals.

Fiat Palio Attractive 1.0. The entry version of the hatchback comes with bumpers, mirrors and door handles in body color and includes in its standard list of equipment: power steering, green tires, timed defroster and wiper/washer on the rear,  brake-light, internal command to open the trunk and fuel tank, trip computer A and B (distance indicators, average fuel consumption, instantaneous consumption, range, average speed and travel time), Follow Me Home, digital clock, lights in the trunk, MyCar Fiat, front reading lights with dimmer and door switches, center console with storage compartments and cup holders (two front, one rear), object pockets on the front doors, magazine rack in the front seat backrests, lower and upper glove compartment (when without airbag), external rearview mirrors with built-in mechanical controls, tinted windshield, folding rear seat, finishing with insertmolding panel, sun guards with mirror on driver's side and passenger side, speed limit and scheduled maintenance alert, complete trunk lining, among many other items.

Optional items: air-conditioning, leather steering wheel with six radio controls, defroster windshield, front and/or rear power windows, electric locks on doors + automatic lock actuated at speed exceeding 20 km/h, exterior mirrors with electric adjustment, Logo Push (electric trunk opening system), airbag for the driver, front passenger airbag, ABS brakes, twilight sensor, rain sensor, electro chromic rearview mirror, two models of car stereo - CD player (one with USB and iPod input),  14' alloy wheels, fog lights, spoiler, switchblade key with remote control, and other equipment for comfort and style.

Fiat Palio Attractive 1.4. Besides the standard features present in the 1.0 engine version, the 1.4-liter version also features power locks + locking at speed over 20 km/h, Logo Push, front power windows with onetouch and anti-crush, glove compartment light, steering wheel with height adjustment, fog lamps, switchblade key with remote control, rear safety handles, footrest for the driver, storage compartments and glass holder. The list of options in this version, with the exception of the items mentioned above and the 15" alloy wheels is the same as that of the Fiat Palio Attractive 1.0.

Fiat Palio Essence. This version incorporates all of the standard features of the Attractive 1.4 version, plus air-conditioning and chrome details in the interior, driver's seat with height adjustment, external temperature indicator, front reading lights with spot and  5.0 x 15" wheels with 185/60 R15" green tyres. Except for the air-conditioning, which comes as standard, the optional items for the Essence version are identical to those offered in the Attractive version, plus the antitheft wheel bolts kit and front sidebags.

Fiat Palio Essence Dualogic. It has the same mechanical features of the  Essence version except for the standard Dualogic transmission and Cruise Control. Its optional items also includes butterfly-type gearshift switch.

Fiat Palio Sporting. It features a variety of esthetic details that highlight it as a sports model: black sports flaps on the rear, Sporting streaks on the sides and rear hatch, mini side skirts in black, chrome frame on the front fender, wheel box frames, dual chrome exhaust tip, external sports lining on column doors, black sports spoiler on front bumpers, biparabola headlights with black frame and cannon, and 16" alloy wheels + 195/55R16" green tires. Internally, the version is distinguished by safety belts in sports color, sports covers on the pedals, sports inner door sills, details in sports colors on the gearshift handle, internal knobs and speaker rims, leather steering wheel and carpet with the Sporting inscription. In addition to these items, this version also brings all the contents present in the serial version of the Essence.

The customer can equip the Palio Sporting with several options: ABS brakes, front lateral airbags, airbag for the driver and/or the front passenger seat, rain sensor, twilight sensor, electro chromic rearview kit, anti-theft wheel bolts, two models of radio-CD player, rear power windows, and radio controls on the steering wheel.

Fiat Palio Sporting Dualogic. It has the same items of the mechanical Sporting version, plus the Dualogic transmission and Cruise Control, and the same optional items of the version.

CUSTOMISATION

There are several aesthetic and finish options available for inside and outside the car. They vary depending on the version. The customisation options for the Attractive versions (1.0 and 1.4) include arm rest on the driver's seat, driver seat with height adjustment, two-tone dashboard and interior trim with insert molding in unique fabric. To customise the external body, there are specific options in adhesives for the rear hatch, on the fenders and badge on the C column. For the Essence versions, in addition to the internal customisation options there are the exclusive adhesives to decorate the external body of the vehicle. As the Sporting versions already leave the factory with a strong aesthetic identity, they only offer the internal customisation options.

FACTORY WARRANTY

The Fiat Palio has a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty agreement. During the warranty term the vehicle owner is entitled to 24-hour Confiat assistance, which performs emergency services such as towing, mechanical assistance and vehicle reservations anywhere in Brazil. The revisions of the new Fiat Palio take place every 15,000 km or once a year. More than 560 Fiat service points among utilities and assistance shops all over the country to provide the necessary support to the owner new Palio.