06.02.2004 THE LONG RUNNING BRAZILIAN BUILT FIAT MILLE RECEIVES A COSMETIC MAKEOVER FOR 2004

The long running Fiat Uno, still being built in Brail and known locally as the 'Mille', has been a cosmetic makeover.

Launched in Brazil 20 years ago, the Mille still sells strongly, and has the distinction of being the cheapest car available on the Brazilian market. For 2004 the Novo Mille receives an all new front end, featuring a prominent large grille, bigger headlamps and a new bonnet with distinctive deep swage lines.

At the rear the Novo Mille receives new tail lights, while the colour coded bumpers have beefed up with a new cut-out section at the front and thick rubbing strips on all four corners. The changes are rounded out by the addition of new style badges.

The interior receives only a mild upgrade, limited to a new central dashboard panel which houses the heater controls and air vents, while the passenger now benefits from a door object net.

Mechanically the new car, which is lightened overall by 35kg though the use of new materials, is unchanged. The single engine option remain the 55bhp 1.0-litre FIRE. The Novo Mille has been tested with a more powerful 1.3-litre engine which will be offered in exports versions to several other South American countries. However Fiat do not plan the offer this option on the Brazilian market as they are concerned that it could eat into sales of the similar engined Palio.

by Iinuma Wesley in Brazil