ERGONOMICS & SAFETY

Although its appearance suggests the size and solidity of a higher segment car, dimensions of 334 centimetres in length and 151 cm in width make the Fiat Seicento MY 2004 one of the most compact cars produced in Europe.

These petite exterior dimensions are a valuable quality in a car that undoubtedly numbers 'city car' among its uses. Yet the new car from Fiat Auto is much more. It also offers properties of dynamism and comfort that allow it to tackle longer, more demanding routes in comfort: ease of driving, generous interior space, practical features, rational and well laid-out controls and fittings, acoustic comfort and an ultra-efficient climate control system. Not to mention the fact that the Fiat Seicento MY 2004 offers cutting edge devices and engineering content to ensure driver and passenger safety.

In the field of preventive safety, the Fiat Seicento MY 2004 is outstanding for engineering features that encourage driver alertness and make for a more relaxed drive: ergonomic seats, easy-to-read instruments, outstanding external visibility and an efficient climate control system. The new model also reconciles dinky external dimensions with ample passenger room even for tall people. The result is a surprisingly big car: the available interior volume is 2.63 m3, i.e. in line with many higher segment competitors. This result has also been achieved without affecting the luggage capacity that stands at 170 litres.

In-car well-being also means being able to maintain an ideal temperature inside your car summer and winter alike. The Fiat Seicento MY 2004 therefore comes with a new highly-efficient easily-operated ventilation unit with recirculation function and ergonomic controls. The system also assures a high air output: when in the summer ventilation position, some 320 m3/h of air emerges from the outlets, a value more typical of a higher segment car.

So the new car is comfortable, relaxing and noiseless. Noiselessness is a particularly important attribute in a car because it improves the quality of on-board life and helps the driver concentrate on driving to increase safety. The Fiat Seicento MY 2004 therefore benefits from a set of features designed to reduce all types of noise transmitted to the passenger compartment effectively. Great attention was devoted to the seals and panel damping as well as the choice of soundproofing materials to minimise noise transmission from the engine compartment and tyre rolling noise. The engine mounting blocks are also secured to an area on the rails that guarantees high dynamic rigidity. The outcome is one of the lowest interior noise levels in its segment.

As far as active safety is concerned, the Fiat Seicento MY 2004 is outstanding for its pick-up, roadholding and safe braking. In detail, the model offers a double crossover braking system with 240 millimetre diameter front discs; floating front brake callipers with reduced clearance; 185 mm diameter rear drum brakes; 7" brake servo and 3/8" pump; the power unit assures good braking modularity and a satisfyingly prompt response; double braking limiters assure effective braking distribution over front and rear axles under all vehicle load conditions whether the car is carrying just the driver or the maximum transportable load.

The outstanding Fiat Seicento MY 2004 braking system can be fitted with an ABS antilock braking system as an option. The selected system is a Bosch 5.3 with 4 active sensors and 4 channels and built-in EBD (Electronic Brake Distributor). The 8 solenoid hydraulic control unit ensures each wheel can brake to the maximum extent permitted by its grip on the ground to prevent locking; full control of the car even with the brake pedal on the floor; very prompt responses - and a light control unit.

The Fiat Seicento MY 2004 suspension guarantees maximum comfort and outstanding roadholding to benefit driving safety. To achieve these aims, the model adopts the conventional independent wheel configuration now thoroughly tried and tested on Fiat models and more typical of higher segment cars. The front suspension is MacPherson type while the rear suspension is independent, with tie rods.

The Fiat Seicento MY 2004 steering system has also been designed to ensure the driver minimum effort at the wheel and great handling in parking and low-speed manoeuvres combined with precision and safety at high speed. The steering wheel turns 3.9 times lock to lock and the vehicle can perform a U turn in 8.8 metres. The new model therefore acquits itself very well in every traffic condition and is easy to park even in the tightest spots.

As far as passive safety is concerned, the Fiat Seicento MY 2004 meets all current safety standards and performs well in tests conducted in accordance with the toughest standards. The body offers maximum strength under all impact conditions. The passenger compartment frame has been strengthened to create a survival cell.

The doors contain bars to protect against side impact. Front and rear crumple-zones absorb the energy of impact more effectively. The bonnet is collapsible to prevent it entering the windscreen. The sturdy structure of the rear backrest also prevents luggage weighing up to 36 kg from entering the passenger compartment whether the seat is one-piece or split. This has been borne out by a test subjecting the car to impact at 60 km/h against a deformable barrier.

Other features that help protect occupants in the case of accidents include driver and passenger airbags (available as options), seat-belt pretensioners, antisubmarining front and rear seats, an energy-absorbing steering wheel and a collapsible steering column.

The Fiat Seicento MY 2004 is also equipped with an FPS (Fire Prevention System).