As I mentioned in my recent analysis of FCA's plans for Brazil, Fiat is chugging along at almost full capacity and doesn't really need new cars to compete here. However, that doesn't mean they will quit fiddling with their product line. Behold the latest and greatest in South America: Fiat's adventurous new Palio Fire Way!
According to Brazilian enthusiast site bestcars.com.br, the latest Fiat to sport the trappings of the very successful aventureiro idea is the the Palio Fire. Launched way back in 1996, the bonesof the car has remained untouched, while the front and back have been redesigned (Giorgetto Giugiaro penned this version) and the mechanicals have been completely overhauled. With a ride height 15 mm taller than the regular version, what else does the new Palio offer consumers for the price of 27,860 reais (about 4,000 more than the regular)?
They get some "fancy" decals, plastic cladding on the wheel openings, plastic protection on the bottom of bumpers, plastic side mirror covers and plastic hubcaps. Lots of plastic. Besides that they get a tachometer and (very slightly) better seat fabrics and blacked out headlights.
The Palio Fire Way comes with the same equipment as the regular version, like the now mandatory dual frontal airbags and ABS, and – wait for it – internal manual controls for the side mirrors and clock. Air conditioning, power steering, windows and locks, alloy wheels, more airbags, really anything that's worth having, is an option and costs high dollars to get.
The Palio Fire isn't a complete crapcan. It actually gives you a soft, compliant ride, seating for five is tight but possible, the trunk will hold a week's worth of groceries or the luggage of a small family on vacations. The 1.0 engine puts out 70-ish horses and sounds pretty good doing so and is responsive. Fuel economy is not bad.
Finally, Brazil is a very large country with miles of back roads, unpaved roads, broken roads. For those out in the country and who can't pay for a pickup or need a car to take the family along, the extra height is quite useful. Even in Brazilian cities, some see benefits in the extra ride height as it helps in overcoming the numerous potholes, speed bumps, unbelievably deep gutters so prevalent in Brazilian cities.
This is the kind of car Brazilians can expect to see over the course of the next couple of years. Cars that been selling for more than a while and will continue to do so, aided by the cosmetic touches Fiat is so good at. Real new cars? You'll have to wait until 2016.
from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA
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