Nowadays, small cars have gained immense popularity. This is especially true for car owners in large cities, where traffic density and parking rules force them to adapt to difficult conditions in this way. In addition, maintenance and fuel costs are of great importance, which in this case minimize them. And in this context, special attention should be paid to the Italian car Fiat Palio.
It is significant that the Fiat Palio car was developed with a focus not only on the European market. This small car has also become very popular in East Asia, North Africa and Latin America. And it is assembled in China, India, Turkey, Poland and Morocco.
Design and dimensions
In general terms, the Fiat Palio car resembles the Russian Kalina. After all, these two models are very similar in body profile. However, in front of the "Italian" stands out with a small radiator grille with a corporate logo and rather modest halogen headlights. Other distinctive features are the oversized fog lights integrated into the bumper and small plastic moldings on the doors. In general, "Fiat Palio" has a very nondescript design, which allows the car to be invisible in heavy city traffic, which characterizes it as a normal vehicle for everyday use.
It should be noted that this model has not only a modification in the hatchback body. The lineup also suggests the presence of the Fiat Palio Weekend, made as a station wagon. This car has a distinctive curvature of the C-pillar and a more elongated roof. In other components of the exterior design, it is completely identical to its "brother". In addition, the Palio model uses rims similar to those of the Zhiguli. Size 175/70 R13 implies excellent economy on "rubber". And the galvanized body of the Italian hatchback makes it possible to assert that the car is well prepared for protection against corrosion caused by various road reagents.
The main operational quality of the Fiat Palio is its compact appearance. The total body length is 3.83 meters, width - 1.63 meters, and the height barely reaches one and a half meters. Thanks to its short base and compact overhangs, the machine easily overcomes various bumps on the road surface. The hatchback's ground clearance is 15 centimeters. However, modifications for Russia differ in ground clearance increased by 15 millimeters. Also, according to the manufacturer, the Russian "Fiat" is equipped with a more durable suspension with wear-resistant shock absorbers and silent blocks.
Salon and trunk
At a cursory inspection, it may seem that there is very little free space in the small-sized Fiat Palio. However, after a potential driver finds himself inside this "baby", his opinion on this matter changes dramatically. After all, the lack of space in the front seats is not felt at all. Moreover, the seats in the car are quite comfortable, with a fabric base and lumbar support. They are mechanically adjustable with a wide range of settings.
The steering wheel is not equipped with any buttons and has a fairly solid size. The dashboard is quite simple with white dials. The center console is equipped with rectangular deflectors and a simple stove control unit. In the upper part there is a niche for installing a radio tape recorder, and at the bottom there is a 12 V cigarette lighter. The glove compartment is small in size and rather modest niches in the door cards allow you to place a very limited number of necessary things in them.
The owners of the "Italian" complain about the rustic design and lack of individuality, but agree that it does not cause any dislike.
The obvious disadvantages include the following interior characteristics:
- Lack of space in the back row of seats (passengers are squeezed, both from the side and from the ceiling), only in the Fiat Palio Weekend 1.2 modification there is a little more space due to the higher roof;
- poor sound insulation, which especially interferes with a comfortable state in the first three gears, only at a speed exceeding 70 km / h there is a decrease in noise.
The obvious advantages of Fiat include its complete set, which includes the following devices:
- power steering;
- heated side mirrors;
- adjustable steering column;
- Power windows on the front doors;
- radio tape recorder;
- heated windshield;
- central locking;
- air conditioning.
Despite the modest dimensions of the Fiat Palio, the luggage compartment is quite well represented in it, the volume of which is 280 liters. However, such a solid indicator has its downside. The fact is that the spare wheel "migrated" from its traditional place under the boot floor under the car bottom, from where it is very problematic to get it if necessary. And at
station wagon "Fiat Weekend" trunk volume is 460 liters. In addition, the seat backs can be folded down. This allows you to transport not only personal belongings, but even some building materials and oversized furniture.
Specifications
The configuration of Fiat Palio with engines implies fourteen modifications, of which ten versions are equipped with gasoline engines, and four with diesel ones. The Turkish assembly implies a four-cylinder unit with a volume of 1.2 liters. The power of such an engine is 60 hp. And for Russia and Brazil, versions are provided with a motor, the volume of which is 1 liter, and the power is 66 hp.
The Russian modification of the engines installed on Fiat is MultiJet for 1, 3 liters. This engine with a 16-valve timing mechanism is equipped with a turbine. It has a power of 70 hp.
The Asian market provides for a complete set of Fiat Palio engines with 81 and 115 hp. And the working volume of these units is 1, 4 and 1, 8 liters, respectively. There are also diesel engines with 72 and 63 horsepower.
All modifications of "Fiat Palio", regardless of the engine version, are equipped with a manual five-speed gearbox. Taking into account the most popular in the Russian configuration gasoline engine for 1, 2 liters, we can say that in our country this model of the "Italian" accelerates to 100 km / h in 13 seconds. And with a 16-valve unit, this is possible in 10, 3 seconds.
In this aspect, it should be understood that a car weighing only 900 kg does not spend much effort to accelerate. Other thematic parameters of Fiat include maximum speed (170 km / h) and fuel consumption in urban mode (5 liters per 100 km).
As for the chassis of the Fiat Palio, it should be said about the MacPherson struts, on the basis of which the car platform is installed. A beam with a torsion bar and coil springs is used at the back. By the way, an H-type subframe is additionally installed on the station wagon. And the whole structure is attached to the body by means of damper cushions. Such an implementation helps to increase the ride comfort and improve the energy consumption of the suspension. However, the short wheelbase of the "Italian" has a very negative effect when driving on uneven surfaces, when driving performance can only be improved by using high-profile tires. Fiat uses disc and drum brakes on the front and rear axles, respectively. Due to the low weight of the car, these brakes are sufficient even with a fairly aggressive driving style.
Testimonials
According to the majority of motorists, who from their own experience were able to convince themselves of all the advantages and disadvantages of Fiat Palio, loyal prices and the absence of expensive maintenance in it are very harmoniously combined with the excellent resource of the gearbox and engine. According to reviews, this car can "live" over 350 thousand kilometers. Of course, this becomes possible with timely and correct maintenance.
All of the above characteristics of "Fiat Palio" clearly indicate that when choosing an economical and easy-to-maintain car, the cost of which belongs to the cheap segment, it should definitely be considered as a promising option. This version of "Fiat" is perfect for daily trips in a large city. And potential buyers who are interested in having a roomy trunk should take a closer look at the fiat weekend modification.
