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The Fiat 1100 is back!

The Premier Padmini, for years, defined the Indian cityscape and under its badge lay the car's true identity - the Fiat 1100. JOY CHAUDHURI gets behind the scenes with Fiat's comeback machine

BACK WITH THE HATCH The new Palio features a new nose and an upgraded tail, but its silhouette remains very familiar though. Its new engine is expected to win it brownie points, though

TECHNICAL DATA

FIAT PALIO 1.1
How much?
Rs 4 lakh (estimated)
How big?
Length: 3,763 mm
Width: 1,620 mm
Height: 1,440 mm
Trunk volume: 280 litres
Engine
Layout: 4-cylinder inline, 1108cc petrol
Max power: 54 bhp (estimated)
Max torque: 9.0 kgm (estimated)
Installation: Front,transverse, front-wheel drive

The Fiat 1100 is about to make a return to India. No, it's not the old Fiat model that was made in Premier's Kurla factory from the `50s to the late `90s, but actually a new, face-lifted Palio. Added to the new styling comes an updated and reduced capacity 1100cc engine, which will allow it the excise break for small cars - which allows cars under four metres in length and powered by petrol engines smaller than 1.2-litres a cut in taxes. Tata and Fiat are hoping this car will be a shot in arm for flagging Palio sales.

The Palio, an excellent car by any standards, did not enjoy the success it rightfully deserved. A reputation of indifferent service and thirsty engine meant that the car never really set the sales charts on fire. Though Fiat scrambled to address the problems, the damage had already been done. Now with the tie-up with Tata, and a brand new Palio, Fiat is hoping to get the formula right this time around.

Styling and looks

So how different is the new car from the old? Let's begin from the front. The nose of the car is virtually all- new. Your focus now rests on a pair of double-barrelled headlamps. Set deep in a very modern-looking nacelle, they deliver a grown-up, modern look to the car. They also wrap around and spill on the fender and bumper. A wider black `anti-matter' grille sits squarely between the lights, with Fiat's logo looming large in the centre.

However, the blue- backed badge may be replaced by the Fiat logo in red. The red logo was used successfully by Fiat for years and Fiat's return to this bold logo is sure to add charm. The font and style of the lettering is similar to that on the nose of Schumacher's Ferrari. The new bumper has a unique slot in the centre for better cooling and the three-part chin of the car is all-new as well. Black has been cleverly used in the lower part of the nose to lighten the design.

The shape of the doors remains similar; it's too expensive to change these, but a different mirror and new door handles mean there is a slight change. The rear of the car is not terribly attractive, with new, taller tail-lights wrapping up the new look.

The interiors of the new Palio do not get any major makeover. Fiat hasn't upgraded the car's interiors since they are not available in right-hand drive configuration. Hard-wearing plastics, comfortable seats and a solid build are things to look forward to. Fiat and Tata want to place the car where it is accessible to the widest audience and the current interiors are up to the task.

Under the hood

The main change in this car is under the hood. How is the new engine? The motor itself will be from Fiat's excellent FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) family, the same as that of the current NV. So you can expect it to be smooth and free-revving.

The1108cc engine generates 54bhp. That's 25 percent less power than the current car's 72bhp. In spite of the lower capacity motor, the pulling power from low speeds is expected to be better than on the existing version. This will be a big improvement as the current car lacks pulling power at lower engine speeds. The better low-speed torque is also likely to have a positive impact on fuel economy. Overall it's a step up.

With the new Palio, Fiat and Tata are looking at taking this much-loved car mainstream. The expected drop in price, the expected increase in fuel economy as well as the fresh new look of the car is sure to attract customers.

The new Fiat 1100 is due in the showrooms soon. Is this the car that will turn Fiat around? Tata and Fiat have their fingers crossed for your verdict.

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