Passing of the Palio

That'll do Palio...that will do.

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Not even a week after Volkswagen sounded the death knell for the Citi Golf, Fiat has announced that after a run of 10 years and 33 000 sales, the Palio will be retired at the end of 2009.

As Fiat had previously marketed only the Uno range, the Palio enabled the company to expand its product portfolio when it was introduced to the South African market in 2000. Originally a hatchback, the Palio range was extended to include the Weekend station wagon, and the Sienna saloon.

Over time, the Palio assumed its position as an entry-level hatch, the most recent being the five-door 1,2 Palio in Active trim level, and benefitted from ongoing improvements, including a major facelift in 2005, which a new front and rear end. The Palio also saw several special versions and limited edition models such as the Palio Go!, Palio Eco, Palio Racing, and Palio Special Series - the first car in its segment in South Africa to offer BlueTooth hands-free connectivity.

"The Palio has been a consistent performer and has helped put Fiat on the map in South Africa. So while its passing is tinged with nostalgia, the future for the Fiat brand in this country is even more exiting. Without wanting to give too much away, all I can say is watch this space because some great things are going to be happening in 2010. The one involves the Punto, a model that is synonymous with world class quality, safety and comfort, while the other involves our jewel in the crown - the inimitable Fiat 500," says Oscar Rivoli, managing director of Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa.

Read about the new Fiat models headed for the South African market in the December 2009 issue of CAR Magazine, on sale November 16.

Comments

Shame, it´s a good car with reliable engines. It will be replaced by the Fiat Idea? It would be a great idea! In my opinion Fiat S.A. should sell the wonderful modern Lancia Delta in the country.

Posted by: Miguel

Sad to see Palio go, but after poor marketing and de-speccing of models since its introduction, it's no wonder. Still, it provided reliable transport to many and in the 2004 Synovate Product Quality Survey the Palio EL hatch beat Toyota's Camry with less reported Problems Per Unit (although strangely enough, the station wagon 'Weekend' models reported more problems than the hatchback Palio's). The only Fiat 178 (Palio/Siena/Weekend/Strada platform) model we'll have left in SA now will be the Strada. There'd better be something good on the way to replace it Fiat Auto SA! (Previous shape Punto is still in production in some parts of the world - Fiat's version of the Citi Golf. Maybe that for SA...?).

Posted by: Merlin77

I was looking for any place that fits sun roofs to cars around the Pretoria, Midrand and North East Johannesburg. Your Kind help will be gladly accepted.

Posted by: Mashudu Nemukula

i have just hired the Palio Active for a weekend jaunt in johannesburg, and found the car to be hopelessly underpowered. Especially with the air con on. Granted, i put the first 52kms on this brand new car, so the engine obviously desperately needed to be run in. Good luck to the next renter! The controls were light, but the car was devoid of any personality. I couldn't wait to get back to my 1997 Fiesta! In Argentina, these cars work very hard as taxi's, so I have to give them their due for engine longevity, however, their are other cars out there... Goodbye Palio - I will not miss you. Sorry.

Posted by: Anonymous