With the introduction of indirect-injection turbodiesel models in the Fiat Palio II and Siena II ranges, Fiat Auto SA now offers the most affordable diesel-powered cars in South Africa.
With the introduction of indirect-injection turbodiesel models in the Fiat Palio II and Siena II ranges, Fiat Auto SA now offers the most affordable diesel-powered cars in South Africa.
“We break new ground with the latest Palio II and Siena II as they are now available for the first time with a turbodiesel engine, offering good performance and low running costs,” Fiat Auto SA managing director Giorgio Gorelli said this week, adding that the local introduction of the diesel engine presented the Rosslyn-based company with more export opportunities into Sub-Saharan Africa.
The 1,7-litre four-cylinder TD has a single overhead camshaft and two-valve-per-cylinder configuration, a 20,3:1 compression ratio, and is mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The unit produces maximum power of 51 kW at 4 600 r/min and has a peak torque output of 135 N.m at 2 500 r/min.
Fiat Auto claims the TD models will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 16 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h. But, what’s more significant is that the 1,7 TD is claimed to consume 6,9 litres per 100 km in the combined cycle test, resulting in a tank-to-tank range (47 litres with an additional five to seven litre reserve) of almost 700 km.
“Driving at a constant 90 km/h sees the consumption dropping down to 5,0 L/100 km and at 120 km/h the 1,7 TD consumes 7,0 L/100 km,” a Fiat Auto SA spokesman said.
The 1,7 TD five-door has colour coding on the bumpers and grille surround, black side skirts, door handles and exterior mirrors, tinted windows, key-operated central locking, power steering, Fiat rolling code immobiliser, a heated rear window, luggage compartment lighting, a single-piece folding rear seat, pre-wiring for radio and antenna fitment, internally adjustable side mirrors and a 12-volt power point.
The model also includes height-adjustable front head restraints, a high-level third brake light, Fiat’s Fire Prevention System (FPS), rear fog lights, side impact bars in all doors, anti-submarining seats and a collapsible steering column.
The 1,7 TD EL five-door has full colour coding (eg. body-coloured external mirrors, door handles and side skirts), electric front windows, height adjustment for the steering wheel, a digital clock, front and rear grab handles, a 60/40 split folding rear seat (which allows the Palio’s luggage capacity to be increased to 650 dm3), remotely operated central locking, a rear window wiper, air-conditioning, an interior remote boot opener, an illuminated glove box, a passenger-side sun visor with mirror, a driver’s left footrest, practical door pockets and a modern silver finish on the centre console.
In terms of safety, an airbag is included for the driver, linked to height adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
The four-door Siena II 1,7 TD EL has the same specification level as equivalent Palio II EL model, but a boot capacity of 500 dm3 that extends to 920 dm3 when the 60/40 split rear seat is lowered.
The Palio II and Siena II turbodiesel models require servicing at 20 000 km intervals, with an engine oil and engine oil filter change every 10 000km.
Fiat Auto SA offers owners a 24-month Manufacturer’s Warranty, unlimited mileage and an additional 12-month Dealer’s Extended Warranty for up to 100 000km, three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation. The new models are also covered by AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months.
Prices:
Palio II 1,7 TD 5dr R96 900
Palio II 1,7 TD EL 5dr R116 900
Siena II 1,7 TD EL R123 100
