FIAT Palio

FIAT Palio was conceived to be a world because (world Voiture). Baptized code name 178, it was developed in several models:

truck with forage ladder: FIAT Palio 3 and 5 doors, in 1996
traditional truck 4 doors with trunk: FIAT Siena, Albea, Petra in 1997

and recently FIAT Beaded for China,

station-wagon: FIAT Palio 5 doors Station Coach, in 1997
record player: FIAT Strada in 1998,

It takes the succession of FIAT Duna, little known in France, because it was a model manufactured in and for the countries of Latin America, Argentine and Brésil and exported in Asia and Africa.

The manufacture of the FIAT Palio began in 1996 in Brazil and developed in good of other countries like: Argentina (1997), Turkey (1998), India (2000), China (2001), South Africa (2001) and Russia (2007). The cumulated capacities of construction exceed 800 000 exemplaires/an. In 2006, it ran out only 350.000, primarily in Amérqiue of the South, the fault with a too weak brand image. Palio will be replaced in 2009 by a new model developed on a basis of FIAT Panda suggested towards 8000 €, directly competitor of the Dacia Logan, perhaps doubled in India of a vehicle even more economic on the basis of 3000 €.

Convey intended for the emerging markets, the FIAT Palio - in all its versions - is an enormous success in all the countries where it is marketed and in particular in Brazil where the first engine 1.8 Flex in the world was marketed in 2004, motorization which allows a distinct or combined use gasoline and of alcohol. In June 2006, range FIAT Palio grows rich by an electric version and a Tétrafuel version.

The FIAT Palio knew three restyling, the first in 2001, the second in 2004 and the last with the whole at the beginning of 2007.

It should be supplemented then replaced, at the end of 2007 beginning 2008, by the D200 project which will use the base of the Grande Punto.

The first series

Its launching intervenes in 1996 in Brazil in the factory of Bétim. It bears code name 178 and comprises four versions. The structure rests on the basis of FIAT Uno but notably altered in tortionnelle rigidity to adapt to the local conditions.

Immediately after its launching in Brazilian factory FIAT, the production also begins in factories FIAT in Argentina, Venezuela, Poland and Morocco since 1997. The following year manufacture begins in factories FIAT in Turkey, South Africa, Egypt and, as from 2002 in China.

The second series - 2001

In 2001 the FIAT Palio profits from a first restyling which is the fruit of a collaboration with Giorgetto Giugiaro. It should be noted that sporting versions are proposed in various countries like Turkey and Brazil where a version equipped with a motorization of 120 CV is marketed. Safety is also the subject of an special attention since all the models are equipped with airbags and of ABS. The Siena will change name on certain markets to become Albea or Petra.

The third series - 2004

FIAT Palio 3rd series HLX Flex This restyling, always developped at the point with Giorgetto Giugiaro, takes again the topics of style already present on other models of range FIAT like FIAT Punto and FIAT Stilo, while preserving the initial base. On the other hand, the Brazilian range evolves/moves notably on the side motorization with the introduction of the Flex engines, able to run indifferently with the gasoline and alcohol or a mixture of both.

This type of combustion, developed by Magneti-Marelli (subsidiary of FIAT) is first world, like was in 1978 the engine functioning with the alcohol of cane on FIAT 147.

The last restyling - 2007

This last restyling was not presented to the living room of Sao Paulo in November 2006 as anticipated by the Brazilian specialized press but to the whole beginning of the month of February 2007. The Palio new range which also gathers the Siena truck, the Station Coach Palio SW and the Strada record player, takes again the general style of the Grande Punto which we have in Europe. This same version, renamed Style, was presented by FIAT India on April 3rd, 2007 for an immediate marketing.

This new generation is accompanied, on the Chinese market, of FIAT Beaded presented ahead first to Beijing in August 2006.

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