New Palio Stile from Fiat..

Overview:

Fiat launched its new hatchback Palio Stile in two petrol engine variants, Palio Stile 1.1(SL, SLE and SLX variant) and Palio Stile 1.6 sport. Palio Stile is the first product from the Ranjanagaon plant, the plant was revamped as a part of Tata – Fiat JV. Both the partners are ramping up their plans for India and other countries. While Fiat helps to market Tata’s cars and trucks in other countries Tata helps Fiat with its deep rooted dealership network. Fiat uses the Tata dealership to give its customers a good service which it lacked earlier. Fiat plans to launch Grande Punto, Linea saloon and Blitz in India soon.

New Engine:

Fiat follows Hyundai in engine selection; Fiat has de-powered the palio stile with 1.1L which is earlier powered by 1.2L engine. But here is some good news for the driving enthusiasts Fiat has retained the powerful 1.6 litre petrol engine in the new Palio Stile. The new palio stile offers two engine options a 1.1L engine which pumps out 57PS@5250 rpm(under powered compared to Zen estilo, santro and indica xeta) and a torque of 92Nm@2750 rpm whereas the same 1.6L delivers same power and torque. 1.1-litre engine makes the Palio Stile eligible to qualify as ‘small car’ under the government’s norms and hence become eligible for lower excise duty. The lower capacity motor is 25 percent less power than the current car’s 72bhp, but the pulling power of the engine from low speeds is expected to be better than on the existing version. This will be a big improvement as the last palio lacks pulling power at lower engine speeds. The better low speed torque is also likely to have a positive impact on fuel economy — overall, a step up. The motor is from the 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-reving. And with innovations like the Electronic returnless Fuel System, an advanced 32-bit Engine Management system and 30% fewer moving parts Fiat claims 15kpl in city run and 17kpl in highway for its 1.1L stile palio under test conditions.

Design:

Fiat has retained almost the same dimensions for its palio stile, the only change is palio is little bit stretched by 64mm without any increase in its wheelbase. Thank you Fiat! Palio stile 1.6 sport is the only sporty B segment hatchback available in the country. Fiat Palio Stile stands apart for its soft, simple and pure design that enables the car to have a dynamic, harmonious look. The imposing aerodynamic front is marked by the Sparkling Double Barrel shaped Head Lamps placed above a stylish bumper. Palio stile looks solid yet dynamic look in side view.

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Exterior changes includes

*a new front bumper

*a wider black anti-matter grille, double barelled headlamps

*new tail-lamps and door handles. On the inside, are the new interiors with plush beige upholstery and a classy dual coloured dashboard in warm browns and brushed metal, typical of the Italian style that typifies the design of the Fiat Palio Stile. The 1.1L Palio Stile will be offered in six colours- Furnace Red, Ozone Blue, Alpine Green, Mint White, Carbon Black and Magnesium Grey. The Palio Stile 1.6 Sport comes in Formula Red and Carbon Black. Fiat’s new red logo does not feature in Indian Palio stile; it retains the blue backed badge.

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Safety and special features:

Fiat claims its Palio stile is equipped with auto intelligence system which includes Double Crank Prevention System – A unique engine guard system which prevents re-cranking of the engine when already on, Reverse Gear Lock – A sensible reverse gear lock prevents any accidental engagement of reverse gear and ensures that you always travel the right way and an engine Immobiliser – a high security system which ensures the engine start only when your coded key is inserted and acts as a theft prevention device (a must device for indian vehicles especially when the recovery ratio of the lost vehicle is very poor) along with Fire Prevention System (FPS) and child safety lock. All the safety systems are standard on all variants of palio stile. Rear wiper is standard in 1.1SLX and 1.6 sport and sadly there is no defogger in palio stile too.

Price and Service:

Fiat wishes to rebuild its image with its partner Tata. Fiat palio stile is the first new vehicle produced after Tata-Fiat JV hence both the partners will be keen to ensure customers a valuable service and value for money. Palio stile’s prices are competitive and are ranged from Rs 3.49 lakh to Rs 3.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) while the Palio Stile 1.6 is priced at Rs 4.31 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The entire range is available through the country-wide Tata-Fiat network of 63 dealerships covering 42 cities. The plan is to increase this dealership number to 100 in the next few months in preparation for the new models that are on the anvil. Fiat hopes its Tata alliance and aggresive pricing(cheaper by Rs 40,000 than the base models of the recently launched ‘Getz Prime’) will help to sell decent numbers of palio stile and in revival of Fiat’s brand. Yes, the partnership seems to be working.

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