The Fiat Palio, when it was launched for the first time in India in September 2001, was the most butch car among hatchbacks on Indian roads. An Italian thoroughbred, designed by Goiregetto Giugiaro, it was wide bodied with flowing lines and came with that twangy orange colour that stood out on Indian roads. But the car drew a lot of flak for fuel economy, pricing, spares, to name just a few. And as Tata Motors tied up with Fiat this year, the first step for the JV has been to send Palio back to the drawing board.

Fresh out of the factory, prior to the grand launch of Grande Punto and Linea next year, Palio Stile 1.1 and 1.6 petrol variants are revving again. To address the fuel factor is a downsized 1108 cc 56 bhp 8-valver that replaces the 1242cc, 72-bhp 8 valver, the rationale being a smaller engine will consume less fuel. The revamped 1.1 pumps out 57 PS @5250 rpm and delivers a torque of 92 Nm @ 2750 rpm. Consequently, the company has also lowered the kerb weight of Palio Stile by 25 kg and the price too by Rs 50,000. So for those looking for more power and torque, Palio Stile 1.6 Sport generates 100 PS @ 5500 rpm with 137 Nm @ 4250 rpm and is the only sporty B-segment hatchback in India!

Slotting it in the first gear and edging out of chock-a-block traffic on Prafulla Sarkar Street, the Palio Stile felt sturdy, manoeuvrable and dependable. But as you hit second and then third gears on less congested streets, the deliverable torque is not easily available. Cane the engine and it’s fast though — in the mid-range it gives you decent power and torque. So those who are used to pre-multi-injection engines should have no problem with the Stile at all.

The wheelbase has been stretched by 64 mm and the space inside is comfortable. While the company claims that 15.5 kmpl is not quite achievable for lesser seasoned drivers, in its second innings, the Palio should give a good mileage of 14 kmpl. However, what Fiat can really bank on to boost sales is the extensive dealership network and servicing points of Tata Motors.

Features

• Price (SL) : Rs 3,56,976 (ex-showroom Calcutta)
• Engine: Petrol4 cylinder FIRE
• Displacement: 1,108 cc
• Max power: 57 PS@ 5,250 rpm
• Torque: 92 Nm @2,750 rpm
• Valves per cylinder: SOHC, 2 valves
• Fuel system: Electronic Multipoint with 32 Bit Microprocessor
• Front brakes: Ventilated discs
• Rear brakes:Drums(self-adjusting type)
• Steering: Rack & Pinion Power Steering
• Turning radius:5.1 m
• Tyres: Tubeless165/80 R13
• Wheels: 5.0 x 13
• Length: 3,827 mm
• Width: 1,620 mm
• Height: 1,440 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,373 mm
• Boot capacity: 260-950 litres
• Kerb weight: 990 kg
• Ground clearance: 170 mm
• Fuel tank capacity:  47 litres
• Gear box: Manual 5 + R All Forward Speeds Synchromesh
• Front suspension: Independent wheel, MacPherson type with lower wishbone anchored to cross member, coil springs and telescopic dual effect shock absorbers
• Rear suspension: Torsion axle, coil springs, stabilising bar and telescopic dual effect shock absorbers