When times are tough, the tough get going in the new Palio Active range by Fiat. Now fully imported, the latest addition to the Palio collection hones in on affordability to make it the most stylish, spacious hatch on the right side of R100 000.
Slotting in just above the entry-level GO! models (3- and 5-door), the new five-door Active takes over the value reigns from the locally manufactured Palio Vibe, but coming in with a considerably lower price tag.
The Palio Active comes in three variants (exclusively five-door configuration):
- Without power steering or air conditioning
- With power steering
- With power steering and air conditioning
What value-added features does the Palio Active have over and above the GO!?
- 14-inch steel wheels shod with 175/65 R14 rubber
- Digital clock
- Silver-finish trim accents for the centre console and dashboard
- All new ergonomic seat design with new fabric design
- Door compartment pockets
How much do you save on the Palio Active over the outgoing Palio Vibe?
With a recommended price tag of just R94 300 for the Palio Active with power steering and air conditioning, the saving is close to R8 000 over the old Palio Vibe five-door. The Vibe three-door is phased out to make way for the Active (five-door) in base spec (without power steering or air conditioning) selling for R86 300 and the Active with power steering retailing for R87 300. So, all round it’s a great deal!
Why should you consider a Palio?
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You know what you’re getting – a robust, safe, European-designed hatch with reliable mechanics and dependable build quality from a name you can trust. Standard equipment includes nice-to-haves like tinted windows, central locking, immobiliser, heated rear window, rev counter, collapsible steering column, side impact bars in all doors and anti-submarining seats.
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Unlike many of its spatially challenged price competitors, the Palio is a genuine five-seater family sedan with a boot you can really use. Space for buck it doesn’t get any better than the Palio.
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Perky performance means this is no toy-town toddler. The 1.2 eight-valve engine features is credited with 54 kW of power at 6 000 r/min, along with 102 Nm of torque at 3 250 r/min. This contributes to a thoroughly respectable 0-100 km/h time of 13,5 sec and a top speed of 164 km/h.
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Low running costs are ensured thanks to a combined fuel consumption of 7,8 l/100 km in the combined cycle, with constant-speed consumption pegged at 5,9 l/100 km and 7,9 l/100 km at 90 km/h and 120 km/h respectively. What’s more, all Palios have 20 000 km service intervals and enjoy full after-sales backing in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide.
IN 2008 FIAT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN SOUTH AFRICA. FROM A SINGLE MODEL LINE-UP AND NOT ONE STAND-ALONE DEALERSHIP, THE COMPANY NOW BOASTS A VERY COMPREHENSIVE RANGE AND A DEDICATED DEALER NETWORK. FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES SOUTH AFRICA – 10 YEARS YOUNG AND HERE TO STAY
