05-07-2006
The New Fiat Strada will be on sale in Italy from 24 June. Produced in the FIASA factory at Betim (Brazil), the new model takes over the baton from a vehicle that has already been a leader both on the South American light transport market (with over 43,000 units registered in 2005) and in Italy in the small pick-up segment (around 3,000 units sold in 2005).
Styling
The main impression is of a solid, functional vehicle capable of good performance. Its line expresses a strong, dynamic personality, which blends the typical features of a pick-up with the unmistakable lines of a car.
What stands out most among the new elements introduced in this model are the front, which has now been given a more modern, rugged look with new lighting clusters, sturdier bumpers and the original V-ribbed bonnet. The door-handles are new, too, in particular the one on the tailgate that contains the Fiat logo. The long cabin versions have rails and spoilers with a roof-mounted third stop-light, as well as lots of extra space inside: 30 centimetres behind the seats – very useful for storing
small luggage items or clothes without occupying the passenger seat.
Overall dimensions remain much the same as for the previous model: length 4,444 mm, width 1,664, height 1,525 and distance between wheel arches 2,718 mm.
Looking in more detail at the design from a side view, the ratio of cabin to load box makes for satisfying proportions. Inside, the Fiat Strada offers lots of space and comfort for driver and passenger in silent, beautifully crafted surroundings. There has been a lot of attention to detail, in the new upholstery, the new dashboard and the revised clear, easy-to-read instrumentation. Ergonomic seats, height-adjustable steering wheel and power-steering contribute to make travelling
and working with the New Fiat Strada pleasantly comfortable and enjoyable. This new Fiat light commercial vehicle has been designed like a car; there’s excellent visibility and light in the cabin, guaranteeing that it can be driven in absolute safety, with all controls within easy reach.
Load compartment
The strong feature of the New Fiat Strada is, of course, the large load box at the back, 1,693 mm long (1,393 mm in the versions with long cabin) and 1,220 mm wide (1,070 mm between wings). Its generous size and regular shape mean it can be exploited to the full and it has a black plastic liner that can withstand freezing and very high temperatures. Strong hooks are positioned at the edges of the load box and on the floor, in such a way that they do not obstruct loading and unloading operations, to allow objects being transported to be fixed for maximum safety. Access to the load compartment is made easier by the low ground clearance of the box (605 mm) and a tailgate that opens to 90° and can support a weight of up to 300 kg. The max. payload, including driver, is 705 kg (685 kg for the versions with long cabin), while it has a total kerb weight of 1915 kg and a towable weight of 1000 kg.
Engine
Style, comfort, loading capacity, but also brilliant performance. The Fiat Strada is ready for anything, with its 1.3 16v Multijet, Euro 4 engine - the smallest and most advanced of all direct injection second-generation “Common Rail” diesels. Equipped with a variable geometry turbocompressor with intercooler, it generates a max. power output of 85 bhp (62 kW at 4000 rpm) and a torque of 200 Nm (20.4 kgm at 1750 rpm). It guarantees excellent performance (top speed of 165 km/h) and a fuel consumption that is among the best in the segment, as well as low running costs.
Safety
The New Fiat Strada also has several safety devices – preventive, active and passive. With easy driving and top-of-the-range road-holding, complete control in all road conditions is assured. It has a twin crossover circuit braking system with 9” servo and braking corrector (ABS with EBD available on request). The front brakes are 257 mm diameter ventilated disc brakes and the rear fits 228 mm diameter drums with self-centring shoes and automatic play take-up.
In the area of passive safety, the new model fits side impact bars, reinforced body with crumple zone and a rigid-structure cockpit, with FPS (Fire Prevention System). As well as all this, front airbags for driver and passenger are available, either as standard or options depending on trim levels and markets.
Suspension
This vehicle is excellent for road-holding and easy driving, and is the only one in its category with front-wheel drive. The suspension geometry was designed to support heavy loads and to ensure, at the same time, a high degree of comfort for occupants, even on “difficult” roads. While the front suspension is independent McPherson-type, the rear suspension mounts a live axle with single parabolic leaf springs and “omega” profile – that is, with the central part raised, allowing the vehicle to travel over any type of terrain in absolute safety.
Range
The New Fiat Strada range comprises two equipment levels (Strada and Adventure), two bodies (short and long cabin) and 11 body colours (four pastel and seven metallic). In detail, the Strada model offers as standard: new instrumentation with trip computer, height-adjustable steering wheel and power-steering.
In addition to these, the New Strada Adventure (available only with long cabin) has a more aggressive style, as can be seen in the front body-coloured bumpers with integrated fog lights and added headlights and side platforms. It also has, as standard, roof rails, central locking, electric windows and 175/80 R14 tyres. The New Strada Adventure is the ideal answer for those who want a light commercial vehicle with more dynamic features, suitable for both work and leisure.
In the comfort area, the New Fiat Strada offers a long list of optional extras to customise your vehicle: a radio with CD player, CD changer (on the Adventure only), air conditioning, electric mirrors and openable roof (on the Adventure only), alloy wheels and remote control door opening and closing.
Text and photos courtesy of Fiat Auto
