Known until now as the 169 Project, the Fiat Gingo is a super compact car that goes on sale in September. This new Fiat represents the most advanced city car on the market today. It is endowed with all the comforts much bigger models have accustomed us to; designed for fuel economy without detriment to performance and as adept in our crowded cities as it is on longer journeys out of town.
In line with Fiat's history and mission, this new model is ultra-compact yet surprisingly roomy. Only 354 cm long, 158 cm wide and 153 cm high, the Fiat Gingo can nevertheless seat five people. It also boasts one of the most capacious boots in its segment (over 200 litres) and the roomiest interior bar none.
And that's not all. The Fiat Gingo takes its segment a decisive stride forward in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and equipment. It is also unmatched in its class for flexibility, handling and visibility. In addition, it offers a gear lever placed in the ergonomically ideal position at the centre of the facia (a major innovation for this segment), Dualdrive electric power steering (as standard on the mid-to-upper range versions) and a driver's seat set higher off the ground than usual.
The Fiat Gingo comes with a choice of three decidedly thrifty engines. One of them is making its own debut on the Fiat Gingo. That's the new 1.3 Multijet 16v that develops 70 bhp which will only become available a few months after the launch of the Fiat Gingo. The other two power units have already proved their worth: the trusty 1108 cc 55 bhp and the reliable 1.2 8v that develops a maximum power of 60 bhp. And there is a choice of two transmission systems: a manual 5-speed and the new Dualogic sequential automatic gearbox.
Up-to-the-minute and ultra-reliable the mechanicals on the new model incorporate several facilities not all super compacts can boast. Like the big transparent Skydome roof, the choice of manual or automatic climate control, the parking sensor, the Hi-Fi Sound System complete with CD player, sub-woofer and steering wheel radio controls. Nor has the safety of the model's occupants been neglected, standard or optional depending on trim level: up to 6 airbags, ESP and ABS complete with EBD. The end product is a car that is good looking and comfortable.
The Fiat Gingo is a little charmer that represents stunning value for money thanks to its excellent combination of content, running costs and residual value.
Text and photos courtesy of Fiat Auto
