Fiat Auto South Africa has launched a new version of its Palio, offering much a higher specification level than the current Go!.
For just R13 000 more than the entry-level three- and five-door Palio, buyers of the Vibe will receive the added benefits of aircon, power steering, an audio system with a radio/CD/MP3 player, door pockets, colour-coded exterior mirrors, 14″ alloy wheels shod with 175/65 R14 rubber, and decals and a Vibe badge on the sides and back respectively.
Added to the standard tinted windows, key-operated central locking, heated rear window and rev counter, that means the new car is well specced for the price and offers even better value than the cheaper car.
Mechanically the Palio Vibe is identical to the entry-level Palio. It uses the same 1,2-litre eight-valve four-cylinder engine that dishes up 54kW of power and 102Nm of torque, giving the car a claimed top speed of 164kph and a 0-100 time of 13,5 seconds.
I drove the new car for a short distance at the launch and found it to be truly cheap and cheerful. It didn’t get my adrenalin pumping excessively, but at the price it provides very good value for those looking for funky, reliable transport. The lack of any airbags and ABS brakes will worry some buyers, but the Fiat has most of the extras you could expect at this price.
Fiat claims that the Vibe will consume just 7,8 litres of petrol for every 100km travelled in everyday use, and service intervals of 20 000km will help keep running costs down.
The car comes in three- and five-door guises, at R89 900 and R91 900 respectively. The deal includes a 24-month manufacturer’s warranty (unlimited mileage) and there’s an optional dealer 12-month warranty extension available that will cover the car for up to 100 000 km.
The Vibe is also covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance programme for the first 12 months of ownership. The service is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by dialing Tel: 0800 223727.