Fiat at the 27th Bologna Motor Show
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The Fiat stand at the Bologna Motor show has four focal points. First up are two concept cars, each with an original, fresh, dynamic style of its own. One is the Fiat Simba, the first European example of a small off-roader that is just as at home beating a path through the African savannah as it is driving through the asphalt jungle.
The other vehicle on show is the Fiat Dobló Sandstorm, an off-road version of the Dobló and all set for a desert raid. The spotlights are also on Fiat's newborn, the Stilo Multi Wagon. The name encompasses two motoring concepts that are very different to one another but meet in the new model to create a harmonious whole: the handling of a Station Wagon coupled with the versatility and modularity of a Multi Purpose Vehicle. Herein lies the essence of its dual nature: station wagon outside, MPV inside.
Plenty of space at the Motor Show has therefore been devoted to this model that is shown in three versions, all in the Dynamic specification.
Two are equipped with 103 bhp 1.6 16v and 133 bhp 1.8 16v petrol engines; the other comes with a 1.9 JTD engine with maximum power of 115 bhp. The Bologna show would not be complete without 3 and 5-doored versions of the Fiat Stilo. The area set aside for Fiat's medium-sized compact car features a fresh, dynamic setting in the Stilo's own inimitable spirit. Two versions are on show: the five-door version of the 85 kW (115 bhp) 1.9 JTD Dynamic and the three-door 133 bhp 1.8 Dynamic.
The third focal point on the stand: low environmental impact vehicles. A dedicated area houses two Fiat Multiplas in Bipower and LPG versions and, for the first time, a Punto Natural Power: a car that offers a dual fuel methane and petrol engine that is the outcome of Fiat's ongoing research into alternative fuels.
The show also sees the world premier of the revised Fiat Barchetta, the model that represents a happy blend of our great Italian sports tradition and the shape of things to come.
These, then, are the four focal points of the stand. And they are complemented by areas reserved for other models from the extensive Fiat range. For example, the Fiat Ulysse, the people-carrier for customers who want a comfortable, roomy, versatile MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with plenty of seats that offers great practicality. Two versions are on show: one equipped with a 2.2 JTD engine and the other with a 2.0 16v, both with an Emotion specification.
The evergreen Punto is also present in five door 1.9 JTD Dynamic, three door 1.2 16v Sporting and 1.2 Feel versions. On a special platform of its own, you can also see a concept car produced on a Punto base: the Punto Student, a car designed by the young for the young. The exhibition continues with the Dobló Malibù and Seicento Sporting, the latter represented by the new range due to go on sale from October.
These youthful, informal cars are flanked by three cars with a decidedly sporty look: the Punto Abarth Rally, winner of the Italian Rally Super 1600 Championship with Paolo Andreucci; the Fiat Stilo Abarth Rally to be raced in the 2003 Trophy; and a Stilo 2.4 20v with Abarth specification.
Multimedia treats are also on offer in Bologna. Several Internet stations allow you to log on to our buy@fiat and fiat.com sites. Here you can browse Fiat models and experience a new approach to the car world.
2002-11-27 Please quote Autoindex.org if You use this news article!