Fiat Palio Stile [2007-2011] User Reviews

 

Hi All,

Althrough I am a active user of the carwale forums for the car reviews for 5 years, I haven't shared my experience with my palio and would like to share some of my experience with this car.

I bought this car in Jun'2008 after extensive reviews for various cars including GetZ, Swift, Swift Dzire, Indica, Wagon R. I have done a extensive analysis with my friends, test drives etc etc.. We can straight away rule out comparing the Palio 1.6 with Wagon R & Indica. Also Myself bit crazy about high speeds, but I always prefer the speed vs your comfort at high speeds.

Almost All my friends were opposing me for this car, citing reasons as poor maintenance, not reliable.

I have done a extensive analysis on the cost, space, power ratio, ground clearance, torque, comfort feeling, features ( brouchers, mauals, test drives) and finally decided to go ahead with Palio Stile 1.6 Sport. I felt this has a edge in many aspects that I have compared except the only point which I felt about it is the Maintenace. But it's ok, as my friend who is working in the Sales & Marketting of Automobiles used to tell me that this car does not run into issues simply.

It's a pretty sturdy vechicle, I can gurantee that the amount of steel used in palio can be used to make atleast 3 - 4 Swift / Getz car. I am not joking, You can read out the steel aspect ratio / feel it when you go for the test drive.

After my purchase, I ensured keeping a variance of RPM between 1.5 to 2.5 ( x1000) to ensure the engine gets set ( althrough it's not required - that's my style).

I always have long drives to my hometown which is around 650 - 700 KM ( Bangalore to Tiruchendur).

The highway experience / drive quality is really awesome. I have sat on my friends Swift for some long drives where I can feel the speed after it cross the speed of 120KM. But in Palio - Even when I drive at 130 - 140 KM, the comfort is pretty good and more important , the ability for you to stop at emergency is awesome. You won't feel inside like you are applying a very sharp breakes.

 

Overall, I felt the following key things that edge Palio as pretty good as compared to other cars, All these points are through my experience.

1. The drive control, even at 140 KM speed, I felt pretty comfortable.

2. The Aero dynamics of the car, which allows you to accelerate rapidly from 100 - 140 without hassles, even with AC on. I can bet we can't think of this many cars in this segment. This is very much good when you overtake cars that are driving constaly at 110 / 120 KM. Becoz, I have seen many cars compete now a days at the Bangalore - Madurai highway, You can zoom pass those vechicles.

3. No need to mention about the 100 BHP, through it's only at 100/ 5500, which is nice ( not excellent ).

4. The strudy feeling; You feel very comfort, Very spacious..

4. I would like to deny the poor milege part - I also used to get 9 / 14 KM mileage in the past. However in my recent trip to my hometown, I kept constantly driving at 80- 100 KM. ( Not more than that ), and I got a high-way mileage of 18KM. I am sure even the Palio owner would get a heart-attack by hearing this. But it so happened in my car. And with the city drive now, I am getting close to 12 - 13 KM by keeping costant rev power.

 

5. I love the Palio Head lights - Too Sporty and give a very good feeling in the night.. Althrough the power is 55 - You can put 100/ h7.

6.  Vechichle Noise - You would absolutely hear nothing / not even a small vibration inside your car when the car is running with AC/ thanks to 1600 Engine.

 

Some Cons :

1. Spare Parts - You may end up waiting since Tata does not stock up the palio;

2. Not easy to get serviced in small towns; But imagine this would hold good for any high-end car ( if you have Honda Accord / Toyota Corolla).. :-)

3. The spare tyre is not tubeless - Which means it would not get used along with the tubeless tyres ( which comes with the wheel).

Overall, I would give a edge to Palio (Provided you accept the cons, which is v.important & Mileage) and go ahead. Ofcourse I feel every car has it's own pros & cons.

Anto.

 

Style, Space, Stability at high speed, ground clearance, Break GripProbably Mileage - But not bad..

I have took a FIAT Stile Multijet SDX from prerana motors, Bangalore on June 25th 2008 I was very happy that I am a proud owner of FIAT car, I was impressed with its new looks, interiors, space in the car and the Rock solid body all went smoothly till I have met with an accident on 17th October near Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh while I was heading towards Hyderabad. As the vehicle was not in a condition to drive I approached TATA Motors dealer in Ananthapur. They refused to take the vehicle because they do not have expertise in handling FIAT motors. TATA even denied taking the responsibility to shift the vehicle where they have expertise.

During the time of purchase of vehicle it has been intimated to me that I can take my FIAT vehicle to any TATA motors dealer for servicing or for any type of issues with the car but in reality it is not true. It is shocking to hear that only in metros FIAT car is serviced or repaired.

I have requested the local dealer and one of its representatives has obliged my request and agreed to keep the car till Prerana collects it for shifting the vehicle to its service center in Bangalore and intimated me that it will take 15 days for them to repair the vehicle because of lack of parts for which I have agreed

I was following up with prerana regularly and got an update after 25 days that they are yet to receive the parts as such the Vehicle is left unattended. I was surprised to hear that still my car was not touched for repairing and it was left unattended. The reason being the Lack of parts because of SAP upgradation at FIAT and Prerana motors bluntly asked me to contact TATA as they are helpless here.

On 11th November I spoke to one senior Executive of TATA Motors and updated him about the issue he said that he will duly look into it and help me in getting my vehicle at the earliest, but the earliest is yet to come.

On 12th of November I have got a call from TATA motors and updated me that they have dispatched the parts to Prerana. He has also updated that one part was not available, but I need not worry about it as they were locally procuring it from another dealer and Prerana should take another 4 days for repairing the vehicle. Finally as per TATA representative I will receive the car not later than 20th of November and suggested me to contact Prerana Motors further.

I waited patiently and as there were no updates either from Prerana or TATA motors, I tried reaching Prerana relationship manager and body shop manager but it vain. Many times they do not answer the call or do not return the calls. This is a pathetic customer service from Prerana Motors. After waiting for few more days, I have got an update that they have started repairing my vehicle. To my surprise, again prerana has updated me later that they have received most of the parts but for 2 parts because of which they have not started working on my car, as TATA is not sending the parts.

I was frustrated with this kind of treatment and have sent an email to TATA rep on 24th November expressing my frustration and dissatisfaction CCing TATA top management. Today is December 2nd and I haven’t got any reply / Acknowledgement to my email.

TATA and its dealers provided to me false information by stating that I can take to any TATA motors authorized showroom which was a white lie or a marketing prank which they have played.  If the TATA motors ananthapur dealer do not have the expertise I felt that TATA should own the responsibility to deliver the vehicle to the service center where they have Expertise.

During my conversation I have heard various reasons for not repairing my car were  from TATA and Prerana are SAP Upgradation at FIAT, System Integration between FIAT and TATA, No Stock of Parts at TATA, FIAT not sending the parts,  delay was because of Diwali festival and prerana has also mentioned that they have 2 other cars which are waiting for over a month and mine is 3rd in line.

Who cares if FIAT is upgrading to SAP or TATA and FIAT system integration if they are customer focused company they will not make me to wait till their activity is completed.

I am not sure what kind of stock management they do at Prerana / TATA / FIAT wherehouses. Till today neither prerana nor TATA-FIAT has shown any concern or responsibility towards my car. I had to pitch in and yell at both the parties for sending the parts and to repair my car, but in vain nothing happened till today. It is purely a step motherly treatment towards FIAT cars by TATA and its dealers. My car is left unattended as an orphaned car.

 

Good Looks, Rock Solid Body, Great MilagePathetic After Sales support, Lack of parts, an Orphaned product

I bought my Palio stile on 30th aug, after driving for around 700 kms am writing this review. What I have liked in this car is its look, the old palio was also a very good looking car, but the new 1 is really pretty. And at a price of 4.2L (ex showroom price at mumbai for SLX-Navi Mumbai registration) its a complete value for money. Driving also peaceful and u won’t feel that it’s a low power car or something. Plus as per the car body goes its very sturdy so u will feel safe inside it.

Great Look, Stability strong , Value for moneyno Alloy wheels

Well I have owned this car for more than three months now and the only word which I have is WOW. The engine was noisier till first service but post that it has improved , become faster and to tell you the fact this car handles the best on high speeds and also takes up every pothole and speed breaker with a smile. The AC is chiller to the core and best part everyone was complaining of the service in that if any FIAT ensures they are taken care off . The customer care of tata has improved and is taking every concern very seriously. Looking at the commitment now one just has to buy the car. What more can one ask the car has a 150000 km warranty. I really was looking to buy the swift Diesel cause I was driving one of my friends but just because of the waiting shifted to palio any you bet , now I dont regret it. The car has more space, handles better in any road conditions and the best part the lag is not there and it definitely is fast and smooth. FIAT has made this a bit more refined than Swift. Now the car has done 7500 KMs two services. Have driven it onthe worst and the best of roads, at times I felt bad on what kinda roads I am taking my new car on but even te allignment has not gone bad. This car is really sturdy and handles much better than any other on indian roads. Would advise test drive it before you decide on any.

7 Dec 2010 Update:- Have now completed a little over 50000 KMS. Car still runs as good as new. The clutch is the same heavy, economy has improved ,has given economy of 24 kmpl in recent shimla trip. Have faced no service or repair issues infact now have a lot of service options. The car is good and sturdy , only problem is with airconditioning gas leak and water condensing in the cabin that too this summer but has been sorted.  Parts Requirement :- None ( only Accidental). Service has been normal. Service cost nominal 2500-3500 varies as oil filter is replaced only 15000 kms. 

Problems:- quite heavy Clutch , Goodyear stock tyres wore very early(24000KM). Got Bridgestone 4 Tyres, no abnormal wear. AC Gas leak this summer,

Accidents:- No Major. A santro rammed at very high speed from back. The santro was totally damaged, palio's bumper had to be replaced. Some junkies damaged Windshield ( Theft Attempt). Had to be replaced.

Excellent fuel economy ride , handlingCould have relooked at the dash

Exterior

Though the design is pretty outdated compared to the new generation hatchback models palio has its own identity and tough looks. The changes in the front grill and headlamps have added to its looks. Would have been really cool with some more curves/definitions on the side doors.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

The seats of the car are good enough. What I do not like is the dashboard design which is too old. In swift I see a much better dashboard with spaces to keep cell phone, wallet, shades etc, where as in Palio it has the design from the 80s. The finish of the fibre parts are also not satisfactory.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

This is the place where I love the car. my SDE has done 40,000 Kms and I feel the same power and driving comfort from the day I bought the car. The turbo is awesome and gives the best response for overtakes. I felt the car really stable at 160 kmph compared to other hatchback counterparts. The breaking is perfect but I wish if it had ABS in real fast driving. The road grip is amazing and even better with a tyre upgrade. I get a 16kmpl mileage in the city and 18-20 kmpl in highways which is good enough. Gear shifting is smooth but the clutch is little bit hard.

I really love the riding quality and handling with the secure feeling inside the car. We can feel the sturdyness of the body and the suspension.

The cooling fan of the car is too loud and it will create a real mess in a dusty area. It blows of all the dust and it looks like a sand storm which is really bad.

Final Words

I would recomment PALIO stile MJD to anyone looking for a Diesel hatch back in budget price. value for money car with real superior driving experience, built, technology etc in its class.  Though the car has higher turning radius you will get used to it very easily. Concorde motors gives pretty good service for me. Overall Palio is a drivers car!

Areas for improvement in Palio

Something should be done to prevent the cooling fan from blowing the dust from the ground(for MJD). Some more insulation from the engine sound to the cabin will be nice. Better finished dash boards and space to keep things like water bottle, wallet, cell phone etc should be included. The clutch is lil bit hard and ladies may find it uncomfortable to drive.

Scarcity of parts

I have not come accross this issue much as i did not have such a requirement but I have heard people complaining that they had to wait for months to get the parts. Bumbers, lights etc The side mirror shattered recently and I have not got it replaced as the part was not available. But the service is pretty good so far from Concorde motors.

Suspension, Braking, Built, Driving comfort, powerPoor interiors, hard clutch, Higher turning radius

So many questions from friends, parents and people known to me on my choice of car, are my first recollection about the Fiat Palio 1.6. I was firm and stood by my choice. The apprehensions about Fiat as a company and Palio as car platform are misplaced because all the views were based on views of somebody else and those somebody never owned a Palio Stile or knew somebody who owned one. First impression, a good looking car having a decent hood. It looks like a car, I mean a car not something like a 'Jugaard'. Second thing, its loaded with all the stuff except for the music system. Third, you get it in a ferari formula red color, which looks ravishing, though I have the carbon black. Ride quality is smooth. I have rode the Getz Prime only before I got the driver seat in Palio and the differences in the ride quality are subtle. I mean, the car is heavy and that weight gives it a better road grip. At higher speeds, the true colors of the 1.6 comes to light. The drive quality becomes excellent and handing become a joy. Maintenance aspect is one which worries a lot of people. The main concern of the people known to me was about the maintenance part. Fiat has recently slashed prices of its spare parts by as much as 50 percent and its JV with Tata Motors over the last three years seems to be showing its effect on the work shop. The quality of work has improved substantially and the maintenance costs have come down, but I must add, the labour costs are still very exorbitant. If you ask me, should I buy a 1.6, I have only one answer - If you are an car enthusiast who loves the rideability of the car then go for it then otherwise buy a Wagon R, Santo and their ilk.Italian beauty, what should you ask more for!Mileage, but given the 1.6 litre engine, you cannot expect the mileage of an Maruti Alto.

Hello Readers, I got my hands on the Fiat Palio Stile 1.1 SLE today, and it was a dream come true for me. It is my first car, and I must say, I am very proud to own this car. Here is my feedback on some of the points, which might be important to potential buyers: Dealer Response Dealer : R D Motors, Kolkata a) Dealer was co-operative, and showed enthusiasm in describing the features of the Fiat car. In fact, R D Motors have sales executives, dedicated for Fiat Cars. b) Got the delivery of the car on the promised date and time, with all the papers. c) After the delivery, I received a call from the Tata-Fiat Factory in Pune about the dealer service. Fiat seems to be monitoring the service given by Tata dealers. Car a) Handling of the car is excellent. It is very responsive at all the speeds, both high and low. b) Car is very comfortable, and it rides over bumps and holes with ease. c) All the controls are easily reachable from the driving position. Safety features like Reverse Gear Lock, intelligent Locking feature are quite useful. I will post another review on the car handling and the fuel efficiency after riding for 500 Kms/1st Service. Verdict : Excellent car to buy. Great front and rear leg space. Interior Finish is quite good Exterior is quite refined Excellent Build Quality (The thud u hear on closing the doors is very reassuring :) ) Good Pickup (Not for the drag racers, but great within city limits) I had test driven and researched the following cars before zeroing on Palio : Indica Xeta Indica Vista Wagon R Chevrolet Spark i10 Santro Xing I would not mention any shortcomings in any other car, as a lot of things depend on an individuals budget and perception. Total On Road Price : 4 Lakhs (after cash discount of Rs 40000) Accesories fitted: 1. Floor Mats (Free) 2. Bumper Protectors 3. Music System (Kenwood USB compliant, 4 speakers) 4. Seat Cover (Leather look) 5. Mud Flaps (Free) 6. Steering CoverGood Fuel Economy, Good Space, Good HandlingNone

The car is indeed spacious, 3 people can sit easily on the back seat with good leg room. Driving, A/c, etc. is OK. But the fuel economy is very poor - I am just getting 7 kms per litre on city driving with A/c. Even mid-size cars give better mileage.SpaciousVery very poor fuel economy

I am aproud owner of the Palio SLX 1.1 fully loaded in Feb 2008
The main reasons that made me purchase this car :

• Looks, Looks, & Looks ( It's really a head turner )
• Sturdy Built and Clean Design
• Build Quality is pretty good
• Interiors are spacious and so is the Boot Space
• Driving Comfort / position is relaxed
• Controls are evenly placed
• Service Assurance by Tata Motors

The MAIN and maybe the only drawback of this car is the Pickup Power, it probably needed a 100cc more

But, if you could install the K&N filters ( Air / Oil ) then this car could be THE ONE you wish for with Immediate Increase in PURE RAW ENERGY

Overall a Good car to own


Build Quality, StyleLOW POWER