Most admirable Hatchback - Palio 1.6 GTX

A user review on Fiat Palio. Written by Speed on 16 November, 2007

Starts at Rs.
Palio Details | On Road Price

Speed's Ratings

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Overall
Looks
Performance
Space/Comfort
Fuel Economy
Value For Money

Version Reviewed

1.6 GTX

Purchased As	:	Used
Familiarity	:
Fuel Economy	:

Good	:	Great performance, Excellent pickup, good A.C, Great driving thrill
Bad	:	Poor fuel economy, service support

Full Review

I have been driving Palio 1.6 GTX for few months now. I thought that I should be shearing my experience with the people.

To start with let me say what I like in the car.
I simply love the way it performs on road. Handling in road is very good. I drove it at around 130 and did not find any vibrations. A.C is very chilling. Its pickup is some thing that I love to praise. I tried overtaking all passing by vehicles and believe me I never faced any problem. I have fitted half free flow exhaust in my Palio & the sound it makes is too good. I just love to drive the car on highway and its simply fun to drive.

Mine is a silver color car and I have place tubeless tyers. It gives my car a great look and enhanced road grip. Over all, a great performing beast & a lovely companion for long drive.

So why the car did not faired good in India?
Service support was the major reason. It’s now that TATA has taken over the service & spare support for Fiat cars. Still you would find difficulty in getting the spares. Just to give an example, I have to change my alternator & believe me I found it very hard to get one. Finally I have to get a second hand from a local Mumbai market.
As the car grows old, electric wiring tends to wear out. Trained technician of TATA service centers where not able to resolve the wiring issues. Again, I have to get help from some local vendor to get it rectified. Fuel is another issue. I always drive my car with A.C on and it gives me a mileage b/w 8.10 to 8.5. I am not aware of mileage it gives when it runs with A.C off.

Suggestion to the company
If Fiat people can ensure availability of spares and can also get the working staff of TATA service centers properly trained, this car is sure to pick up sales.

Overall
This is a car for people who love to drive and are passionate road lovers. Driving pleasure is too good to be ignored. You sit in driver seat start the ignition & zoom... it goes like rocket. Switch on the A.C, place a good CD and keep driving.

Might give you some trouble if it’s a second hand car, but still they are manageable. But please do not buy this car if you are average conscious (applicable only to 1.6 GTX).

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Comments Latest 10 are shown

Gaurav on 16 Mar, 2010 at 03:24 PM

@Mayank

Rightly said. My car did not gave me any problem through out it's ownership. Just sold if and bought a used Fusion 1.6 - another amazing car!

My team mates do have 1.2 and are very happy with the drive. They often take it out for long drives and are very satisfied with overall performance.

Only negative is milage, ~ 10 with AC on

Gaurav on 16 Mar, 2010 at 03:21 PM

@Atul

Test drive Punto and you would know the difference b/w Maruti, Hyundia and Fiat.

Gaurav on 16 Mar, 2010 at 03:20 PM

@Sanah

You can get it from authorized dealer. In case it's not available there try Shetty motors in Navi Mumbai (under Turbe bridge). I think he should have one.

I got my car serviced by a local mechanic for found him very competitive. In case your problem does not get solved - will share his number.

Gaurav on 16 Mar, 2010 at 03:14 PM

How many KMs done? Assuming it has done ~ 80K (decent running), get it closed at around 90K. Fiats are good cars and engine can work well for over 1.5L KMs, if kept well.

So if you plan to keep this car for another 30-40K Kms go for it.

Remember to get it checked with authorized service station. Just visit one and ask for a service estimate. Mention that you intend to travel for a long disctance & they should do a thorough check-up. You can subtract estimated service cost from your buy price

Just to add, 1.6 is a great car & you would love to drive it.

Javed on 10 Feb, 2010 at 04:38 PM

looking for fiat palio in navi mumbai .. interested person please contact

Shoeb on 27 Oct, 2009 at 09:50 PM

hey can somebdy tell me is it ok to bye palio 1.6 gtx of 2002 ,for cost of 1.1 lacks the car is in good condition and single handed driven. i love to drive on highways and mileage no concern...

Mjadly on 15 Oct, 2009 at 08:48 AM

This machine has few characteristics, 1.Very low noise (when glass are closed outside noise is very less) It denotes you are in a strong room. 2. Engine sound and vibration is barely felt, 3. Europeans are keen to have safe car rather than mileage, this car gives a sense of safety (old Ambassador). 4. Even on low speed top gear can be engaged. 5. Adequate space for five and a good boot. 6. Speed not an issue top speed of 140 but you have to compromise on mileage.

Pramod on 18 Aug, 2009 at 06:29 AM

Planning to buy a used Fiat palio 1.6 version Whoever is intrestd to sell. Conact me 9886783584

Mayank on 31 Jul, 2009 at 01:20 PM

I have a 1.2EL palio.This is a car that aperson would love to drive.You just make it stand in rain or chilly cold weather and start it the next morning,i assure u that its gonna start on first ignition.And overall the looks r good n the performance too..

Ajit on 13 Apr, 2009 at 05:28 PM

I have a silver palio 1.6 GTX. This is a car for people who love to drive and are passionate road lovers but not for the one who check for milage always. Driving pleasure is too good as Power & milage cannot be provided at same time. Only thing is whether I can get the parts in Bangalore. Also a service center is required in Bangalore north like peenya, Mahalkshmi layout, or nandini layout.

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