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MouthShut Score

80%
3.74 

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Rs. 3,59,000 (Ex-Showroom)

Fiat

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DIESEL YES. PALIO DIESEL OH YES!
Sep 16, 2005 04:06 AM 39405 Views
(Updated Sep 16, 2005 04:06 AM)

Leg Room:

Dealer Satisfaction:

Mileage:

Comfort:

Reliability:

Appeal:

Before you read my review I will tell you about this car in one phrase - The best small car still! (even with the Swifts, Getzs and what not). The rest of my review will tell you exactly why.


Did you check the price of fuel lately? Definitely not! But hey India is shining and so is its rapidly growing car market. But well most of the growth is still in the under 5-lakh category if you might notice. That category is probably the most hardly-fought territory for ar makers in India. The bread-butter segment if you will. Car makers fortunes are leveraged on this segment and none so more than FIAT.


With such cut-throat competition I am afraid FIAT has lost its script. And that my friends is probably the only reason why the Palio isn't doing well in India. FIATs have one of the greatest returning-clientale the world over. But thats taking a beating given the company's messy situation.


Palio D is what we are talking about. On the last note both the Palios saw a price drop of around 25-grand and are now even more value-for-money propositions. Palio D remains a unique car in the marketplace even now.


Putting it to the paces...


STYLING


EXTERIOR (4/5)


Not cutting edge like the Swift or fresh like the Getz, the Palio is still the most passionate looking small car on the road. (Just see some done up in real nice wheel jobs!) Italian genes that it inherits, beauty is something that comes naturally. Wrinkles dont form so often. (Wonder what ever happened to the Indica, which is also Italian designed? Maybe its the ubiquitousness.) Smooth lines which give a sense subtle-shape and definition for this car - An absolute stunner in the silver and dark-gray shades. The headlamps are a piece of art and the tail lamps very covetedly designed too.


INTERIOR (3/5)


Well, functional it is but now dated in comparison to the Euro-spec Swift or Getz. Comes with fake-wood trim on the ELX version. Chunky steering wheel and unique reverse-lock gear shifter which looks a little boring. Not that impressive visibility with thick pillars obstructing view. Spacious cabin and a clean design theme if not dated now. Car fabric is a little on the cheaper side. So are plastics.


PERFORMANCE/DRIVEABILITY (4.5/5)


A 1.9 litre diesel unit. While it is not a Common Rail Diesel, it is a genuinely impressive performer. This unit is now pretty old and it doesn't have a turbocharger either. But this engine is a sweet match to the car. A sure fire 64 PS of power and loads of torque make this more of a mile-munching cruiser than a track scorcher (the Palio 1.6). Thats what diesels are meant to do traditionally. And the Palio does it with elan. City driveability is superb with gearing setup such that you can pull-off some incredibly low speeds at high gears. The torque also makes this a wonderful highway car with an all day, all night touring ability. Absolutely smooth power delivery!!


While the Skoda Octavia comes with a newer age 1.9 TD which is more powerful, the 1.9 D in Palio is enough for the car's expected rigour. This is a heavy car indeed and it feels that part too, but the bulletproof diesel with its superb performance rating makes this car feel extra solid in driveability.


HANDLING (4/5)


Though the car is not a handling freak like a Zen, it will handle confidently and progressively. But albeit at a sedateness that you should expect from all the weight. (There is a reason for it which we will talk about later). Onboard computers and the drive-by-wire setup make for a real pleasant drive.


The power steering is an absolute pleasure. While the radius of turning for this car is not like what you expect in a Zen or a Santro. It drives like a big car and is bigger in some aspects too. Braking feels a tard cushy-cushy. But it is confident in its manners. Stability is the name of the game with a big-luxury sedan feel. This trait that has been groomed in the Palio with pride! A car of this size drives like a sedan-segment offering, which is indeed incredible! The solid build and weight contribute to this absolute rock solid stability of the car.


COMFORT (4/5)


For its size it scores absolutely well. This car is still as impressive when pitted against its new age rivals as it was a few years back. Neither the Swift or the Getz feel so luxurious. (Due to the right balance of ride and space). The front passenger space is awesome. Height adjustable seats are not on the list. Legroom in the rear is decent and less than 6-footers won't feel a thing. Though the seats could have done with a more thigh and lumbar support. There is enough head-room too. Driving position is very vantage. A very comfortable car with a ride that reminds you of cars in the plus-10 lakh range!


BUILD QUALITY + SAFETY (4/5)


The car is of a real rock like build. Just shut the doors and a sound reminiscent of Mercs or Beemers shall be heard. No wonder the Palio owners love the way their car shuts doors! Though build quality is still stop-notch for its segment, this car has been around for a few years now. The high-end version offers ABS+ESP. The tank-like build enhances overall safety in this car and the occupants feel this positively in every drive. Probably the safest small car with ABS+ESP.


OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE (3.5/5)


The spares have known to be on the expensive side and service also just about upto the mark in some cities. These cars don't break down, they are of a good quality and it shows. Electrical problems have known to be a pain in the neck. But otherwise sturdy mechanicals inspire confidence. Oil changes expensive.


MILEAGE (4/5)


Being an older generation diesel it does decent figures still. Expect around 10-12 in intense city conditions. Highway figures stretch to well around 17. But an average road day would return 13-15 average.


THE COMPETITION


DIESEL


Cars cheaper than the Palio D: Indica D, Indigo D (Zen D is not sold anymore)


Cars more expensive than the Palio D: Accent Viva CRDi, Accent CRDi, Scorpio CRDe


PETROL COMPETITION (In order of cost)


Indigo, Corsa Sail 1.4/1.6, Corsa 1.4, Swift, Ikon 1.3 Nxt/Flair, Getz, Accent GLE


WAITING STILL FOR THE 2005 REDESIGNED PALIO!!!!


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