THE FIAT STRADA HAS ARRIVED

The array of Fiat commercial vehicles currently extends from the pint-sized Panda Van to the Ducato Maxi. Now the range has been expanded to include a pick-up produced in Brazil. The vehicle will be sold in four European countries: Italy, Germany, Portugal and Greece, as from May. Its name is the Fiat Strada and it comes in two versions (a 75 with 1.2 MPI petrol engine and a TD 70 with 1.7 turbodiesel engine). It is the second model in Fiat's world car family to forge a niche in the sophisticated west European markets (the first was the Palio Weekend).

A solid, sturdy vehicle with a load capacity of 705 kg, the Fiat Strada will enter a market band that amounts to 87,000 vehicles in Europe and almost 7,000 in Italy. It was created to meet the needs of those who seek a high-capacity workhorse that is compact in size with low running costs: a versatile, good-looking grafter with car-standard comfort and performance.

Comfort and performance are the Fiat Strada's strongest points. This model is designed to bring out a more pleasurable side of work, i.e. it is able to satisfy individual transport needs without the need to forgo other benefits more typical of cars.

The result is a comfortable passenger compartment, good-looking ergonomic seats, efficient suspension that offers travelling comfort laden or unladen - plus a full array of equipment. When it comes to safety, the vehicle is fitted as standard with an FPS Fire Prevention System, seat-belt pretensioners, energy-absorbing steering wheel, and the Fiat CODE antitheft device. Driver and passenger airbags and a climate control system are available as options. When it comes to quality of life on board, all Fiat Stradas come with a headlight alignment corrector, height-adjustable steering wheel, door mirrors adjustable from the passenger compartment and power steering (standard on turbodiesel versions).

All this equipment meets growing demands from light commercial vehicle customers who now choose vehicles not merely for their utilitarian qualities but also for previously neglected aspects such as style and comfort.

It is no coincidence that the Fiat Strada is built in Brazil (it has been on sale there since last October): car-derived pick-ups have always met with great success in this country and these vehicles are also considered ideal for leisure use.

Lots of pluses, then, but no minuses. Versatility is one plus: the good floorpan ground clearance, for example, means the vehicle is able to tackle any type of road with equanimity. Other pluses include wide tyres (14" wheels and high-profile 175/70 tyres) and many practical features that also improve the vehicle's looks. Like the wooden slats to protect the load platform floor, sturdy plastic lining around the edges of the box, rear window protection grille, and a non-slip aluminium tailgate able to support a load of 300 kg.

Both Fiat Strada engines ensure excellent performance laden and unladen. The 54 kW (73 bhp) 1242 cc petrol engine fitted to the Fiat Strada 75 takes the pick-up to a top speed of 157km/h (155 fully laden), while the 1698 cc engine on the Fiat Strada TD 70 delivers 51 kW (69 bhp) and powers the model to a top speed of 153 km/h (151 fully laden).

Fuel consumption is low in both cases. The figures for the Fiat Strada 75 are 6.3 l/100 km at 90 km/h; 8.7 l/100 km at 120 km/h - and 8.3 l/100 km fully laden. The Fiat Strada TD 70, on the other hand, returns figures of 5.9 l/100 km at 90 km/h, 8.3 l/100 km at 120 km/h and 7.3 l/100 km fully laden.