The new Fiat Palio is elected 'Car of the Year 2004'

The new Fiat Palio has been elected 'Car of the Year 2004' in Brazil, by a jury of 51 trade journalists, representing all the various media: press, radio, television and Internet sites.

The jury reached its decision by assessing the following parameters: technological innovation, styling, quality, ergonomics and comfort, safety, engines and transmissions, consumption, driveability, behaviour on the road and, finally, price and value for money.

The award is organised by the Auto Esporte magazine, and is now at its 37th edition. It is the most prestigious prize for the Brazilian motor industry. This is borne out by the fact that all the best models on the market compete, and the new Fiat Palio came in ahead of the Volkswagen Fox, Honda Fit, Citroen C3 and Toyota Corolla.

It is an important award for a model that has enjoyed growing success with the public and the critics since it was launched in October. The merit goes to its original, elegant line, designed by the famous stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro, and to its comprehensive range. It comes in two versions, with 3 or 5 doors, a choice of three engines (1.0, 1.3 and 1.8) and accoutrements worthy of a higher segment: sidebags, rain and dusk sensors, an onboard computer, and a CD and MP3 file player.

It is the third year in a row that Fiat Auto has won the 'Carro do Ano' award, having taken it in 2001 with the previous Fiat Palio and in 2002 with the Fiat Stilo. In addition to the five titles won in the past with the Fiat Marea ('99), Fiat Uno ('92), Fiat Premio ('86), Fiat Uno ('85) and Fiat 147 ('78).


Turin, December 4, 2003

IMAGES FIAT PALIO