Fiat Strada 1.6 ELX
So I took the plunge and took ownership of the newest car I have ever owned. Whilst shopping for the bakkie there where three different options. The Opal Corsa Utility, the Ford Bantam or the Fiat Strada. I didn’t even consider the VW Citi pick-up or the Datsan 1400 (sorry Nissan). I wanted a vehicle designed after 1980.After a lot of umm-ing and ah-ing I decided to go the Strada Route. What did it for me were the longer service intervals (20 000km’s), the value for money and the derrière (I still cannot get used to the Opal’s gangster-rapper booty). Logically the Opal Corsa utility would probably have been the safest bet given its perceived reliability and build quality. They say you have to own (and ride) an Italian at least once. This is my chance.
So here is what I bought. Fiat Strada 2007, 1.6 ELX with 32 000km’s on the clock. One previous owner (or that’s what the salesman said at least).
First impressions
The bakkie is incredibly smooth and quiet. I had gotten quite accustomed to my noisy, cranky and difficult CITI Golf 1600 (300 000 plus kms on the clock - it can be forgiven). The Strada cabin is rattle free on all road surfaces and at all speeds. It’s still a novelty for me to be able to converse at normal volumes driving at 120 on the highway. What does help is the air-conditioning and the fact that for the most part the windows stay up. Another upshot of the air-conditioning and the closed windows is less pleading at the window by every robot beggar and/or coat hanger salesman.
On a negative note the quality of the materials used on the dashboard and those used for the switches are definitely of the cheap and nasty type. I can foresee in a few years a visit to the breaker yards hunting for second hand switches to replace those that have not stood up to the rigors of everyday use. As for “classy/sporty” silver center consol, you are more likely to find a “classy/sporty” Rosettenville hooker… The consol is cheap. Finsh and klaar...
Sitting in the Strada
Ergonomically the interior is fine. The seats are comfortable (though not easy to adjust) and the steering wheel can be adjusted for height (not reach). The stalks have a positive action and feel like they will last the distance. Behind the passenger seat is where the full size spare wheel can be found. Underneath the seat I have managed to fit what I consider travel essentials: warning triangle, jumper cables, tow rope, basic first aid kit and lastly but never to be forgotten – tool-in-a-can spray… Behind the front seat is where the jack and basic tool kit is strapped to the floorboard. What is nice is that there is enough space behind the driver seat to stow either a laptop or a small weekend tog bag. When the seat is back in the driving position those items cannot be seen from the exterior of the bakkie. Less chance of a smash and grab temptation for would be thieves. The dashboard does however lack nice hidey-holes for other nick-nacks like minister Manual’s damned logbook. Also how difficult can it be to design a dashboard with cup holders without breaking the budget. A simple four-centimeter deep cup/can size holes will do!
Driving
The engine is quiet and never sounds like it is going to be ripping up the tarmac anytime soon. This vehicle was designed as a workhorse – not a racer. The 1600 engine has enough power to keep the vehicle going with relative ease. If you want to move things along a bit then you definitely need to move the revs over 3000. Between 3500 and 6000 the engine has a lot of pull and inspires confidence. After 6000 it starts sounding strained and a gear change is an order. Gear changes are smooth with a nice light clutch action. I did manage to scrape the bakkie into reverse a few times. The owners manual suggests waiting two seconds before engaging reverse, using their guideline I have not scraped the reverse gear since.
The Fiat Strada has power steering, which is wonderful in city traffic and for parking. Out on the open road I miss the lively feedback that I got from the Citi Golf steering wheel. I could always feel how much grip was available and when those grip levels where being lost. With the Strada it’s more a case of part faith and closely watching the nose for any clues as to front wheel grip.
On the road handling
I have found the handling to be very good for a bakkie. The Strada handles better with a half load on the back (+- 325 kg’s). Its sits tight on the road and never feels like it is straying off line. With an empty load it certainly feels twitchier, particularly on rutted dirt roads. I recently drove the Outeniqua pass with a half load and was impressed with the Strada’s cornering and braking ability. With my old Citi Golf I would definitely have cooked the brakes going at the same pace down the pass.
Instrument Accuracy
I have been disappointed by the error rate in the speedometer and the trip meter. According to my GPS when the speedo says 120km/h I am actually traveling at 107km/h, at 60km/h, true speed is 55km/h. I know they design a certain error margin into the speedo but the margin on the Strada seems too high. The trip meter also over reads. When it says you have traveled 100km you have in reality traveled 94km etc… Not good for calculating consumption figures or when people give directions that require accurate distance measurement. So far the fuel gauge has been spot on. Every time the fuel light comes on I fill up to the first click and it takes +-50 litres. My worst figures for the 50l were 550kms with the best being 650kms. The air-conditioning eats a lot of fuel in the city but hardly makes a difference on the open road. I have gotten into the habit of turning the aircon off when I overtake on uphills. The difference in power is tangible.
Overall Impressions
I am happy so far. I am holding my breathe for the 40 000km service as Fiat’s service reputation proceeds it. I am also a little dubious of the quality of some of the cabin finishes. I am however confident in the engine/gearbox/chassis combination. It feels right. Time will tell with this Italian (or is that a Brazilian of Italian descent).
