the different car that surprises

Fiat has just launched the Fastback model on the local market, a vehicle with a different aesthetic proposal and that hides numerous virtues under its body, from the interior and cargo space, to the mechanics and its dynamic behavior.

It comes to the market in two versions, one called Turbo 270 and another Abarth, beyond the fact that both share the same mechanical assembly. Although the tuning of the latter takes a more sporting approach.

With the arrival of this vehicle, the Italian brand, historically associated with economical and accessible models, renews the challenge of offering a car for over 30 thousand dollars.

Although the brand has had a model above that value for a long time, the Toro pickup, it is still a vehicle with work qualities.

In Clarion We got into the new Fastback and had a first contact that mainly involved driving on a road with winding sections.

The definition of a product, in this case a car, is governed by the results provided by studies that seek to understand what consumers want. Of course, in this process you have to do a bit of futurology (based on data, of course) due to the time these processes take.

But within that definition there is also the surprise factor, the one that can allow you to differentiate yourself from the rest. It is a double-edged sword, since not getting the trend right or arriving before a trend can work against you.

But it seems that Fiat has done it on time with its new Fastback. That mix of lines sedan, SUV and coupe intertwined have generated interest. The closest antecedent is the one that comes from the Brazilian market, where it was very well received when it was launched a couple of years ago and is currently among the 15 best-selling cars in the Brazilian market, being also the most expensive in the range of the brand in that country (leaving aside commercial vehicles and the electric 500).

Furthermore, the silhouette crossover This model will not be the only one of this type that we will see in our market, since Renault plans to bring the Arkana, a vehicle with characteristics very similar to those of the Fastback.

The style of the Fiat model comes from a prototype that debuted at the 2108 Sao Paulo Motor Show and was called Fastback. However, that concept It was created on the Toro pickup platform; that is to say, It was bigger than the current model which shares its origin with models such as the Cronos, Argo and Pulse.

That is perhaps why from some angles its shapes look somewhat disproportionate; especially due to the wide front and rear overhangs. In other words: it is as if the idea of ​​the body of the original prototype was maintained but on a base with a shorter wheelbase.

Regardless of tastes, it is a car that attracts attention and the kilometers traveled on the roads of Salta demonstrated it, since many people showed their interest when they came across this model.

Inside you can see the same style that was already seen in the Pulse model, with a touch screen that is located on top of a center console and includes comfortable analog commands and a configurable digital instrument panel with a lot of information.

The perceived quality of the interior is superior to that of the Pulse, with soft surfaces that are pleasant to the touch. While the conventional version has dark tones and a more sober finish, the Abarth variant offers red details that stand out much more.

The interior space is another high point of this model. The space available in the front seats is optimal and has several storage places. The visibility that the driver has is good despite the drop proposed by the rear sector of the vehicle.

In the rear seats you can travel with good legroom for people just over 1.80 meters talla, but they will find just enough room for their heads and reduced visibility due to the design of the rear window. Two adults travel comfortably; a third party would tighten things up.

Where there is no space problem is in the trunk: 600 liters of capacity can accommodate several suitcases plus some bags. It is by far the largest in the category.

The mechanical assembly fits perfectly: 1.3 liter turbo with 175 horsepower and 270 Nm torque available at 1,850 rpm They give him a surprising agility. The box also responds very quickly and in the Abarth version, the electronics make it even a little faster.

Dynamically, it showed outstanding performance on the winding route that connects Salta with Cafayate and crosses the Quebrada de las Conchas, showing low body roll in curves and good braking capacity despite having “drums” at the back.

The Fiat Fastback arrives as a different model on the market. But don’t be fooled. Underneath that striking body it has much more to surprise.

Abarth T270: $ 33.500.000

Width (w/mirrors) 1,990 mm

Wheelbase 2,533 mm

Trunk capacity 600 liters

Fuel tank 47 liters

Gasoline engine, 1.3 L turbo

Power 175 CV and 5,750 rpm

Torque 270 Nm a 1.850 rpm

Automatic transmission, 6 speeds

Maximum speed 210 (215 km/h in Abarth)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h 9.2 seconds (8.5 in Abarth)

Front and front side airbags

Stability and traction control

Autonomous emergency brake

Lane keeping system

Reversing camera and parking sensors

Cruise speed control

Multimedia system with 10.1” screen

Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay

Wireless cell phone charger