Market Position:
The Fiat Coupé was positioned as a stylish, sporty coupe designed to appeal to younger buyers seeking performance and distinctive styling at a competitive price point. It aimed to offer an alternative to established sports coupes in its class.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and individuals seeking a stylish, affordable performance coupe with a unique Italian design flair.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Alfa Romeo GTV, Ford Probe, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, and Mitsubishi Eclipse, all offering sporty styling and performance-oriented driving dynamics.
Features:
Striking, avant-garde exterior design penned by Pininfarina, a driver-focused cockpit, and a range of spirited inline-four and V6 engines, often with advanced multi-link suspension systems for excellent handling.
Systems:
Engine (mechanical and electronic), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable), Driveshafts, Differential, Brakes (ABS/non-ABS), Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Electrical System (wiring diagrams, components), Bodywork (trim, panels, glass), HVAC, Safety Systems (airbags, seatbelts), Diagnostics.
Specific Engine Coverage:
Detailed coverage for 1.8L 16V, 2.0L 16V, and 2.0L 16V Turbo engines, including component identification, removal, installation, and overhaul.
Body And Chassis:
Includes repair procedures for body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass replacement, and chassis component alignment.
Procedures:
Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting guides, component removal and installation, diagnostic procedures, repair procedures, rebuild procedures, torque specifications, electrical troubleshooting, wiring harness repair, fuel injection system diagnosis, emission control system servicing.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, often with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation if applicable to the era's systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive and detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes in-depth explanations, step-by-step instructions, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, including component locations, wire colors, and connector pinouts.
Engine:
2.0L 16V Turbo (1995 cc)
Engine Code 1 8:
175A1.000
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Horsepower 1 8:
130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp)
Torque 1 8:
165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Horsepower 2 0:
139 PS (102 kW; 137 hp)
Torque 2 0:
180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
Horsepower 2 0 Turbo:
220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp)
Torque 2 0 Turbo:
310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Based (e.g., Paraflu UP)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3 (e.g., Selenia K.P.E. 10W-40)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Tutela Car Technyx)
Length:
Approx. 4250 mm (167.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
1300 - 1450 kg (2866 - 3197 lbs), depending on engine
Trunk Capacity Approx:
295 liters (10.4 cu ft)
Crash Test Ratings:
No comprehensive modern crash test ratings available for this specific model year.
Active Safety:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power-assisted steering.
Passive Safety:
Driver and front passenger airbags (optional on some models), seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced safety cage.
Infotainment System:
Basic factory fitted radio cassette player, optional CD player. Limited connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; primarily focused on mechanical performance rather than electronic aids. ABS was optional.
Connectivity:
None beyond optional radio/CD player.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 80,000 km or 4-5 years (critical for interference engines).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual (typically ATF Dexron II/III or specific Fiat fluid)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (depending on engine)
Common Issues:
Corrosion (especially around wheel arches and sills), electrical gremlins (wiring loom issues, sensor failures), timing belt tensioner failure (non-interference engines may still suffer valve damage), turbocharger issues (on turbo models), interior trim degradation, clutch slave cylinder leaks.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter W712/34, Mahle OX 147, Fram PH5717A (verify for specific engine)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C2520, Mahle LX 428, Bosch F026400077 (verify for specific engine)
Fuel Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter WK 501, Bosch 0 450 920 005 (verify for specific engine)
Brand Heritage:
Fiat has a long history of producing stylish and driver-oriented vehicles, with a strong heritage in small and sporty cars. The Coupé aimed to capitalize on this by offering a distinctive Italian design.
Model Evolution:
The Fiat Coupé (Type 175) was introduced in 1993 and remained in production until 2000. It was available with various engines, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline-four and V6 units, and received minor updates throughout its production run.
Production Period:
1993 - 2000
Manufacturing Plant:
Turin, Italy
Design Awards:
While not a recipient of major international car awards, the Fiat Coupé consistently received acclaim for its bold and distinctive Pininfarina exterior design, often cited as a design icon of the 1990s.
Reliability Ratings:
Reliability varied, with common issues as noted above. Early models had some teething problems typical of new model introductions.
