Vehicle Class:
Compact Sports Coupe
Design Philosophy:
Stylish, affordable performance coupe with Italian flair
Key Competitors:
Ford Probe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Hyundai Tiburon (later models), Honda Prelude
Styling:
Distinctive Pininfarina exterior design, unique recessed headlights
Engine Options:
Reliable and peppy four-cylinder and potent five-cylinder engines
Handling:
Sport-tuned suspension offering engaging driving dynamics
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheel & Tire Specifications
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, ECM/ECU Diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Coolant Flush, Belt Inspections/Replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement
Technical Data Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and diagnostics)
PDF Features:
Searchable text, Bookmarked chapters, High-resolution diagrams
Diagram Clarity:
High-resolution, detailed line drawings and exploded views
Physical Manual Analogue:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (typical for factory manuals)
Physical Manual Analogue:
Durable, coated paper suitable for workshop environments
Engine Code Common:
1747cc DOHC 16V (based on Fiat Twin Cam/Super Otto)
Engine Code Alternative:
1995cc DOHC 20V 5-cylinder (20v Turbo)
Horsepower 1.8L:
130 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
164 Nm (121 lb-ft) @ 4300 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L Turbo:
220 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque 2.0L Turbo:
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) @ 2500 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Fiat Part No. 9.55520)
Oil Type 1.8L:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher
Oil Capacity 1.8L:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Oil Type 2.0L Turbo:
SAE 5W-40 API CF/SG or higher (synthetic recommended)
Oil Capacity 2.0L Turbo:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Type 1.8L:
5-Speed Manual (M32/M20 based)
Type 2.0L Turbo:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag 235/6)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 1.8 Liters (1.9 US Quarts)
Length:
4295 mm (169.1 in)
Height:
1350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
2520 mm (99.2 in)
Curb Weight 1.8L:
Approx. 1300 kg (2866 lbs)
Curb Weight 2.0L Turbo:
Approx. 1390 kg (3064 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1700-1800 kg (depending on configuration)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 260 Liters (9.2 cu ft)
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not comprehensively rated or published for this specific model year in extensive detail by Euro NCAP standards of today, but known for structural integrity within its class/era.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base versions
Traction Control:
Optional on higher trim levels, particularly Turbo models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones and a reinforced safety cell
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio cassette player with CD changer option, 4-6 speakers
Display:
Digital climate control display (on some trims), instrument cluster displays
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels and Turbo models
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, front fog lamps (optional/standard by trim)
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard on most, optional automatic climate control on higher trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first
Timing Belt Interval 1.8L:
Every 75,000 km (46,500 miles) or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical replacement due to interference engine design)
Timing Belt Interval 2.0L Turbo:
Every 90,000 km (56,000 miles) or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical replacement)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 km (18,500 miles) (standard plugs)
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, exhaust system, clutch components, ignition coils (especially on Turbo models)
Electrical Quirks:
Intermittent issues with window regulators, central locking, and dashboard warning lights can occur due to age.
Engine Management Turbo:
Turbocharger wastegate actuator issues and intercooler piping leaks are known on the 20v Turbo models.
Maintenance Cost Considerations
Parts Availability:
Specialized parts can sometimes be challenging to source, though common service items are generally available.
Fiat Heritage:
Fiat has a long history of producing innovative and stylish vehicles, dating back to 1899.
Sports Car Legacy:
Fiat has a significant legacy in sports car design and production, including iconic models like the Fiat Dino, X1/9, and Barchetta.
Design Influence:
Designed by Pininfarina, building on Fiat's tradition of elegant styling.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the mechanicals and platform of the Fiat Tipo hatchback.
Production Period:
1995-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Turin, Italy
Production Volume Estimate:
Approximately 70,000 units worldwide.
Design Awards:
While specific 'awards' for the 1996 model year might not be widely documented in major publications, its Pininfarina styling was universally praised as elegant and distinctive for its era.
Market Reception:
Generally positive for its performance-per-dollar and distinctive styling, though reliability perceptions varied.
Engineering Standards:
Manufactured to meet European Union automotive standards and regulations.
