Vehicle Segment:
Compact sports coupe
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, driver-focused cockpit, affordable performance
Key Competitors:
Ford Puma, Toyota Celica, Honda CR-X, Opel Tigra, Peugeot 306 GTI
Distinctive Styling:
Unique 'trapezoidal' headlight design, muscular lines, prominent rear spoiler
Performance Variants:
Available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including the potent 20-valve 20V Turbo
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, turbocharger system (where applicable)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5 & 6-speed), clutch system, drivetrain, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Engine control unit (ECU), ignition, lighting, instruments, power windows, central locking, audio system, wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, safety restraints, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation (where applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, diagnostic data
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, complex repairs, and full component overhauls. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code Range:
Tipo 175A, Tipo 182A, Tipo 175C, Tipo 182B
Engine Variants:
1.4L (80 HP), 1.6L 16V (103 HP), 1.8L 16V (130 HP), 2.0L 16V (150 HP), 2.0L 20V Turbo (220 HP)
Horsepower Range:
80 HP to 220 HP
Torque Range:
110 Nm to 310 Nm (for 20V Turbo)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Turbocharged with Bosch Motronic engine management
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0), Inline 5-cylinder (2.0 20V Turbo)
Valve Train:
SOHC (1.4, 1.6), DOHC (1.8, 2.0, 2.0 20V Turbo)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (various versions depending on engine)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, Lambda sensor
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Options:
Some markets may have had limited automatic availability, but primarily manual
Gearbox Variants:
F23 (early models), C520/C524 (later models, including 6-speed for 20VT)
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not extensively tested; early models predate comprehensive Euro NCAP scoring
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on early base variants
Traction Control:
Available on higher performance models (e.g., 20VT)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some models
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, often with amplifier and speaker upgrades on higher trims.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory fitted, though aftermarket options were common.
Bluetooth:
Not available in period; aftermarket head units required for Bluetooth connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/oil type)
Timing Belt Interval:
Critical: 60,000-100,000 km or 5 years (depending on engine, check manual). Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3, viscosity 10W-40 or 10W-50. 20VT may require synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50.
Coolant:
OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically pink or red. Capacity ~6.5 liters.
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic or semi-synthetic gear oil. Capacity ~1.9 - 2.3 liters depending on gearbox.
Engine Reliability:
20VT turbocharger lines can degrade, variable boost issues. Coil packs on some engines can be problematic. Camshaft wear on high-mileage engines.
Suspension:
Worn front wishbone bushings, premature ball joint wear, strut top mounts.
Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses (especially around bulkhead), intermittent issues with door lock actuators, gauge cluster faults.
Bodywork:
Rust in wheel arches, sill panels, boot floor, and around windscreen seals. Paint delamination on plastic panels.
Cooling System:
Plastic radiator end tanks can become brittle, water pump failure.
Marque Focus:
Fiat has a long history of producing stylish and affordable small cars and sporty models.
Design Influence:
Designed by Chris Bangle, under the direction of Peter Schreyer, during their tenure at Fiat's design center.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and many mechanical components with the Alfa Romeo GTV (916 series).
Manufacturing Location:
Turin, Italy
Production Volume:
Over 100,000 units produced worldwide.
