Market Position:
The Fiat Marea and Marea Weekend were positioned as compact family cars, offering practicality and Italian styling. The Marea Weekend served as the estate/station wagon variant, targeting buyers seeking increased cargo capacity.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Ford Escort/Focus, Volkswagen Golf/Bora, Opel Astra, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane, and Citroën Xsaral.
Key Features:
Known for a comfortable ride, spacious interior (especially the Weekend variant), and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. Offered a blend of practicality and Italian design.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine repair and overhaul
Engine Removal:
Detailed procedures for engine removal and installation
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic gearbox servicing, repair, and overhaul
Clutch:
Clutch system diagnosis, repair, and replacement
Braking System:
Brake system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting (including ABS if applicable)
Steering:
Steering system inspection, repair, and alignment procedures
Suspension And Wheels:
Suspension component diagnosis, replacement, and wheel alignment
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic fault finding
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement procedures
Depth:
Factory-level repair and diagnostic information suitable for professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts
Engine Options:
Typically offered with a range of Fiat's FIRE and Lampredi-designed engines. Common options included: 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L 16V petrol engines, and 1.9L naturally aspirated and turbodiesel engines.
Typical Horsepower Range:
75 hp to 130 hp depending on engine variant.
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI/GDI variants).
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (likely for certain petrol variants)
Gearbox Description:
Covers both the standard manual gearbox (e.g., Fiat C510 or similar) and the automatic transmission, including differential and final drive components.
Body Styles:
Saloon (sedan) and Weekend (station wagon/estate)
Interior Space:
Designed for compact family car segment, offering reasonable passenger space for its class. Weekend variant provides significantly larger cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacity Weekend:
Substantially larger than saloon, designed for utility and family needs.
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1100-1300 kg depending on engine and body style.
Euro Ncap Rating:
Euro NCAP crash test data for this era of Fiat vehicles suggests moderate safety performance, typically around 2-3 stars for front impact protection. Specific ratings may vary by test year and configuration.
Active Safety:
Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) likely available on higher trims, front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or discs on some models).
Passive Safety:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, crumple zones, side impact beams.
Infotainment Features:
Basic factory fitted radio/cassette player or CD player. Limited advanced features, focus was on functionality and reliability.
Driver Assistance Systems:
ABS was an option or standard on higher trims. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
Connectivity Options:
Basic analogue dashboard instrumentation. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on oil quality and driving conditions. (Manual will provide precise intervals).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines. Recommended replacement interval typically around 80,000-120,000 km or 4-5 years. (Manual is critical for this spec).
Engine Oil Type:
Likely API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity grades such as 10W-40 or 15W-40 for petrol, and potentially 10W-40 or 5W-40 for diesel. (Manual is essential for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically long-life (blue or pink/red) formulation. Capacity around 5-7 liters. (Manual required for specific type and capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. (Manual to confirm exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters. (Manual required).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid. Capacity approx. 4-5 liters for torque converter refill. (Manual required).
Common Problems:
Potential issues can include aging electrical components (e.g., central locking, window regulators), rust on wheel arches and sills, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), and occasional gearbox synchromesh wear on high-mileage manual transmissions.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Some early 1.8 16V engines (e.g., 182 A8.000) could be prone to head gasket issues if overheated. Diesel engines are generally robust but can experience turbocharger wear. Carburetor variants (less common by this year) may require more frequent tuning.
Brand Heritage:
Fiat has a long history of producing popular and accessible vehicles, known for innovative design and engineering, particularly in the compact and small car segments.
Predecessor:
The Marea replaced the Fiat Tempra and was part of Fiat's C-segment (compact) offerings, built on a platform shared with the Fiat Bravo/Brava. It represented a step up in design and refinement.
Production Years:
1995-2001 (European production)
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Italy (e.g., Pomigliano d'Arco plant).
