Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Key Competitors 1987:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra, Renault 9/11.
Design Philosophy:
Practical, spacious interior for its class, FWD layout, fuel efficiency focus.
Target Audience:
Families, budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable and economical transportation.
Powertrain:
Engine (including carburetion/injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication), clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system (hydraulic, components, adjustments), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, ignition system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, accessories.
Bodywork:
Body shell, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, safety belts.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspections.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Symptoms-based troubleshooting, diagnostic flowcharts, common issues and their resolutions.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components and systems.
Parts Identification:
Detailed exploded views and part numbers for accurate identification and ordering of replacement parts.
Diagnostic Capability:
Intermediate to advanced, enabling diagnosis of mechanical, electrical, and system faults.
Repair Scope:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to major component overhauls.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Engine Codes:
Multiple engine codes depending on market and trim. Common petrol engines include the Fiat 'Tipo 1' series (e.g., 1373cc, 1585cc, 1781cc). Diesel variants also available (e.g., 1929cc diesel).
Horsepower Range:
Typically 60 hp to 90 hp for petrol engines, and around 55 hp for diesel variants.
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine displacement and tuning.
Induction System:
Primarily carbureted (e.g., Weber, Solex) for lower trims, with some higher trims or later models potentially featuring basic electronic fuel injection (EFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 91-95), Diesel.
Crash Test History:
Limited official Euro NCAP or NHTSA data for this specific model year. Safety standards of the era were less stringent than today.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes. Some higher trims might have rear discs.
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear lap belts (3-point rear belts may have been optional or introduced later).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,600 - 6,200 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines; typically recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 km (37,000 - 56,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Fiat type 00920 recommended.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older Fiats of this era can be prone to minor electrical issues due to aging wiring harnesses, connectors, and grounding points.
Rust And Corrosion:
Like many cars of the 1980s, susceptible to rust, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and around the rear window.
Carburetor Issues:
Carbureted engines may require periodic adjustment or cleaning of the carburetor for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Fiat History Context:
Fiat has a long history of producing affordable and practical European cars, known for their engineering innovation and often compact designs.
Regata Development:
The Regata was introduced in 1983 as a more conventional sedan version of the Fiat Ritmo (Strada in some markets), offering increased practicality and boot space.
Production Period:
1983-1990
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Italy, but also produced in other Fiat facilities in Europe and licensed assembly in other countries.
