Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / GT
Design Philosophy:
Stylish, performance-oriented coupe with Italian design flair, often compared to other European performance coupes of its era.
Key Competitors:
Ford Probe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX, Mazda MX-6, Volkswagen Corrado.
Distinctive Styling:
Unique wedge-shaped design with a distinctive 'scarf' line along the side and a distinctive angular interior.
Performance Variants:
Available with powerful engines, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, offering a compelling performance-to-price ratio.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system (belts/chains), lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (MPI/GDI), ignition system, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, etc.), turbocharger system (for turbo models).
Transmission Manual:
Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch assembly, gear selection mechanism, driveshafts.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic gearbox (if applicable for specific market) overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, subframes, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, lines), brake discs, pads, parking brake, ABS system.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, wheel alignment.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, power windows, mirrors, central locking, wipers, horn.
Electronics:
ECU (Engine Control Unit), Immobilizer system, dashboard instruments, warning lights, basic diagnostic procedures.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagnosis.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including component replacement and adjustments.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system explanation, fault code interpretation, diagnostic tool usage (generic).
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timing specifications, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced (includes electrical schematics and component-level testing).
Engine Code 20V:
175 B6.000 (2.0L naturally aspirated)
Engine Displacement 20V:
1995 cc
Engine Configuration 20V:
Inline 5-cylinder (I5)
Engine Type 20V:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 20 valves
Horsepower 20V:
147 hp (110 kW) @ 6300 rpm
Torque 20V:
180 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Engine Code Turbo:
175 B1.000 (2.0L Turbo)
Engine Displacement Turbo:
1995 cc
Engine Configuration Turbo:
Inline 5-cylinder (I5)
Engine Type Turbo:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 20 valves, Turbocharged
Horsepower Turbo:
220 hp (162 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque Turbo:
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.0 20V, Bosch Motronic engine management. Turbo models utilize MPI.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating recommendation varies by market, typically 95 RON).
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 75.5 mm (for both 2.0 20V and 2.0 Turbo variants)
Compression Ratio 20V:
10.3:1
Compression Ratio Turbo:
8.5:1
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not formally rated by Euro NCAP for this specific model year, but generally considered to have standard safety features for its era. Higher trims may have more airbags.
ABS:
Standard on most models, typically Bosch ABS system.
Traction Control:
Available on some higher-performance or optional trims (e.g., ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available as an option on some models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seatbelts for front occupants.
Chassis Design:
Designed with crumple zones and a reinforced safety cell.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification based on oil type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, typically 60,000-80,000 km (37,000-50,000 miles) or 5 years for 2.0 20V and 2.0 Turbo models. Failure causes catastrophic engine damage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
15,000-30,000 km (9,000-18,000 miles) depending on spark plug type (standard vs. long-life).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 recommended. Consult manual for precise viscosity based on ambient temperature.
Engine Oil Capacity 20V:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Fiat recommends specific coolant formulations, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for part numbers.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Timing Belt Wear:
Critical maintenance item. Premature wear or failure can lead to severe engine damage. Regular inspection and timely replacement are paramount.
Turbo Charger Reliability:
Early turbo models can experience turbocharger wear or failure if not properly maintained (e.g., oil changes) or if driven aggressively without allowing for cool-down.
Electrical Gremlins:
Some owners report minor electrical issues, such as faulty window regulators, door lock actuators, or dashboard warning lights. The manual provides diagnostic flowcharts for these.
Suspension Wear:
Bushes and ball joints in the suspension can wear over time, leading to knocking noises or poor handling. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be prone to failure on high-mileage vehicles, especially if engine management issues are present. The manual covers diagnosis related to emissions.