Market Position:
Sporty compact coupe, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented alternative to mainstream hatchbacks and sedans. Competed with cars like the Opel Calibra, Ford Probe, and Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Competitive Analysis:
Offered sharp styling, strong turbocharged engine options (especially the 20-valve turbo), and a driver-focused chassis, though some interior materials and build quality were criticized compared to German rivals.
Key Features:
Distinctive 'sloping shoulder' design, powerful turbocharged engines, advanced (for its time) 5-valve per cylinder technology in the 20-valve variants, available AWD on some performance models.
Coverage Years:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Engine Variants Covered:
1.6L 16V Turbo, 2.0L 16V Turbo, 2.0L 20V naturally aspirated, 2.0L 20V Turbo
Page Count:
Approx. 1000+
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (ECU), Turbocharger systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed and 6-speed), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, MacPherson struts, multi-link), steering system (power steering), braking system (ABS, brake components, hydraulics).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, instrument cluster, body electronics, power accessories, ECU diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, structural components, body repair procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, belt replacements.
Repair:
Engine repair and overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on year and market), sensor testing, actuator testing.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine 20V Turbo Displacement:
1998 cc
Engine 20V Turbo Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder
Engine 20V Turbo Valvetrain:
DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder
Engine 20V Turbo Power Hp:
220 hp (162 kW) at 5750 rpm
Engine 20V Turbo Torque Lb-Ft:
221 lb-ft (300 Nm) at 3000 rpm
Engine 16V Turbo Displacement:
1995 cc
Engine 16V Turbo Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine 16V Turbo Power Hp:
190 hp (140 kW)
Engine 20V Na Displacement:
1998 cc
Engine 20V Na Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder
Engine 20V Na Power Hp:
147 hp (108 kW)
Fuel System Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Turbo:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (available on some models, notably 20V NA)
Transmission Features Turbo:
Optional M-differential (Viscous Coupling LSD) on some 2.0 16V Turbo models, 6-speed manual on later 20V Turbo models.
Safety Ratings:
No standardized Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings readily available for early models. Generally considered average for its era.
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, particularly turbocharged variants. Traction control was rare/optional.
Passive Features:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models), front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced safety cage.
Infotainment Features:
Basic radio/cassette player with optional CD changer. Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Limited integration of digital technology for its era.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS was the primary driver assistance system. No advanced electronic aids like stability control or adaptive cruise control were available.
Connectivity Features:
No significant connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) were integrated as standard.
Oil Change Interval Km:
15,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil.
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
100,000 km or 5 years (critical for all engines, especially 20-valve variants).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40, API SG/SH or ACEA A3-98 (consult manual for specific viscosity and API/ACEA rating based on engine).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically blue or green.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Known Issues Turbo:
Turbocharger failure (especially if maintenance neglected), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals), intercooler pipe cracks, ignition coil failure, exhaust manifold cracking on some 20v turbo models.
Known Issues General:
Rust/corrosion on sills, wheel arches, and rear suspension mounts; electrical gremlins (window motors, central locking); power steering pump leaks; worn suspension bushings.
Known Issues Engine 20V:
Camshaft wear on early 20-valve naturally aspirated engines, minor oil consumption on high-mileage units.
Brand Heritage:
Fiat has a long history of producing sporty and stylish cars, particularly in the compact segment, dating back to models like the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe and X1/9. The Coupe built upon this legacy of accessible performance.
Model Evolution Facelifts:
Received minor updates throughout its production run, including revised interior trim, updated wheel designs, and engine upgrades, particularly the introduction of the 20-valve engines and 6-speed gearbox for the limited edition Plus and for the 20V Turbo model.
Production Period:
1993 - 2000
Production Location:
Turin, Italy
Production Volume:
Approximately 72,000 units produced.
