Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, performance-oriented coupe with Italian flair.
Key Competitors:
Alfa Romeo GTV, Peugeot 406 Coupe, Hyundai Coupe (later models), Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude.
Design Philosophy:
Distinctive, angular 'Italian' design by Chris Bangle, focusing on performance and driver engagement.
Powertrain Options:
Range of powerful four-cylinder and V6 engines, often with advanced turbocharging and multi-valve technology.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic), differential, drive shafts, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, climate control system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common faults, error code interpretation
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component repair
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, radiators, clutch assemblies, etc.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Codes Variants:
e.g., 1.8L 16V (1747cc, '182 A6.000'), 2.0L 16V (1995cc, '202 A2.000'), 2.0L 20V Turbo (1998cc, '175 A1.000'), 2.0L V6 Turbo ('155.640'), 3.0L V6 24V ('155.640' with '164.000' base).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 130 hp (1.8L) to 220 hp (2.0L 20V Turbo) and 200 hp (3.0L V6).
Torque Range:
Approximately 165 Nm (1.8L) to 290 Nm (2.0L 20V Turbo) and 270 Nm (3.0L V6).
Induction Type:
Naturally aspirated and Turbocharged (sequential turbocharging on some variants).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI).
ECU Systems:
Bosch Motronic and other contemporary EFI systems.
Block Material:
Cast Iron (inline 4-cyl), Aluminum Alloy (V6).
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Gearbox (e.g., Fiat C510, C514).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Gearbox ('4HP18' for some V6 models).
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed within the manual for each engine/transmission combination.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch.
Length:
Approximately 4250 mm (167.3 in)
Width:
Approximately 1765 mm (69.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1345 mm (52.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2540 mm (100.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1300 - 1450 kg (2866 - 3197 lbs), depending on engine and trim.
Trunk Capacity:
Approximately 350 liters (12.4 cu ft).
Crash Test Results:
Euro NCAP and other regional crashworthiness assessments would be found in specific sections of the manual or manufacturer documentation; generally considered average for its era.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear, with ABS typically standard or optional on higher trims.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) available on some higher-performance variants.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, often with basic speaker systems. Upgrades and aftermarket solutions common.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as standard or optional equipment, typically a Bosch system.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; typically basic remote central locking and power windows. No integrated Bluetooth or USB typically.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, often around 60,000 - 120,000 km (36,000 - 72,000 miles) or 5-7 years, depending on engine. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Engine Oil Grade:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96/A3-98, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 5W-40, depending on climate and engine variant. Refer to specific manual section for exact type.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically IBIX FL22 or similar. Check manual for specific Fiat specification.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil. Automatic: DEXRON III or equivalent.
Engine:
Turbocharger reliability (especially on early 20V Turbo), engine management sensors, timing belt tensioner failures (critical).
Suspension:
Wear in front suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Rear axle beam mounts can fatigue.
Electrical:
Wiring harness issues, intermittent dashboard lights, central locking problems, window regulator failures.
Body:
Rust ingress, particularly on sills, wheel arches, and boot lid. Door seals and window seals can degrade.
Common Wear Parts:
Clutch kits, brake pads/discs, suspension components, exhaust parts, often available through specialist suppliers.
Manufacturer History:
Fiat Auto S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer with a long history in mass-produced vehicles and a strong motorsport heritage.
Design Origin:
Designed by Chris Bangle, with styling influences from American muscle cars and a distinct 'folded paper' aesthetic.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the Fiat Tipo platform.
Production Years:
1993 - 2001
Manufacturing Location:
Mirafiori plant, Turin, Italy.
Design Awards:
While not a formal award recipient in the traditional sense, its distinctive design by Chris Bangle was highly praised and polarizing, contributing to its unique market appeal.
Consumer Reviews:
Mixed reviews upon release, often praised for styling and performance (especially turbocharged variants) but criticized for reliability and build quality compared to Japanese or German rivals. Enthusiast forums and classic car publications often highlight its strengths and weaknesses.
