Team-BHP - Has time and technology blunted the (Palio) 1.6?

i have a Sep 2003 1.6; and to this day, infact yesterday, when i pushed the pedal (with the rpm redlining) the thrust and the grunt of the engine still brings a smile to my face :)

It has done so everytime in the past 4 years.

you just cannot compare the feeling with any of the other cars out there in this country (with the kind of money spent on the purchase).

I read the article. Pretty nicely written. One thing one realises about cars when one drives this car (or a Petra or an Adventure, for that matter) is how passion can come into play in something so completely inanimate. Reminds me of a very old Bengali movie, (I think by Ritwik Ghatak) called Ajantrik, which was about a man's relationship with his old jalopy. I am not sure if there is such a word, but it is derived from Jantra, meaning machine, and here it means something like Non-machine... I suppose Ritwik Ghatak would definitely felt the way we do about our Palio's, Petra's, Siena's and Adventures.

You should see that movie if you can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahulkool (Post 741158)

Sure, if you were to choose the Palio over the Swift, people would call you silly, or even stupid. But they would secretly wish they were brave enough to make a choice like yours. The question is, are you? I know I am.

and my parents used to say not being scared of dark makes you brave.. stupid:

Quote:

Originally Posted by swale84 (Post 741174)

Whether time and technology has blunted the palio 1.6 may be a matter of debate.

But whats dead certain is that it hasnt been able to damp any of the enthusiasm and spirit that its owners feel towards it!

Its not the car, but Fiat, which is behind this. If the company had handled it well, we would have had more and more upgrades and maybe Puntos and Grande Puntos and Sedici's available here already. And fewer people would have discussed the Palio. The fact that only one good piece of machinery is available, has resulted in a lot of focus on this great car.

But Fiat is like one of those classmates who used to come first in class, and everyone expected them to really shine in life, but they just faded away. Fiat had all the right ingredients in terms of product, but....

Two of my favorite cars at war! The article is nicely worded and really puts facts on sheet. I agree whole heartedly to the writers views and the summary as well. I would choose the Palio for my weekend thrusts whereas for city commute, it has to be the Swift Diesel.

Going further, what puts me off about the Swift:

Top speed of just 160 kph.
Acceleration times. I thought it was at par until I read the article.
The window lines are over your shoulder and you feel quite claustrophobic to drive it.
I thought it was a good handler but stock v/s stock (tyres as well) the Palio fares better.
The rear seat is too cramped.
The boot is too small.

What's with the Palio:

Low end torque quite low but once you are used to the gearing you'll love the short ration box.
Peak torque and power come way too late on the rpm band but once there you'll never forget that sweet Italian roar of the engine.
Its more of a highway car than a city short thrust buster.

That said, I'll say that time and technology hasn't blunted the Palio 1.6 at least in India. Its still the fastest hatch in production. It still keeps up with the 3 box 1.6 liters. It doesn't employ an EGR to cut down emissions. It has zero blow by. And lots of technological advances that I have listed and will put across when I find that sheet.

Yes, this Palio love is something too addictive. It somehow makes you feel satisfied (even in a 1.2). I think the Palio 1.3D has so much to offer:

01. Fantastic VFM
02. Great looks
03. Really satisfying build quality
04. Lovely steering / gearbox / ride
05. Torque / FE / Economy
05. A real Cruiser

The only let down would be Interiors and F.A.S.S.

I still love the 1.2 over the DDiS in a lot of ways. Hats of to Fiat clap:.

( Though I terribly hope not to get caught in the F.A.S.S hassles :eek:)

"It's about those flawless Giugiaro's lines and the fact that this might just be the last of the hatches with a big petrol engine"

Now this is somewhat I told my brother while he was contemplating on a 04 nv and a Wagon r ... And to be honest he took my words for good and brought home the PALIO clap:
But I seriously think a well priced 1.3 JTD would just make the swift look ....... (no words rom myside) :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by prabuddhadg (Post 741165)

Reminds me of a very old Bengali movie, (I think by Ritwik Ghatak) called Ajantrik, which was about a man's relationship with his old jalopy.

What you say is so apt! However although a car passion movie, I doubt the non-bengali population will be able to relate to it in the way we would.

If you look at the passion in which these cars were designed, its amazing. Simple things, just the pedal placement on a Palio platform car makes them different. Agreed, not what a non enthusiast will ever relate to. But if you were to practice heel-toe, you have the right pedals for it in the Fiat. The car appeals to the enthusiasts senses very much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moralfibre (Post 741455)

Low end torque quite low but once you are used to the gearing you'll love the short ration box.

Peak torque and power come way too late on the rpm band but once there you'll never forget that sweet Italian roar of the engine.

One good thing about that is, reinforcing my point above, there is thoughfulness in that too, when you upshift near about the redline, the "to" gear actually starts from a point you are reaching the maximum torque rpm. Though you will burn a hole in your fuel bills, but you will also make best use of your engine! Another point a non enthusiast will not like, that a 1.6 litre engine is rather dull at low revs. But hey! Change the gear and enjoy the fun, dont bother about the fuel money, you will anyway find ways of earning it!

About technology, well, what is it lacking? I dont see it running on carbs, even if it did, who cares?!!