Petra 1.6 EL

lamborghini · 22nd November 2005, 20:25

Agree with Rishi.
We made a mistake and put 185/65R14 instead of 185/60R14 so just be carefull about that.
Instead of Goodyear NCT's, try Potenza's though (GIII).

sreenivass · 23rd October 2006, 16:01

Hi Rishi & Lambroghini,

Changing to wider tires is some thing I have been considering. Is there a problem going for 185/65R14 ? I think even 195/???R14s are recommended for Petra 1.6. I dont want 185/60R14, it may lower the ground clearence a little bit. I'd preferably go for 185/65R14 or taller ones. The taller ones may touch the body though ? The reason for taller ones is to improve ground clearence if possible.

Can you also share the money incurred in changing the tires ? Did you have to change the rims for tubeless option ?

Please share ur experience. My Petra is approx 2 years old, has done only 11000 KMs. It will be a little while before I can replace the wheels/ tires.

I'd appreciate any information shared.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Agree with Rishi.
We made a mistake and put 185/65R14 instead of 185/60R14 so just be carefull about that.
Instead of Goodyear NCT's, try Potenza's though (GIII).

lamborghini · 23rd October 2006, 18:05

Hey sreenivas,
the reason i said 185/60R14 instead of 185/65R14 is because the latter messes up your odo readings.
However, 185/65R14 improves your Ground Clearance and ride quality too.
Cheers

sivadas · 24th October 2006, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreenivass

Hi Rishi & Lambroghini,
Changing to wider tires is some thing I have been considering. Is there a problem going for 185/65R14 ? I think even 195/???R14s are recommended for Petra 1.6. I dont want 185/60R14, it may lower the ground clearence a little bit. I'd preferably go for 185/65R14 or taller ones. The taller ones may touch the body though ? The reason for taller ones is to improve ground clearence if possible.
Can you also share the money incurred in changing the tires ? Did you have to change the rims for tubeless option ?
Please share ur experience. My Petra is approx 2 years old, has done only 11000 KMs. It will be a little while before I can replace the wheels/ tires.
I'd appreciate any information shared.

Hello sreenivas,
I have 195/60 R14 Potenza GIII for my Petra and it is doing excellent. Yes, I did change the rims to alloys as well. I would advise you to put alloys if you are going for Tubeless.
Potenza was costing 3600 a piece 1 year back. And alloys(5 of them) would be around 18,000.
Please PM me if you want more details.
-Sivadas

sreenivass · 24th October 2006, 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Hey sreenivas,
the reason i said 185/60R14 instead of 185/65R14 is because the latter messes up your odo readings.
However, 185/65R14 improves your Ground Clearance and ride quality too.
Cheers

Thanks a bunch Lambroghini.

Did it start showing incorrect mileage or what was the exact problem in odometer ?

Can fiat alloy wheels be used with tubeless tires or they need to be changed if I go for 185/65 or 195/60 ? I bought Fiat alloys along with the car.

Regds

Vid6639 · 24th October 2006, 18:52

Sreenivass, Any alloy wheels whether fiat or other can be used with any type of tyres tube or tubeless. you wont have a problem.
You just have to make sure the tyres are of the right size for the car.

shantyrocks · 18th February 2008, 15:08

the car is a scorcher all right...can over take almost all cars easily..
drove it at 170 on the expressway! and believe me its really a safe car
f.e is not gr8 though.got a lpg kit fitted recently.performance on lpg is on par with hat on petrol.goes around 350-375 kms on a full tank(48 litres)
I am going to Pune to give my Petra for it's second service. All workshops in Mumbai are full with backlogs. I thought that I would post up my views till now on my baby. And then top it up with my impressions post service.

Buying process

Well, what can I start with? I started out wanting to buy an NHC, because as a fresh out of B-School graduate I had stars in my eyes and two sets of rose tinted glasses. I had read rave reviews bout the NHC and just believed those fuel economy figures of 27kmpl from Overdrive. But instead of the posting in Bangalore that I was hoping I ended up in Mumbai. Which is wear the two rose tinted glasses fell off - after hearing the price of an NHC in Mumbai. And then I found the forum. That is when I decided to look at the Baleno. Maybe, just maybe if the dealer I was speaking to was a bit more responsive, I would have been driving a Baleno. I had already discounted the Fords and the Accents. And was not too impressed with the Indigo petrol.

And then the Petra happened. I was floored. The value proposition was just too good. That is how I ended up with my Hazel Grey Petra 1.6 EL. And I have a lot to thank this forum for.

Engine and transmission

A 1.6 litre 16 valve DOHC four cylinder inline petrol churning out 100 horses - at less than 5.3 L - pure heaven na? The engine is awesome. The rush it gives you lurching from start through 100 kmph in third accompanied by that muted roar is the best feeling I get while on road. Gear shift is race car like notchy, and slots in neatly. I am a bit disappointed with the power delivery at lower revs in the third gear. But it is all good once you get used to it and hey I like changing 'em gears.

Build Quality and interiors

The body feels solid. There is always that lovely thunk when you slam the doors. And that bonnet feels so heavy. Typical European car.

The seats are comfortable, though the height adjustment does not exist for the front seat - not that I need it, but it is good to have all the same. All round visibility is okay, though the A pillar is a bit too thick at times. Ergonomics are good though the dashboard looks a tad bit out dated. Fit and finish are very good though Fiat should pay more attention to the plastic trim.

There are those ubiquitous rattles which are a pain som times, but then looking at the state of the roads and the places I have been too, I think it is forgivable. I will look to see how the second service at Ashwamegh solves this. But I must say that on a smooth road the rattles disappear.

The boot is enormous. Double fold the rear seats and you have a mini playground at the back. Lighting is good. Side rearview mirrors are manually controllable and the rear de-mister is a nice feature to have (this is one area where the Baleno LXi seriously sucks).

Fuel Economy

Please do not let tales of bad F.E. sway you. The car performs very respectably despite the weight it lugs around. The best I have got on the highway is 15 kmpl all things up and running. In city I get 10-11 kmpl with the AC fully running and the best I have got in Mumbai's traffic (from Vikhroli to Lower Parel) without the AC is a whopping 12.96 kmpl.

Dealer Support

Anuroop is the best dealer for Fiat in Mumbai. Period. Right from the selling to the after sales, they have been courteous and attentive. It is true that there is a problem of parts, but on the ocassion that I have required them, they have been proactive enough to get them with the least delay. My rear tail lamps were replaced within a few hours. My LH rear door was replaced within 4 days despite the rush of 26/7.

Accessories

1) JVC 12 CD changer with an FM transceiver made it possible to preserve the factory fitted system (which I daresay is good).

2) Auto cop

No alloys and tubeless tyres yet. I wanted to be absolutely safe wrt warranty. I plan to go in for a K&N after my third service. Will ask at that time.

Grouses

1) AC performance has been bad of late. I dont know if the coolant has leaked off.

2) Wipers have a mind of their own. This is rare.

3) Fuel other than HP Power cause auto revving.

Overall

I am very happy. I just dont care if Fiat folds up and dies etc etc. My only regret wrt to this car is that I did not wait long enough for the ELX.

Will leave you with some pictures that I took of the car at Malshej. Please forgive the picture quality - it was heavily overcast and I dont have the skills Rudra Sen.

[/quote]

shantyrocks · 5th March 2008, 00:21

auto revving in my petra happens only in the mornings when i start my car.otherwise any other time of the day no such problem.

hellspawn · 5th March 2008, 01:50

good to hear a petra performaing flawlessly and you are getting a really nice mileage.
I would suggest the best upsize for the petra would be 195/60R14,awesome grip and your ride quality increases tremendously as well,not to forget that your odo reading doesnt get affected.

22nd November 2005, 20:25	#16
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,141 Thanked: 5,847 Times View My Garage	Agree with Rishi. We made a mistake and put 185/65R14 instead of 185/60R14 so just be carefull about that. Instead of Goodyear NCT's, try Potenza's though (GIII).
	() Thanks

23rd October 2006, 18:05	#18
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,141 Thanked: 5,847 Times View My Garage	Hey sreenivas, the reason i said 185/60R14 instead of 185/65R14 is because the latter messes up your odo readings. However, 185/65R14 improves your Ground Clearance and ride quality too. Cheers
	() Thanks

24th October 2006, 18:52	#21
Vid6639 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,757 Thanked: 43,812 Times View My Garage	Sreenivass, Any alloy wheels whether fiat or other can be used with any type of tyres tube or tubeless. you wont have a problem. You just have to make sure the tyres are of the right size for the car.
	() Thanks

18th February 2008, 15:08	#22
shantyrocks BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: thane Posts: 742 Thanked: 6 Times	hi guys..got a used fiat petra a jan 2005 model 3 months back and am extreamly happy the car is a scorcher all right...can over take almost all cars easily.. drove it at 170 on the expressway! and believe me its really a safe car f.e is not gr8 though.got a lpg kit fitted recently.performance on lpg is on par with hat on petrol.goes around 350-375 kms on a full tank(48 litres) I am going to Pune to give my Petra for it's second service. All workshops in Mumbai are full with backlogs. I thought that I would post up my views till now on my baby. And then top it up with my impressions post service. Buying process Well, what can I start with? I started out wanting to buy an NHC, because as a fresh out of B-School graduate I had stars in my eyes and two sets of rose tinted glasses. I had read rave reviews bout the NHC and just believed those fuel economy figures of 27kmpl from Overdrive. But instead of the posting in Bangalore that I was hoping I ended up in Mumbai. Which is wear the two rose tinted glasses fell off - after hearing the price of an NHC in Mumbai. And then I found the forum. That is when I decided to look at the Baleno. Maybe, just maybe if the dealer I was speaking to was a bit more responsive, I would have been driving a Baleno. I had already discounted the Fords and the Accents. And was not too impressed with the Indigo petrol. And then the Petra happened. I was floored. The value proposition was just too good. That is how I ended up with my Hazel Grey Petra 1.6 EL. And I have a lot to thank this forum for. Engine and transmission A 1.6 litre 16 valve DOHC four cylinder inline petrol churning out 100 horses - at less than 5.3 L - pure heaven na? The engine is awesome. The rush it gives you lurching from start through 100 kmph in third accompanied by that muted roar is the best feeling I get while on road. Gear shift is race car like notchy, and slots in neatly. I am a bit disappointed with the power delivery at lower revs in the third gear. But it is all good once you get used to it and hey I like changing 'em gears. Build Quality and interiors The body feels solid. There is always that lovely thunk when you slam the doors. And that bonnet feels so heavy. Typical European car. The seats are comfortable, though the height adjustment does not exist for the front seat - not that I need it, but it is good to have all the same. All round visibility is okay, though the A pillar is a bit too thick at times. Ergonomics are good though the dashboard looks a tad bit out dated. Fit and finish are very good though Fiat should pay more attention to the plastic trim. There are those ubiquitous rattles which are a pain som times, but then looking at the state of the roads and the places I have been too, I think it is forgivable. I will look to see how the second service at Ashwamegh solves this. But I must say that on a smooth road the rattles disappear. The boot is enormous. Double fold the rear seats and you have a mini playground at the back. Lighting is good. Side rearview mirrors are manually controllable and the rear de-mister is a nice feature to have (this is one area where the Baleno LXi seriously sucks). Fuel Economy Please do not let tales of bad F.E. sway you. The car performs very respectably despite the weight it lugs around. The best I have got on the highway is 15 kmpl all things up and running. In city I get 10-11 kmpl with the AC fully running and the best I have got in Mumbai's traffic (from Vikhroli to Lower Parel) without the AC is a whopping 12.96 kmpl. Dealer Support Anuroop is the best dealer for Fiat in Mumbai. Period. Right from the selling to the after sales, they have been courteous and attentive. It is true that there is a problem of parts, but on the ocassion that I have required them, they have been proactive enough to get them with the least delay. My rear tail lamps were replaced within a few hours. My LH rear door was replaced within 4 days despite the rush of 26/7. Accessories 1) JVC 12 CD changer with an FM transceiver made it possible to preserve the factory fitted system (which I daresay is good). 2) Auto cop No alloys and tubeless tyres yet. I wanted to be absolutely safe wrt warranty. I plan to go in for a K&N after my third service. Will ask at that time. Grouses 1) AC performance has been bad of late. I dont know if the coolant has leaked off. 2) Wipers have a mind of their own. This is rare. 3) Fuel other than HP Power cause auto revving. Overall I am very happy. I just dont care if Fiat folds up and dies etc etc. My only regret wrt to this car is that I did not wait long enough for the ELX. Will leave you with some pictures that I took of the car at Malshej. Please forgive the picture quality - it was heavily overcast and I dont have the skills Rudra Sen. [/quote]
	() Thanks

5th March 2008, 00:21	#23
shantyrocks BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: thane Posts: 742 Thanked: 6 Times	auto revving in my petra happens only in the mornings when i start my car.otherwise any other time of the day no such problem.
	() Thanks

5th March 2008, 01:50	#24
hellspawn Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: noida Posts: 1,686 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (10)	good to hear a petra performaing flawlessly and you are getting a really nice mileage. I would suggest the best upsize for the petra would be 195/60R14,awesome grip and your ride quality increases tremendously as well,not to forget that your odo reading doesnt get affected.
	() Thanks