The Fiat Palio is the perfect example of a family hatch.It can comfortably seat 5 average sized people including the driver.It comes with a 1200 cc petrol engine fed by a 32 bit computer controlled fuel injection system mated to an excellent short throw 5-speed gearbox that gives it good acceleration through the gears.Power is rated at 72 bhp and Torque at 105 Nm.(Newton -meter).
Air- conditioning is excellent with instant cooling but acceleration can be quite sluggish with air-con on.
Interior space and leg room is ample and 3 people can sit fairly comfortably at the rear.Seats are comfortable with good thigh and lumbar (spine) support.Boot space is also very good and will comfortably swallow 2 average sized suitcases.
Fiat have the suspension well sorted out in all their cars and the palio is no exception.Robust suspension set up ensures passenger comfort and being on the stiffer side encourages spirited jaunts around town.The higher kerb weight of the car (1080 kg) keeps the car rock steady at high speeds even over broken terrain. Thicker guage steel used for body panels gives the car a rock solid and chunky feel.Opening and closing the doors in this car is a pleasurable experience in itself!!
Top speeds are in the 150 kmph range but the brakes dont feel confidence inspiring and dont provide enough stopping power.But its not that bad either.
Finally , this car has been designed by the maestro of auto design giorgetto guigiaro which makes you turn heads anywhere you go.
Verdict- If you want a family car that is comfortable, sporty and stylish this is the car for you.
Fuel efficiency is around 9 kmpl in city so if you need fuel average go get a maruti.