 What sets the
Palio's road behaviour apart is that it comes with big car ride and handling. It feels
secure, safe and utterly composed on surfaces where its smaller competition would come
across as nervous and bumpy. The only car that is on the same page as far as ride is
concerned is the new Indica V2. But the wallowy Indica is set up more for ride comfort and
simply doesn't have the body control or sure-footed behaviour of the Palio. The Palio's
trump card is its stiff chassis and brilliant suspension which can despatch any kind of
road surface thrown at it. No car in this class feels better planted to the road and the
sense of confidence the Palio inspires makes it one of the safest cars to drive.
 The 1.2 Palio feels distinctly more pliant than the 1.6, especially at low speeds. The
softer springs and dampers work and high profile tyres do a good job of absorbing the
road.
The low-speed
ride of the stiffly suspended 1.6 with its lower profile tyres can get pretty obtrusive.
Thumps from expansion joints and manhole covers filter through prominently and you are
very much aware of the surface below. The upside is that the handling is more taut and
responsive and if you are looking for a car that is fun to drive, the firm ride is a small
price to pay.
Adding to the fun factor is the Palio's responsive steering which allows you to turn into
corners with enthusiasm. Its hatchback dimensions means that you can punt it around town
with ease.
Though the brakes are well specified and fared well in our tests, pedal feel left much to
be desired as the response from the brake pedal is not linear and feels a touch
overservoed.
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October 2001