There is little doubt in our minds that the Palio will set the benchmark for hatchbacks in
India. It just doesn't feel like a hatch, at least not the ones we're used to. The truth
is that it is a class above its competition with only the Indica able to compete in terms
of size. However, compared to the Indica, the Palio is better engineered and more refined.
It clearly comes across as a superior car, embodying all of Fiat's expertise in making
small family cars. The only downside we could find is the fuel consumption which, though
acceptable for its size, is not quite as frugal as its would-be-rivals.
 The new Palio is a fresh modern design, brimming with technology and has features found
only on cars many segments above. The major re-skinning process carried out by Fiat also
seems to have been well worth the effort and expense as the new Palio is several leagues
ahead of its predecessor, especially as far as eyeball appeal is concerned.
The 1.2 comes across as a sensible family car which, at a price of just Rs 340,000, aims
to redefine the meaning of value for money in this segment. The 1.6 is India's first true
hot hatchback providing Honda City-like levels of performance for nearly half the price.
Fiat has also
gone hammer and tongs at its old adversary -- aftersales service. The company has reduced
prices of spares and is in the process of appointing new dealers whilst giving the
non-performing ones the sack. Though the upward trend as far as service is concerned is
evident, Fiat still has some climbing to do.
Most important of all, there is a steely resolve in the company to make the Palio succeed,
at any cost. The new Palio is not just a new car but the new face of Fiat in India.
| Autocar India Verdict |
 |
Quite
simply the best car in it's class |
|
October 2001