The 2004 Fiat Seicento

Fiat Seicento

Although its appearance suggests the size and solidity of a higher segment car, dimensions of 334 centimetres in length and 151 cm in width make the Fiat Seicento one of the most compact cars produced in Europe. These petite exterior dimensions are a valuable quality in a car that undoubtedly numbers 'city car' among its uses. Yet the new car from Fiat Auto is much more. It also offers properties of dynamism and comfort that allow it to tackle longer, more demanding routes in comfort: ease of driving, generous interior space, practical features, rational and well laid-out controls and fittings, acoustic comfort and an ultra-efficient climate control system. Not to mention the fact that the Fiat Seicento offers cutting edge devices and engineering content to ensure driver and passenger safety.

In the field of preventive safety, the Fiat Seicento is outstanding for engineering features that encourage driver alertness and make for a more relaxed drive: ergonomic seats, easy-to-read instruments, outstanding external visibility and an efficient climate control system. The new model also reconciles dinky external dimensions with ample passenger room even for tall people. The result is a surprisingly big car: the available interior volume is 2.63 m3, i.e. in line with many higher segment competitors. This result has also been achieved without affecting the luggage capacity that stands at 170 litres.

As far as active safety is concerned, the Fiat Seicento is outstanding for its pick-up, roadholding and safe braking. In detail, the model offers a double crossover braking system with 240 millimetre diameter front discs; floating front brake callipers with reduced clearance; 185 mm diameter rear drum brakes; 7" brake servo and 3/8" pump; the power unit assures good braking modularity and a satisfyingly prompt response; double braking limiters assure effective braking distribution over front and rear axles under all vehicle load conditions whether the car is carrying just the driver or the maximum transportable load. The outstanding Fiat Seicento braking system can be fitted with an ABS antilock braking system as an option. The selected system is a Bosch 5.3 with 4 active sensors and 4 channels and built-in EBD (Electronic Brake Distributor). The 8 solenoid hydraulic control unit ensures each wheel can brake to the maximum extent permitted by its grip on the ground to prevent locking; full control of the car even with the brake pedal on the floor; very prompt responses - and a light control unit.