Fiat Siena 1.6 ELX
2002-10-01 08:04
Author: Wilmer Müller
Before the mid-life facelift the popular Fiat Siena had a bit of an awkward appearance especially at its rear.
People didn't buy the Siena because of its looks. They bought this Italian sedan because of its competitive price, its modern appeal and loads of standard equipment.
Now this car's new rear design makes it an even more attractive option and ads to the Siena's appeal. Fiat booted the previously funny rounded rump and awkwardly shaped taillights as part of the new design.
The top of the range Siena 1.6-litre ELX is loaded with safety and luxury features, which compliment the attractive styling.
Fiat refers to the Siena and its siblings - the Palio and Weekend - as the company's world car. The project is code-named 178 and directly aimed at emerging markets like South Africa.
The Italian company definitely succeeded in this aim because this Fiat offers modern styling and value for money. Sales of the Siena, Palio and Weekend are acceptable as well and there are quite a few of these cars on our roads.
New design and safety features
The new boot design now incorporates the number plate whereas previously it was located in the rear bumper. It also features stylish new clear-lens taillights that appear modern and very chic.
A newly designed bumper - which is finished in the body colour - houses two reflector lenses on both sides. This is a very nice detail touch and one as a bit of déjà vu looking at it - aaah it is almost similar to that on the Alfa 156 and this can only be a good thing!
Although changes in the front design aren't as radical as the rear the new clear-lens twin reflector halogen headlights gives the Siena's nose a crisp look. It also gets the new Fiat Centenary badging.
The Siena also now has side skirts to compliment the new look and it makes the car appear bigger than before. The ELX has attractive 14-inch alloy wheels, which finish of the new elegant look.
But the changes are not reserved for the exterior only. In the interior there is a new steering wheel, aluminium look for the centre console of the dash and sporty black-on-white dials.
Although the materials isn't of the same quality as the VW Polo or new Toyota Corolla the interior appears modern and functional. All switches are in easy reach of the driver.
But the ergonomics aren't perfect. For example the front buttons for all the electric windows are located in two places.
The buttons for the front windows are located in the driver's door console and the buttons for the rear windows are in front of the gear lever in the floor console. There is no apparent reason for this and seems odd at first but one gets used to it.
Standard equipment includes a front-loading CD player and RDS radio which offers suburb sound. The car also has an effective air conditioning to make it even more competitive in its class.
The seats are basic but quite comfortable and will offer good support on long journeys. The cabin is quite roomy as well and will appeal to a family of four. Foldaway rear seats and more than enough boot space will also make the Siena a popular choice among families.
The Siena ELX has a top-level safety package, which is uncommon for a car in this price range.
The class-leading safety equipment includes dual airbags for the front passengers and seatbelt pre-tensioners. There are also headrests for front and rear passengers.
For even further peace of mind the Siena features Bosch four-sensor ABS brakes.
On the road
Technical improvements in the Siena include a new five-speed manual gearbox which necessitated minor reconfigurations of the firewall and engine compartment.
Gear changing is smooth and the revised internal ratios and final drive ratios offers better response in traffic.
Typical Italian the heart of the Siena is its engine. The ELX has a 1.6-litre 16 valve four-cylinder engine. The engine develops 74 kW at 5500 r/min and 140 Nm at 4000 r/min.
The smooth power train offers enough torque when needed thanks to the extended manifolds that increase torque at low speeds. The means that it isn't necessary to do gear changing that often while driving in town or in heavy traffic.
When you rev the Sienna the engine seems lively as well and top speed for this Italian number is 184km/h. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.8-litres at 120km/h.
The car is easy to handle thanks to the power steering and handling is positive.
The suspension features independent MacPherson struts at the front with coil springs, double-action shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar, while at the rear there's a torsion axle comprising longitudinal tubular arms and connecting omega-type cross member, coil springs and double acting telescopic gas-filled shocks.
Conclusion
Although the ELX is the most expensive Palio it still offers a lot for its price. The lower-specced Siena EL (with air-conditioning and power steering!) is probably even more value for money.
With its new look the car is now even more competitive and offers lots of style at an affordable price.
The range of safety and luxury equipment make the ELX package even more attractive and gives the Siena an edge.
The 2003 Siena is an alternative worth considering in the lower-C segment of the new car market and one must remember as well it has Italian genes... This is a nice car for everyday cruising in town and as a family vehicle.
People will like this car now even more because of the attractive restyling and we give it a thumbs up!
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