Relive the Journey of the Fiat Fiorino Pickup

When you think about compact pickup trucks, it is impossible not to remember Fiat and its importance in this segment. Fiat began this journey in Brazil in 1980 with the launch of Fiat City, derived from the iconic 147. However, it was with the Fiat Fiorino Pickup, launched in 1988, which the brand consolidated its presence in this market. The pickup truck, derived from the Fiat Uno, was designed to meet the needs of those looking for a robust, economical and efficient vehicle for daily work. Let's explore the fascinating history of this model that left its mark on the Brazilian automotive industry.

The Beginning of Everything: Fiorino Pickup in 1988

Launched in August 1988, the Fiat Fiorino Pickup it was a natural evolution of Fiat City, which had been discontinued along with the 147 in 1986. Derived from the Fiat Uno, which was already a sales success in Brazil since 1984, the Fiorino Pickup arrived on the market with two engine options 1.3:

1. Gasoline: Developed 58.2 hp of power and 10 kgfm of torque.
2. The alcohol: Offered 59.7 hp of power and the same torque.

Despite the modest performance, with a top speed between 140 km/h and 150 km/h, the highlight of the pickup was in the fuel economy, a crucial factor at the time. In addition, it was practical, with a load capacity of 620 kg and a bucket that could hold 967 liters, ideal for those who needed a compact and functional utility vehicle.

Rapid Evolution: Suspension, Engine and Complaints

As the years went by, the Fiorino Pickup has received significant improvements. In 1989, Fiat revised the suspension geometry, which reduced tire wear and improved drivability. However, many consumers complained about the 1.3 engine's lack of power, especially when carrying heavy loads.

In response, Fiat introduced in 1990 the engine 1.5 Fiasa, which delivered 71.4 hp of power and 12.9 kgfm of torque. Although it was more powerful, this engine had a higher level of vibration and harshness, especially compared to the 1.6 Sevel engine, available in other Fiat models.

Modernization and the “Low Front”

In 1991, the entire Uno-based lineup received a visual update known as “low front”, characterized by narrower headlights and grilles. This change was accompanied by the launch of the engine 1.6 Sevel, which brought more power to the Fiorino Pickup:

• Gasoline: 84 hp It is 13.7 kgfm of torque.
• Alcohol: 88 hp and the same torque.

With this engine, the pickup accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds, becoming a more agile and robust option. The top-of-the-line version, the LX HD (Heavy Duty), now includes accessories such as roll bar and long-range headlights.

Emissions Standards and the 1.6 MPI Engine

From 1992, stricter emission control standards required the use of catalytic converters in engines, which reduced the power of some models. To get around this situation, Fiat launched in 1993 the engine 1.6 MPI with multipoint injection, which delivered 92 hp It is 13 kgfm of torque. This improvement reinforced the Fiorino Pickup's position as a reliable and efficient pickup for transporting light loads.

The 1994 Revolution: Suspension and 1.0 Engine

In 1994, Fiat made an important change in rear suspension, adopting a rigid axle with longitudinal leaf springs. This change eliminated the need for rear wheel alignment and significantly improved load capacity. In the same year, the engine appeared 1.0 Fiasa, which delivered 56.1 hp It is 8.2 kgfm of torque, becoming the 1.0 most powerful in the world at the time.

Despite the limited power, the introduction of the 1.0 engine helped the Fiorino Pickup compete in an entry-level segment, offering fuel economy without sacrificing functionality.

Trekking Version: Robustness and Style

In 1995, Fiat launched the version Trekking of the Fiorino Pickup. With a more adventurous look, this version featured:

• High suspension.
• Maritime hood.
• Side stickers.
• Larger and reinforced tires.

This configuration was well received by consumers and inspired Fiat to expand this approach to other models, such as the future Fiat Strada.

The Last Years of Glory

In the last years of production, the Fiorino Pickup continued to receive updates. In 1996, the engine 1.5 Fiasa now has multipoint electronic injection, increasing power to 76 hp. It was also in that year that the version Working was released, replacing the basic and LX versions.

Unfortunately, with the launch of the Palio family, the Fiorino Pickup began to lose market share. Models such as the Award and the Elba, which shared the same platform, were discontinued in 1996. In 1998, after 10 years in the market and about 135,500 units sold, the Fiorino Pickup gave way to the new generation of Fiat compact pickups, led by the Fiat Strada.

The Legacy of the Fiat Fiorino Pickup

A Fiat Fiorino Pickup was more than just a compact pickup truck. It represented a milestone in the history of Fiat in Brazil, offering a unique combination of economy, versatility and robustness. During its 10 years of production, the model won over thousands of consumers, leaving a legacy that is reflected to this day in successors such as the Fiat Strada, sales leader in the segment.

For those of you who are passionate about cars or seek inspiration in automotive history, the Fiorino Pickup's history shows how innovation and adaptation to market needs can create memorable vehicles. Whether on dirt roads, carrying materials or as a nostalgic icon, the Fiorino Pickup remains alive in the memories of Brazilians.