FIAT Fastback is an Italian, Brazilian by birth, which retains all the flavor and seasoning of the European peninsula. It is a direct descendant of the new FIAT Pulse, since they share a platform (MLA), however, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, because although structurally they are very similar, mechanically and morphologically, the Fastback tells a totally different story.
FIAT Fastback 2023: Ciao Italia
Visually there is not much to compare this coupe-type body (VW Nivus?) That we have already seen in premium cut SUVs where the offer is a little more nourished. However, In the general field, FIAT does not hesitate -and does well- to bring us a propositive Fastback that, with a lot of nostalgia for Alfa Romeo, proposes something new throughout its 4.4 meters in length, through a high bodywork (1.5 meters), curvilinear and quite stylized bodywork. So, as you can see, there really isn’t much of Pulse and quite a bit of Fastback:
- Plastic protectors in the entire lower area of the body (they are 80% of its attitude)
- Matte black logos and zero chrome trim (Impetus)
- Sports grill with Italia logo included
- LED headlights and skulls
- 17″ or 18″ wheels, depending on the only two versions
- Tailgate in liftback configuration including glass and spoiler
We may agree -or not- that if you are really looking for a car that makes a difference in the SUV universeBut refuse to give up your hatchback or even your sedan, this body could be the path you need to take. We’ll talk about space and cargo later; I don’t know, think about it…
FIAT Fastback 2023: discreet ode to Alfa Romeo
And it has nothing to do with a poetic composition, but with the implicit memory in this car of the other Stellantis brand: Alfa Romeo. And it is that FIAT Fastback is not, nor does it pretend to be, an Alfa, but it happens that in the passenger compartment there are pleasant materials and textures that are very close to those seen in Tonale, for example.. Technological integration is another point in its favor, as well as the almost identical level of equipment between its two versions, Audace and Impetus.
The vast distribution and configuration of equipment between the two it only makes differences in the type of upholstery for the seats, the finish of the roof (sky), or in the type of headlights. From then on, the balance is coherent between one and the other:
- Multifunction steering wheel, sporty cut, well padded and pleasantly textured
- paddle shifters
- 7” TFT display with digital graphics and instrumentation
- 10.1” touch Uconnect main screen, with the full spectrum of connectivity (USB, AUX, BLUETOOTH, AUDIO STREAMING, Apple Car Play & Android Auto Wireless with connection to two phones simultaneously).
- Seats with premium upholstery or conventional cloth
- The glossy black details refer to some Alfa Romeo finishes (with all proportion).
The touch and assembly are notoriously superior to the FIATs of yesteryear, In this sense, the hand is already more noticeable, as well as the attention to detail on the part of Stellantis, especially when the intention is to prevail through proposals such as Fastback or Pulse itself. Speaking of gadgets, I celebrate the evolution of Uconnect (another gift from the group to FIAT), increasingly intuitive, functional and technological.
Ergonomically, it was logical to expect that, based on this architecture, the shape of the silhouette takes its toll on the interior space of the rear seats, nothing serious for two medium-sized adults who can travel without any issue. As a reward, FIAT Fastback offers excellent 600 liters of cargo capacity in the trunk.
FIAT Fastback 2023: Mechanics with Mopar flavor
Wise and correct was the decision of Stellantis, first to create the new 1.3-liter turbocharged GSE T270 engine. Second, for equipping its most innovative products with said mechanics. Of course, the FIAT Fastback was included in the plans so that, in no way, is it a high-performance coupe, rather a constant-running vehicle, without qualms, forceful but without reaching explosiveness; Yes, with the inevitable turbo lag in this type of displacement, but with 173 Hp and 198 lb-ft of torque it remains stoic and cheerful at medium to high speeds.
One issue that has pleasantly surprised me is the complete security suite that FIAT Fastback has been equipped with in both versions. There is assistance for almost everything, active security included, accompanied by:
- Front airbags (2), and side torso and head
- Reverse camera
- TCS, ECS, EBD and ABS
- Assistance: Lane departure or correction, automatic front braking, high/low beam adjustment.
I celebrate the presence of a automatic transmission -with manual mode (paddles included)- instead of some boring and “whiny” CVT. There are six speeds available sending power to the front axle, which also benefits from electric steering. This combo allows you to obtain constant power from the engine on any type of route, even on irregular sections or dirt roads, at which point you will use your significant ground clearance, McPherson suspension with rocker arms forward, and a torsion axle with semi-independent wheels at the rear.
Why Mopar?
Curiosity is a very marked trait since my childhood, and today, it has led me to discover that the turbo of this engine is signed by MOPAR; I wonder what else within this small block will be. This discovery gives me a lot of confidence and hope in the elasticity of this mechanism, adding to the Fastback a good future not only in terms of performance, but also durabilitysomething that today, with China invading us, is very relevant.
It must be said that this set (silhouette, mechanics, finishes) looks as charismatic as it is novel, and if this is the variant or the emergence of some segment (such as mini pick-ups) in general brands, FIAT Fastback is about to become a good example to follow, perhaps very niche, but with good arguments.
FIAT Fastback 2023: Price
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Audace Fastback: $515,000 pesos
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Fasctuback Impetus: $550,000 pesos.
