Used Car Review Fiat Coupe 2.0 Turbo
Former Malaysian FIAT importer Torino Motors had a sure fire hit on their hands when they launched this car and they managed to sell quite a few units despite its rather high selling price of RM168,000 for the range topping 20 Valve Turbo. For the asking price you got thoroughbred looks, a brawny 220bhp good for 250km/h top speed and a 0-100km/h run in 6.5 seconds when all was working well under the hood. Every single one of those 220 kicking horses is harnessed to a nimble chassis via a six-speed gearbox. Although its assertive looks cry out for the open road, good steering feedback, light clutch, smooth gearchange, and abundance of torque makes town driving a breeze and single lane overtaking a most fun as you run up the rev range almost instantly! To stop in time ABS-assisted Brembo brakes (painted bright red and showing off through the 4 angular shaped spoke 16-inch alloy wheels) are powerfully reassuring. Despite the immense amount power the engine generates from this small cubic capacity, the fuel consumption, at an average of 25mpg overall, is outstandingly good for the performance. The comfortable interior is strikingly set off by the startling, body-coloured, painted metal dash and white background instrumentation. Inside, it’s much bigger than you would imagine: a real four-seater. Recaro seats are supportive, and a steering wheel that adjusts for height and depth a real boon. And that silver push-button ignition on the fascia never fails to generate a frisson of excitement every time the coupe is fired up. Fiat gave you a lot for your money with this Coupe starting with ABS, remote central locking, twin airbags, power steering, tinted glass, power windows/mirrors, leather upholstery, leather covered steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, smart alloys wearing 225/45 Pirelli P-Zeros, and Viscodrive traction control. There’s even an easily accessible large sized boot that will swallow a couple of golf bags if placed well. Built by Pininfarina, this bargain-basement priced Ferrari alternative is as good to look at as it is to look out of. Problems with a used Coupe Turbo start with hefty prices for certain replacement parts like the sensors on the brakes, replacement body panels and blown turbos. Bear in mind that this is a car sitting in the supercar league so prices should reflect. Interior plastic trim does not hold up well in our climate. Cracks, scratches and ‘soft’ plastic are common and replacement very expensive. Leather seats need occasional treatment or they will start cracking and stitch seams will come apart. Front tyres get worn fast with a heavy right foot. Servicing is simple enough and reliable Fiat specialists are available to ensure all problems are rectified fast.
Prices on the other hand will lead you to ignore all said in the last paragraph and run out and buy one. A 17 year old 1995 NON turbo will sell for as low as RM20,000 but this gives you only the going fast looks and only 150 horses. A well maintained year 2000 20V turbo with full service history will sell from RM30,000 and somewhere in between you can get a decent unit.
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