Fiat Palio

SAO PAOLO, Brazil — The Fiat Palio is ever popular in Brazil, even as its excitement factor has dimmed in the developing markets for which it was originally intended. This predecessor to the Dacia Logan has become too expensive for its quality in many places, but in Brazil it has just been revamped for its many fans here.

Since it was launched in 1996, more than 3.5 million units have been produced of the Palio family, which incorporates a hatch, a sedan, a wagon and a pickup. In Brazil it is one of the bestsellers. There were two face-lifts, in 2000 and in 2003, but the basic mechanical package has remained intact.

This is the third and final modification before the New Palio arrives in 2008 on the platform of the Grande Punto. The revamped model is slightly longer and wider, with a new, more rounded front and revised rear.

Fiat tries to put even more emphasis on the sportiness of the car, so there's a new 1.8R version in striking yellow with a leather-covered steering wheel, a sporty instrument cluster and red seatbelts. On other models, there are new trim materials and even more equipment.