Fiat 132
| Fiat 132 | |
|---|---|
Fiat 132 after the 1974 redesign
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Fiat |
| Also called | Fiat Elita (South Africa) |
| Production | 1972–81 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large family car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Kia Fiat 132 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission | 4 and 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,557 mm (100.7 in) |
| Length | 4,405 mm (173.4 in) |
| Width | 1,640 mm (64.6 in) |
| Height | 1,422 mm (56.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 1120-1170 kg (2469-2579 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Fiat 125 |
| Successor | Fiat Argenta |
The Fiat 132 is a large family car produced by the Italian automobile company Fiat from 1972 to 1981. An updated version of the 132, called the Argenta was produced from 1981 to 1985.
The 132 was introduced as a replacement for the Fiat 125 and like it, came with twin overhead cam (TC) engines as standard. However, the Fiat 132 looked more like the larger top-of-the-range Fiat 130.
Like the 125, the 132 came with a five speed gear box, optional in some markets and standard in others: this was still a relatively unusual feature in this class of car in 1977. GM "Strasbourg" automatic transmission was listed as an option.
A major update to the front suspension was implemented for January 1974 in response to criticism of the handling and very low geared steering. Press reports of the time commend the improved handling which was also supported by the fitting of wider tires, although poor fuel consumption at high speed continued to draw adverse comment, even where the (unusual for the time) five speed transmission option was specified. In the same year an external redesign gave the impression of a lowered waistline resulting from larger side windows. It included a reshaped C-pillar which had a semblance of BMW's "Hofmeister kink" and reminded some of the recently introduced BMW 5 Series.
For the driver, new shock absorbers accompanied the suspension improvements. The 1600 cc engine remained unchanged but the 1800 cc engine benefited from a modified cylinder head and carburettor resulting in a small increase in claimed output to 107 hp (80 kW), along with a usefully flattened torque curve. Interior improvements included a redesigned steering wheel along with improved heating and ventilation controls.
In April 1977, the 132 received a further facelift. New plastic "safety" bumpers were introduced to the model, and the gearing of the steering was raised, supported by the addition of servo-assistance. Inside were a new dashboard and seat trims. At this point, with the 130 having been discontinued, the 132 became the "flagship" of the Fiat range.
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Wikipedia