Fiat demonstrated its capacity for innovation by launching the Uno in August 1984, eight years after the success of the Fiat 147, which modernized the segment of small, economical, and popular vehicles in 1976. The Fiat 147 had introduced a compact design with ample interior space and a pioneering mechanical architecture in the Brazilian market, using a transversely positioned engine and gearbox assembly.
The Uno was designed with a focus on ergonomics and structure, surpassing competitors. Despite being a small and economical vehicle, it featured a generous glazed area, providing a bright and spacious interior. Although the concept arrived in Brazil virtually unchanged after being launched in Europe a year earlier, the national version was adapted to local demands.
One of the important adaptations was the rear suspension, which in the Brazilian model was independent with a transverse leaf spring, and the location of the spare tire. While in Europe the spare tire was located in the trunk, in Brazil it was installed next to the engine, requiring a larger national hood that covered the front and fenders, unlike the simple lid of the European model.
The transverse mechanics of the Uno inherited technology from the Fiat 147. The S version used a 1,050 cc engine with a simple carburetor, producing 52 hp. The more equipped CS version employed the 1,300 cc engine with a simple carburetor, producing 59 hp. In October 1984, the sporty SX version was introduced, which used the 1,300 cc alcohol-fueled engine and reached 70 hp thanks to the use of a dual-body carburetor.
At that time, flex-fuel cars did not yet exist, forcing consumers to choose between gasoline or alcohol. In terms of transmission, the S version came only with a four-speed manual gearbox, while the CS and SX versions offered a five-speed manual gearbox; the fifth gear in the CS prioritized economy, and in the SX, the shorter ratios aimed at performance.
The Uno provided a pleasant dynamic behavior due to independent suspension on all four wheels, complemented by front disc brakes for faster driving. The rack-and-pinion steering system lacked hydraulic assistance, but the narrow tires facilitated maneuvering.
A major differentiator of the compact car was its ergonomics. The door handles were discreetly recessed, maintaining a clean look. The large windshield was equipped with a single wiper capable of cleaning approximately 75% of the total glass area, considered a technological advance for the time. The driver's more upright seating position anticipated modern SUV concepts, providing better visibility and easier access to the vehicle.
Another notable innovation was the presence of two satellite modules next to the steering wheel, concentrating controls such as lights, headlights, washer and windshield wiper, rear wiper, defroster, and high beam indicator, allowing the driver to operate everything without taking their hands off the steering wheel, something uncommon in other national cars of that era.
Due to the relocation of the spare tire to the engine compartment, the national Uno offered a useful trunk capacity of 290 liters, even with only 3.64 meters in length. With the rear seat folded down, this capacity increased significantly to 620 liters. Initially, the Uno was sold only in the two-door configuration; the four-door version was only introduced to the Brazilian market in 1992, after the launch of the Uno Mille.
The author of the text reports having been invited by Fiat Automóveis in early 1984 to write the launch announcement for the new Uno, providing technical and commercial data to the specialized Brazilian press. He made visits to Betim, Minas Gerais, to discuss with engineers, technicians, and drivers involved in the development, resulting in detailed material approved by Fiat's communications department and distributed to the national press, which gives him a special appreciation for this vehicle that shaped the local automotive industry.
Fiat has implemented a promotional campaign offering discounts of up to R$ 27,598 on vehicles in the Abarth line, which includes the Pulse and Fastback SUVs. This offer, valid until August 4th, also includes the possibility of interest-free financing and installments of up to 50 times, a number chosen in reference to the automaker's 50 years of operation in Brazil this year.
The Abarth Fastback model receives the largest reduction, dropping from R$ 183,990 to R$ 156,392. The Abarth Pulse will have a discount of R$ 16,250, falling from R$ 162,490 to R$ 146,240. These conditions apply exclusively to retail purchases and are available across the entire network, which comprises over 500 dealerships nationwide, according to the manufacturer.
With the promotional values, both models have a nominally lower price than when they were launched. The Abarth Pulse, introduced in November 2022 for R$ 149,990, can be acquired for R$ 3,750 less. Similarly, the Abarth Fastback, launched in October 2023 for R$ 159,990, presents a reduction of R$ 3,598 compared to its initial value. It is important to note that these calculations do not take into account inflation during the period.
The celebration of Fiat's half-century of production in Brazil began in 1976, at the factory located in Betim, Minas Gerais, the unit where the two sports cars are manufactured. It was in this same plant that the Pulse Abarth emerged in November 2022, presented by the brand as the first SUV developed by the global sports division. The scorpion symbol had already been used on the Stilo Abarth in 2002 and would return after 500 years.
In terms of performance, the two SUVs share the 1.3 turbo engine, which generates 185 hp and 27.5 kgfm, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to the automaker, both can reach 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. The sports division's engineering included specific adjustments to the engine and transmission, as well as a stiffer suspension, differently sized brakes, and the Poison driving mode, which reduces the influence of stability control systems and makes the set's reactions more agile.
Aesthetically, the SUVs differ from the standard versions through features such as a dual exhaust, dark-finished alloy wheels, and the scorpion emblems. The interior maintains a consistent design, featuring dark tones and red stitching details. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, digital instrument panel, the ADAS driving assistance package, and a 10.1-inch multimedia center with the Connect////Me platform, which integrates over 30 functionalities, as detailed by the manufacturer.
