1.2 69hp Lounge 3dr Hatchback

Flawed genius.

A thoroughly engaging car with real character but it has too many flaws which undermine it's otherwise very strong credentials as an economic run around. For instance:
1. When I had to deal with a flat tyre on Christmas morning I discovered I required a flat headed screw driver to prize off the wheel trim-but the Fiat supplied model in the wheel change kit was a Phillips type so I now have an unsightly scar on my left rear wheel trim. I acknowledge it's a small point but it reveals a sloppy approach.
2. The clutch failed at 48,000 miles. My first such failure in 32 years driving. My garage (the excellent Sartins of Salisbury) suggest this may have something to do with the operation of the stop/start system.
3. The radio preset station facility failed at about 52,000 miles. Not hugely significant but an annoyance.
5. Rear reversing lights failed at about 55,000 miles.
4. The thermostat housing failed at 62,000 miles causing engine overheating. The failure was in the plastic pipe union. The other union was metal and remained sound. This seems to be a clear and known design flaw which Fiat neither acknowledge nor attempt to resolve.

Report as offensive