Fiat 132 disappointing?

Sir,

On page 516 of the May issue of your magazine, you describe this model as disappointing. I have a GLS 1600 and find it far from so. It is, let’s face it, a family saloon and acquits itself very well in comparison with its opposition.

I bought mine 6 months ago and to date have covered 7,000 uneventful miles. The opposition when I bought mine, Ford, Vauxhall, British Leyland, were all unavailable anyway. I have not yet met a dissatisfied owner.

The car has a flexible smooth-revving twin—cam engine, good five-speed gearbox, good handling, firm suspension, good traction. Wind and mechanical noise levels are low. Seats are well shaped cloth covered fully reclining. The steering column is adjustable. The car has comprehensive instrumentation and controls, is well finished and has a good boot. There are four-wheel disc brakes which, although they are over servoed, only need familiarisation for smooth driving.

I am not a slow driver and can still get 28 m.p.g. easily. The acceleration from the twin—cam engine is good and it eats what I consider to be the opposition. Not BMW’s of course! Still, they are twice the price.

Fiats now offer a 2-year warranty on major mechanical parts and against rust. The car is factory treated against rust to a high standard.

I only wish I had bought an 1800-c.c. ES which is even better. I have no connection with Fiat other than being a satisfied owner.

Atherstone A. S. Morris

(My comment was really based on the sales performance of 132, not the car itself, though I do find the constant understeer less than attractive. – J.W.)