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Fiat enters the hybrid market with the Fastback and Pulse models, betting on energy efficiency and performance. Expectations are high, but so are doubts.
Hybrid cars, a growing trend around the world, are finally starting to gain ground in Brazil.
Fiat has just taken the first step towards this future, launching its Fastback and Pulse hybrid models.
But will this technology please the public and maintain the performance that Brazilians value so much?
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Os vehicles are already in the distribution phase, and curiosity about the technological solutions adopted only increases. However, the automaker still keeps certain details shrouded in mystery.
One of the most interesting points is the location of the battery, under the driver's seat. This innovation allowed Fiat to solve a common problem in hybrid vehicles: making the most of the interior space, especially in the trunk.
But does this decision compromise the seat height adjustment? So far, this question remains unanswered.
The Italian automaker is clearly betting big, but consumers have a right to wonder: will these innovations bring more benefits or drawbacks?
How does Fiat's mild hybrid system work?
According to Fiat, the Fastback and Pulse models use a system known as a “mild hybrid”. What does this mean?
In these cars, a small battery (with less than 1 kWh capacity) powers a 3 kW (or 4,07 hp) electric motor. It is worth noting that this electric motor does not move the car alone, but performs crucial functions.
It replaces both the alternator and the starter motor, helping to generate additional torque to the combustion engine and providing supplemental power.
The mild hybrid system was developed to operate in parallel with the conventional electric system of vehicles, providing an improvement in both energy and mechanical efficiency.
This combination promises more sustainable performance, without sacrificing performance. Is this the ideal solution for those who want a more affordable, yet efficient hybrid?
Performance and consumption: what to expect?
Now comes the part that every driver wants to know: performance and fuel consumption. The numbers presented by Fiat show a slight improvement in fuel economy.
Within the city, consumption with ethanol went from 8,1 km/l to 9,6 km/l, while with gasoline, the values jumped from 11,3 km/l to 12,6 km/l.
On the highway, ethanol consumption improved from 9,7 km/l to 10,9 km/l, while gasoline consumption remained at 13,9 km/l.
This data may seem modest, but it represents an interesting advance for those looking to reduce fuel costs.
Will this gain be enough to attract consumers? Or is the Brazilian market, which has been demanding more and more, expecting even better numbers to justify the purchase of a hybrid?
Models that will receive mild hybrid technology
According to Fiat, the mild hybrid technology should expand to other models in the Stellantis group, which includes brands such as Peugeot and Citroën.
The 1.0 turbo engine, which already delivers 130 hp and 20,4 kgfm of torque, will be incorporated into other vehicles, such as the Peugeot 208, Peugeot 2008, Citroën Aircross and even the new Citroën Basalt.
Production of hybrids has already begun at the Fiat factory in Betim, Minas Gerais, and the expectation is that this technology will help consolidate the brand in the electrified car segment in the country.
The impact on the market and what consumers expect
With the official launch scheduled for next month, expectations are huge. Social media is already being bombarded with images of the new models, especially the Fastback and Pulse in the new dark blue color.
The modern design and the promise of energy efficiency promise to win over the public looking for elegant but also sustainable cars.
However, the Brazilian market is still resistant to innovations of this type. Consumers want to know whether the price of these vehicles will actually be worth the benefits.
Will Fiat's new hybrids dominate Brazilian streets, or will the public continue to prefer traditional models, which offer greater predictability?
The arrival of these models signals a new chapter in the national automotive industry, but the big question is: how will the market react?
And you, do you believe that these new hybrid models from Fiat will really make a difference in the national automotive market? Or do you think that price and performance are still barriers?
12v MHEV, with only 4hp is very little, it seems like something just to take advantage of exemptions.
Other MHEVs launched in the country years ago have 10hp.