Slick design for Fiat’s little double-cab

Fiat has revealed its new Strada, and the compact double-cab is a looker.

The latest version of Fiat’s own bakkie has all the design flair you’d expect from an Italian brand. An oversized hexagonal pattern grille dominates the front view, flanked by large, sweptback, headlamps.

New Strada’s bonnet has two distinct ridges, which flow into the bakkie’s A-pillar. The cab’s doors appear proportionally large, especially at the rear, which should allow for ease of ingress and passenger debussing.

Fiat’s latest Strada also has an interesting roof rail design. It is part of a single moulding that includes the loadbin roll bar, the latter which will in all not be a structural safety component, but rather only an additional tie-down point for securing items in the rear.

There are no interior images of the Strada available as yet, but the expectation is that most of Fiat’s current budget passenger car componentry is present.

In terms of mechanical specification, Fiat has confirmed its new Strada will retain the previous-generation 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine for an entry-level derivative. The company will also be assembling the new Strada with its more advanced 1.3-litre petrol engine.

Both engines drive the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The new Strada is Fiat’s counter to Renault’s Oroch, competing for sales in the South American compact bakkie market.

There is not confirmation that Strada will make a return to South Africa, although orders books for its Brazilian customers are opening in March.

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