Fiat : Strada / Ritmo
Model Introduction
The Fiat Strada, launched in 1978, was the export name for the Ritmo - a boldly styled hatchback aimed at the growing European family car market. Designed by Sergio Sartorelli and developed by Centro Stile Fiat, the Strada broke with tradition through its round-edged, futuristic design and plastic bumpers which were moulded as part of the bodywork rather than bolted on. Built with extensive use of automation (Fiat famously claimed it was “handbuilt by robots”) the Strada featured front-wheel drive, MacPherson strut suspension, and a wide range of engines from 1.1 to 2.0 litres. Though mechanically conventional, its design and manufacturing approach marked a clear break from Fiat’s more conservative predecessors.
Magazine Articles
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Newcomers : Out of the Ritmo into the Strada
A Fiat with few faults
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Giant Test
Fiat Strada v Chrysler Horizon v Alfasud
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Long Term Test : The robot's revenge
There were times with our Fiat Strada, as we headed for another garage, when we thought the car had been put together in the best (human) traditions of the Italian industry - robots and lasers notwithstanding. But after 12,000 comfortable and economical miles, technology rules triumphant
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Newcomers : Strada steps up the pace
With an injection of brio, the Strada lines up to tackle the Golf GTi
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Newcomers : Spicing up the Strada
Fiat follow the Golf GTi course with their Ritmo Abarth, but it's in space not pace that they pass the VW
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Free Wheelin'
Fiat Ritmo Abarth 125TC
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Free Wheelin'
Fiat Ritmo Abarth 105TC
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Newcomers : The Strada strides out
Fiat open up the Strada range with 85 and 105. One's comfortable, one's fast; both are good value
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Giant Test
Opel Kadett 1.6SR v Alfasud 1.5Ti v Fiat 105TC
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Hatch-22
Ford Escort XR3 v VW Golf GTi v Fiat Strada 105TC
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Newcomers
Although the basic shape remains the same, the Strada has been cleaned up to eliminate the fussiness resulting from the asymmetrical air intake arrangements and from the bonnet scoop, while the lip at the very end of the roof line has been removed, the fuel filler fits flush into the body, the wipers do a better job and sit lower in the parked position, and the moulded bumpers give more generous protection in the scrum. Door skins are the same, though, complete with the semi-circular door handles that once aroused meaningless controversy. Such are the changes to the Stradas' exterior that it looks quite handsome if you can cope with those diagonals on the snout.
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Scoop
Ritmo's importance to Fiat's future is characterised by this turbocharged prototype, snapped on test. Engine is 2.0 litre, performance shattering.
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Long Term Test
Strada 105TC
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Oracle
Pininfarina's Brio, racy three-door on Fiat Strada 105TC debuts at Geneva. Looking distinctly like Quartz, the firm's interesting study on theAudi Quattroa couple of years ago, the Brio is "under evaluation for its marketing possibilities"
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Newcomers : Clean up for Strada
Fiat do their best to bring the Strada range up to date but their efforts are not entirely successful
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Auto Test : Fiat Strada 60ES
Essentially improved
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Newcomers : Abarth Offensive
Fiat storm into the lead among hotshoe hatchbacks with a 130bhp Ritmo Abarth