Test Drive FIAT MAREA 1996 - 2002 Sedan

Fiat Marea.

Autopilot estimates cars in five main criteria. The amount of advantages is indicated +, disadvantages -. The next subject scored four + and one -. This is FIAT MAREA 1.8 ELX
EXTERIOR. Since the appearance in 1997, this model has conversations about its production in Russia. For two years, MAREA has grown substantially. Reinforced suspension kit, and the minimum road lumen is increased to 160 mm. Almost 60 percent of the body (floor, wings and doors) have double-sided galvanized, and the roof, the hood and the trunk lid one-sided.
 
The bottom and wheel niches are protected by a two-layer polymer anti-corrosion coating, a fenders are installed in the front niches, and the thresholds closes the plastic protection, painted in the body color. The dealership guarantee is also convincing: 8 years from end-to-end corrosion on the body and 3 years on paintwork. The standard are fog lights. Optics has so fashionable black now. It is beautiful, but with a bright sun light in the side repeatters of the rotation pointers is practically not visible. ++++ -
INTERIOR. The finish looks richer than you expect to meet in a car at a price. Design in Italian stylish and peculiar. Cozy and comfortable. Spacious glove box, tanks on the center console, including armrest box, pockets in the side doors and in the backs of the front seats.
In the sedan, the back seat is fixed, only the armrest is being folded. It opens the opening in the trunk. Its volume is 430 cu. DM. In the wagist Weekend, the rear seats are either entirely or in a ratio of 60:40. It is very convenient that it is not necessary to extract head restraints they are flat and combed into special recesses in the back. With fully folded seats, the volume of the luggage compartment increases with 500 cubic meters. DM to 1560. A smooth platform is formed with a length of 1.68 m and the minimum width of 1.03 m. The massive red button on the rear side of the luggage compartment will start with an interesting option along with a part of the bumper, it is folded back. It facilitates loading and serves as a kind of bench. Holds 250 kg. +++++
Equipment and ergonomics. The standard equipment includes ABS, steering wheel with a hydraulic agent and vertical adjustment, driver airbag, heated electrox, heated heating, electric windows in the front windows, immobilizer, central locking (including on the fifth door in the universal), headlight washers, adjustment The angle of inclination of headlights and adjustment of the driver's seat in height. The radio is part of the front console. It is beautiful and practical, but it is impossible to replace it. In all versions of ELX in the ventilation system, there is a drug filter. The heater is very effective. The air temperature inside the cabin at -10o is climbing up to + 9 ° C for 10 minutes.
In general, the organization of the driver's seat, the location and convenience of controls, the number and readability of devices of reasons for criticism do not give. With the exception of landing. The seat cushion is short and too horizontal, a little lacks distance to the pedal. Landing It turns out too vertical, like on a chair, and if you throw back the back, then the shoulders remain on weight, and it is necessary to somehow beatiously flexing the spine in the opposite direction. There is a lot of place at the back, good distance to the front seats and the ceiling. ++++ -
ROAD. Despite the initially family destination, Marea 1.8 has a pronounced Italian temperament. Get out of the start, twice on the first and second gears weighing the tires, it is not difficult. But to make her move actively, it is necessary to maintain high speed and actively work with your right hand and left foot. And keep turnover about a 4 thousandth mark.
Both cars are good on dynamics and maneuverability, but the sedan is somewhat supervised. This is fine. Reactions to steering steering is soft, but quite distinct. However, with an increase in speed, especially on the road distant from the ideal, control requires significant voltage. Weakens Communication Driver Road. And it is strange, because in passport data the maximum possible speed is slightly less than 200 km / h, and the 150-kilometer point on the speedometer is already creating a decent discomfort. Perhaps this behavior of the car was due to the changed characteristics of a more rigid and high Russified suspension. In addition, external noises are significantly increased at high speed.
 
In the normal high speed, as well as in the city of Marea, it is very comfortable in control. Very sensitive brake pedal, with a quick and efficient slowdown. In other words, Marea has qualities that may well satisfy both a beginner Schumacher and a relaxing father of the family. ++++ -
Features of national exploitation. The frequency of compulsory maintenance was established at 15 thousand km. With an average annual mileage of 30 thousand km, the maintenance of the machine will cost about $ 500 per year (payment of both materials). If competent operation, visits to the service will not be too frequent. For this, except for a neat drive, several basic rules should be followed. First, not to separate and not give me to the other when the donor machine running engine runs otherwise, get an error in the computer and malfunctions. Secondly, do not try to start a car with a tug or with a pusher as a consequence, it is possible to jump the timing belt teeth or an opening, especially in winter. The result can be deplorable: repair and replacement of the cut valves with a total cost of approximately $ 500. Thirdly, do not engage in self-medication and not experimenting with all sorts of fuel modifiers and fuel system cleaners. Otherwise, the replacement of the fuel pump and washing the fuel system for a total amount of $ 200.
     
The method of prevention of the fuel system is relatively simple and inexpensive: regular washing of the injector and fuel system according to special technology. Naturally, on the service. The price of this procedure varies within $ 60100. Ideally, it would be done every 1520 thousand km, but no less often than in 45 thousand. Bad gasoline often displays the fuel level sensor. Out of warranty repairs price $ 12.
Actually, the motor has established itself excellent on all sides. Another thing is dirt and salt. They suffer from the elements of the podcast electrical wiring, especially all sorts of sensors located on the engine block. Before in winter it is recommended to treat their protective lubricant of special problems. We advise you to buy steel protection about $ 120 dollars with installation. After winter, the radiator requires an outer washing, especially in machines with air conditioning. After 45 thousand. It should be carefully monitored by the condition of the drive belts.
The suspension is able to withstand 100 thousand km of mileage without cardinal surgery. At the same time, the 60 thousand mileage is already a reason for a more attentive relationship and regular diagnostics. But the tips of the steering is often after 30 thousand km require replacement. If you judge the service book, this car is designed for 6 years or 180 thousand km mileage without major repairs. A lot of Sssst.
Our sentence. Good, well-appointed car with a good value for money. Deserves attention from the point of view of both everyday home and business use. The sedan may well claim the role of an inexpensive car for the head of the middle rank. Since the beginning of the serial assembly in Russia is able to make a very serious competition of cheap Asians. Deserves estimates ++++ -.
 
Text Andrei Timofeev, photo Anatoly Sergeev
 

A source: "Autopilot"