Fiat Uno

Fiat Uno
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Also called	Fiat Mille Innocenti Mille Clip
Production	1983 – 1995 (Italy) 1984 – 2014 (South America) 1992 – 2000 (Philippines) 1995 – 2003 (Morocco) 1988 - 1994 (Yugoslavia)
Assembly	Turin, Italy Pretoria, South Africa Betim, Brazil Bursa, Turkey Kragujevac, Yugoslavia Manta, Ecuador[1] Casablanca, Morocco (SOMACA)[2] Buenos Aires, Argentina Las Piñas, Philippines[3]
Body and chassis
Class	Supermini, Subcompact car (B)
Layout	FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat 127
Successor	Fiat Punto

The Fiat Uno is a supermini car which was produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat. The Uno was launched in 1983 and built in its homeland until 1995, with production still taking place in other countries for nearly 20 more years, with the final Uno built in Brazil in 2013.

With approximately 8,800,000 built, it is the eighth most produced automobile platform in history, after the Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Model T, Lada Riva, 1965–1970 GM B platform, 1981–1997 GM J platform, 1961–1964 GM B platform, and 1977–1990 GM B platform.

The Uno name was reintroduced in 2010 in South America for the Fiat Mini (Economy) platform based car built in Brazil.

First series (1983–1989)

Fiat Uno (Type 146)
A first generation five-door Uno
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Also called	Fiat Mille Innocenti Mille Yugo Uno 45R
Production	1983 – 1995 (Italy) 1983 – 2013 (South America) 1988 - 1994 (Yugoslavia) 1995 – 2002 (Poland) 1995 – 2003 (Morocco)
Assembly	Turin, Italy Pretoria, South Africa Betim, Brazil Kragujevac, Yugoslavia Tychy, Poland Manta, Ecuador[1] Casablanca, Morocco (SOMACA)[2]
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 3-door panel van
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Type One platform (Tipo Uno)[4]
Related	Fiat Duna Fiat Elba Fiat Fiorino (2nd series)
Powertrain
Engine	I4 100-series I4 128 SOHC
Transmission	4- or 5-speed manual Selecta CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,362 mm (93.0 in)[5]
Length	3,645–3,689 mm (143.5–145.2 in)
Width	1,549–1,562 mm (61.0–61.5 in)
Height	1,405–1,422 mm (55.3–56.0 in)
Curb weight	711–910 kg (1,567–2,006 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat 127
Successor	Fiat Punto (Europe) Fiat Palio Fiat Mobi Fiat Uno (326)

Fiat Uno 3-door

Fiat Uno 5-door

The Fiat Uno (Type 146) was launched in January 1983 to replace the ageing Fiat 127, which itself had revolutionized the supermini market on its launch more than 10 years earlier. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's ItalDesign company, its tall, square body utilising a Kamm tail achieved a low drag coefficient of 0.34 won it much praise for interior space and fuel economy as well as its excellent ride and handling, and was widely regarded as the most innovative small car in Europe at the time of its launch.

It incorporated many packaging lessons learnt from Giugiaro's 1978 Lancia Megagamma concept car (the first modern people carrier / MPV / mini-van) but miniaturised. Its tall car / high seating packaging is imitated by every small car today. It reversed the trend for lower and lower built cars. It showed that not just low sleek cars could be aerodynamic, but small, roomy, boxy well packaged cars could be too.

It was launched a month before the Peugeot 205 - another small European car which became the benchmark for this market sector, enjoying a long production life and strong sales. It also went on sale just after General Motors launched its new Opel Corsa supermini (which was sold as the Vauxhall Nova on the British market), and within a few months of its launch it had gained two new major competitors in the shape of the restyled Ford Fiesta and Nissan's new Micra.

United Kingdom sales began in June 1983, with more than 20,000 being sold in its first full year and peaking at more than 40,000 sales in 1988, making it one of the UK's most popular imported cars during the 1980s.

In December 1983, it was European Car of the Year for 1984, finishing narrowly ahead of the Peugeot 205.^[6][7]

Initially, the Uno was offered with the 0.9 litre (903 cc) 100-series OHV, 1.1 litre (1116 cc) and 1.3 litre (1301 cc) 128-series SOHC petrol engines and transmissions carried over from the 127.^[8] The Uno's badging was not by the commonly used measurement of engine size but by metric horsepower: 45, 55, 60, 70, or 75. The Uno was available as either a three- or five-door hatchback. It also featured ergonomic "pod" switchgear clusters each side of the main instrument binnacle, (that could be operated without removing the driver's hands from the steering wheel), although indicators remained on a stalk; an unusual arrangement similar to that used by Citroën.

The Uno had MacPherson strut independent front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension with telescopic dampers and coil springs.

From 1985, the 1.0 litre (999 cc) SOHC Fully Integrated Robotised Engine (FIRE) powerplant was offered, replacing the 0.9 litre unit. This was a lighter engine, built with fewer parts, and gave improved performance and economy. The most luxurious version, the single-point injected 75 SX i.e., had remote door locks, integrated front foglamps, and the oval exhaust tip also used on the Turbo.^[9]

Turbo i.e.

A 1988 Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. (UK-registered)

In April 1985 the hot hatch version of the first series Uno – the Uno Turbo i.e. – was launched as a three-door only derivative. It competed with the likes of the Ford Fiesta XR2, MG Metro Turbo and Peugeot 205 GTI.

Despite marketing claims that the Uno Turbo i.e. was fitted with an engine "specifically developed for turbocharging" the Turbo i.e. model actually used a Ritmo/Strada-derived 1.3 128-series engine with Bosch multi-point fuel injection, Magneti Marelli electronic ignition and a water-cooled IHI turbocharger with an intercooler to reduce intake air temperatures. The resultant power plant was highly regarded and considered as more technologically advanced than many of its contemporaries. Engine capacity was initially stated as 1299 cc but this was revised early on in production to 1301 cc. This change was a result of Italy's highway system allowing a higher speed limit to cars of more than 1300 cc. In both forms the engine offered 106 PS (78 kW; 105 hp) but owners report that the 1301 cc version was notably more responsive and had greater torque than the earlier 1299 cc unit. Cars built from 1985 to late 1987 were fitted with a Ritmo/Strada-derived five-speed gearbox. This was then replaced by a newly developed 'C510' five-speed gearbox, often referred to by owners as the 'Tipo style' gearbox, featuring a more durable differential and improved gearchange linkage. Ratios were unchanged between the two units.

First Series Turbo i.e. Model Engine Bay

The Turbo i.e. offered significant performance improvement over standard Uno models and was capable of reaching 200 km/h (124 mph), thanks in part to the car's low 845 kg (1,863 lb) weight. Reliability was improved due to the reduction in maximum turbo boost pressure for mass-production from 1.0 to 0.6 bar but conversely, it allowed tuners to modify the engine relatively easily to run 1.0 bar boost pressure for even greater performance without significantly compromising reliability.

Externally, the Turbo i.e. model sported black plastic sill trims and arch extensions (similar to that of the 70SX model), plus a revised front bumper with foglamps and inlets/scoops to direct air to the oil cooler and intercooler. Decals were added along the side of the car, initially as "T U R B O" in large outline letters but then later in stripe form with "Turbo i.e." cut into the rear-quarter section and complimentary stripes across the tailgate. This also deviated from the pressed steel tailgate fitted on non-turbo models as it was manufactured from fibreglass and incorporated a high-level spoiler to improve looks and aerodynamic performance. All body glass benefited from a very light green tint.

Suspension was lowered and uprated, 13" alloy wheels with Pirelli P6 tyres were fitted and the brakes upgraded to vented discs on the front and solid discs on the rear to replace the drum units of the non-turbo models.

First Series Turbo i.e. Model Interior

Interior equipment was upgraded in the Turbo i.e. model with 'sports' seats, plush red carpet and an extended centre-console. Later models had red seatbelts in place of earlier black versions.

Options on the Turbo i.e. model included polished Cromodora wheels, electric windows, manual sunroof and a 'digital' instrument panel, which used bar-graphs in place of dial gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, boost pressure, etc., and a numerical display of speed that, in the UK market, could be switched between mph and kph at the press of a button. Such units were rare.

First Series Uno Turbo i.e. Model Digital Instrument Display

An option on later first series Turbo i.e. models was called 'Anti-Skid' – a simple form of ABS that only operated on the front wheels and only once per ignition cycle meaning that if it was triggered during a journey it would not do so a second time until the ignition had been turned off and on again. Whilst it was an admirable attempt on Fiat's part at improving driver safety and reducing accidents, the 'Anti-Skid' system was largely regarded as ineffective and unreliable.

Diesel and Selecta Models In mid-1983 the 1.3-litre diesel which had already been seen in the Fiorino and the 147 was installed in the Uno as well, originally only for the Italian market.^[10] The Brazilian-built engine was derived from 124-series engines, and was never sold in the United Kingdom. It was added to other European markets beginning in early 1984. Daily production in mid-1983 was 280 cars, out of a daily total of 2000.^[10] It was sold as the Uno D (three doors) or the Uno DS ("Super", five doors). This badging was the only external giveaway, while in the interior an oil pressure gauge was added.^[11] It also received extra sound insulation under the hood and along the firewall. The engine has 45 PS (33 kW), as did the smallest 903 cc petrol unit, but with considerably higher torque. The weight penalty was negligible, 121 kg (267 lb) rather than 79 kg (174 lb) for the 903. Additional accessories and sound deadening measures accounted for the remainder of the 100 kg (220 lb) weight difference, almost all of it over the front wheels.^[11]

In 1986, a 1.7 litre diesel engined 60DS version was launched together with the Uno Selecta continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic. The CVT transmission was a co-development with Dutch Van Doorne and Ford, (Fiat owned 24% stake of Van Doorne at that time).^[8] There was also a 1.4-liter turbodiesel (Uno Turbo D), which offered 72 PS (53 kW). This model was very quick for a small diesel at the time, and had better acceleration than the petrol-engined Uno 70, while fuel consumption was about a third lower. Noise levels were actually marginally lower than those of the 70 SX. The suspension was firmer to accommodate the heavier engine, while an oil temperature gauge was standard fitment.^[12]

Uno CS

The Uno was also produced in Brazil, called Uno CS, and imported in some European countries. But it was a totally different car: it was riding on a Fiat 147-derived platform, with 4-wheel MacPherson suspension (with transverse leaf spring at the rear). Visual differences from the European Uno were the fuel cap, placed on the left, and the hood, with a different design and hinged at the front. It had also his own engines, part of the "Brazil" engine series.

Yugo Uno 45R

From 1988 to 1994, first series Uno was assembled in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia by Zastava. It was fitted with a 903cc 45 HP engine from Yugo 45. Only 3 door version was available. Due to higher price than Yugo, the Uno 45R was discounted after 2,260 produced examples, in 1994. ^[13]

Second series (1989–1995)

• 
  Facelift (5-door)
• 
  Side
• 
  Facelift (5-door)
• 
  Facelift (3-door)
• 
  Fiat Uno Van

First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1989, the Uno received a thorough facelift to keep it competitive with newer designs like the new Ford Fiesta and Citroen AX, and Renault's forthcoming new Clio. The bodywork at the nose was updated and a different tailgate was fitted, improving the drag coefficient to Cd 0.30,^[8] and matching the corporate look of the then new Fiat Tipo. The interior was also revised. The pod switchgear was replaced by stalks and an effort was made to stop the dashboard rattles of the Mark I. At this time, the old 1.1 litre engine was replaced by a new FIRE version, and a new Fiat Tipo-derived 1.4 litre (1,372 cc) engine replaced the Ritmo/Strada-derived 1.3 litre in both naturally aspirated and turbo versions. A 1.4 litre Uno Turbo could reach a claimed 204 km/h (127 mph),^[14] while the 1.0 version only managed 140–145 km/h (87–90 mph) depending on which transmission was fitted.^[15] The Uno Turbo i.e. variant was also restyled, upgraded with a Garret T2 turbine, Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection and better aerodynamics.

Uno production ceased in Italy in 1995, with sales throughout Western Europe stopping at the same time - nearly two years after the launch of its replacement, the Punto. A total of 6,032,911 units were built in Fiat's Italian factories.^[8] From 1994 to 2002, Uno was produced in Poland for Fiat Auto Poland (these cars were also sold in Italy, until 1997, as Innocenti Mille Clip); at first in Bielsko-Biała, and then from 2000 to 2002 in Tychy. Engines available were three petrol units (all naturally aspirated and fuel injected) – 0.9 litre from Seicento (years 1999–2002 only), 1.0 fire, 1.4 and one naturally aspirated diesel unit of 1.7 litres.

Engines (first and second series)

Continuing global production (1995–2013)

Brazilian-built Uno, sold as "Innocenti Mille" in Italy

After Western European production and sales ceased, the Uno continued to be manufactured and sold in many other regions.

Brazil

The car was made in Brazil until December 2013 in three versions: Mille Economy, Uno Furgão (panel van) and Fiorino Furgão . A total of 3.6 million Unos and Milles were built in Brazil during its 30-year production run.^[19]

2004 facelift Fiat Uno

In the second half of the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s, the Uno was also available as a sedan, a pick-up, and in a wagon version. These are called Prêmio, Fiorino Pick-Up, and Elba respectively.

The Brazilian Uno featured an independent, transverse leaf spring suspension at the rear, based on the tried and tested Brazilian Fiat 147 (similar to the Italian Fiat 127). The clamshell design of the hood was also unique, since the Brazilian Uno kept the spare tire located in the engine bay, like the old Fiat 147, thus saving extra space for the luggage in the trunk. Originally sold with 1.05, 1.3 or 1.5 litre petrol engines (also in versions made to run on ethanol), and a 1.6 litre was added to the lineup in 1989. The now redundant 1.5 was cancelled,^[20] but another 1.5 was introduced in 1991, this one derived from the 1.3.

The Brazilian Fiat Uno family was topped by a sporting turbocharged 1.4-litre inline-four version, the Uno Turbo i.e. This model was available between 1994 and 1996 and was part of the regularly available lineup; 1801 units were produced.

Modified interior of the 2004 facelift Fiat Uno

From 1990 to 2013, a 1.0 litre version was sold as the Fiat Mille, as a budget entry-level model, and received its most recent facelift for the 2004 model year. A Fire engine was used since 2001. The 2005 Brazilian range has received a Flex Fuel system, enabling the car to use ethanol or gasoline as fuel, both pure or in any proportion mixture; also, there is a version fitted for unpaved roads called Mille Way, which includes a more resilient suspension, larger wheels and side cladding.

Despite the launch of the new Brazilian-built Uno in 2010, production of the Mille Economy and Mille Way continued until December 2013, only with a 1.0 litre engine. The Uno Furgão van was a light commercial version of the three-door Uno hatchback with blinded rear windows and no rear seat.^[21] It and the Fiorino Furgão were available with a 1.25 litre Fire engine.

Engines

Petrol

Engine	Layout	Displacement	Valves	Power	Torque	Compression ratio	Production
Mille[18][22]	I4	994 cc	8 SOHC	48 PS (35 kW) at 5,700 rpm	7.4 kg⋅m (73 N⋅m; 54 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	8.5:1	1990.09–1994
Mille Electronic[23]	I4	994 cc	8 SOHC	56 PS (41 kW) at 6,000 rpm	8.2 kg⋅m (80 N⋅m; 59 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm	9.5:1	1995
1.0 Fire Flex	I4	999 cc	8 SOHC	Petrol: 73 PS (54 kW) Ethanol: 75 PS (55 kW) at 6,250 rpm	Petrol: 9.5 kg⋅m (93 N⋅m; 69 lb⋅ft) Ethanol: 9.9 kg⋅m (97 N⋅m; 72 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm	12.15:1	2005–2013
1.3 CS, S, SX[18]	I4	1,297 cc	8 SOHC	58 PS (43 kW) at 5,200 rpm	10.0 kg⋅m (98 N⋅m; 72 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	8.0:1	1984.07–1986 (SX until 1987)
1.3 Fire Flex	I4	1,242 cc	8 SOHC	Petrol: 70 PS (51 kW) Ethanol: 71 PS (52 kW) at 5,500 rpm	Petrol: 11.4 kg⋅m (112 N⋅m; 82 lb⋅ft) Ethanol: 11.6 kg⋅m (114 N⋅m; 84 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm	11.0:1	2005–2013
1.5 i.e.[23]	I4	1,497 cc	8 SOHC	67 PS (49 kW) at 5,000 rpm	12.0 kg⋅m (118 N⋅m; 87 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	8.5:1	1994–1995
1.5R Sevel	I4	1,498 cc	8 SOHC	85 PS (63 kW) at 5,500 rpm	13.5 kg⋅m (132 N⋅m; 98 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	???	1987–1989
1.5R Sevel - Ethanol	I4	1,498 cc	8 SOHC	86 PS (63 kW) at 5,500 rpm	13.7 kg⋅m (134 N⋅m; 99 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	???	1987–1989
1.6R Sevel[18]	I4	1,580 cc	8 SOHC	Petrol: 84 PS (62 kW) at 5,700 rpm Ethanol: 84 PS (62 kW) at 5,600 rpm	Petrol: 13.2 kg⋅m (129 N⋅m; 95 lb⋅ft) Ethanol: 13.7 kg⋅m (134 N⋅m; 99 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm	8.3:1	1990.11–1992
1.6R MPI Sevel ACT	I4	1,580 cc	8 SOHC	92 PS (68 kW) at 5,750 rpm	13 kg⋅m (130 N⋅m; 94 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm	9.5:1	1993–1995
1.4 Turbo i.e.	I4	1,372 cc	8 SOHC	118 PS (87 kW) at 5,750 rpm	17.5 kg⋅m (172 N⋅m; 127 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm	7.8:1	1994–1995

Sales performance

Fiat Novo Uno (2010–present)

"Novo" Fiat Uno (Type 327)
Overview
Production	2010 – present
Assembly	Betim, Brazil
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 3-door panel van 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	FCA Economy
Related	Fiat Palio (326) Fiat Grand Siena Fiat Fiorino (327) Fiat Mobi
Powertrain
Engine	1.0L FIRE Evo I4 flexy fuel 1.0L FireFly I3 flexy fuel 1.3L FireFly I4 flexy fuel 1.4L FIRE Evo I4 flexy fuel
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed Dualogic semi-auto
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,376 mm (93.5 in)
Length	3,770 mm (148 in)
Width	1,640 mm (65 in)
Height	1,490 mm (59 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat Mille (Brazil)
Successor	Fiat Mobi (for Uno Vivace, South America)

2010–present

Rear

The Fiat Uno name was resurrected for project Type 327, the Brazilian-built "Novo Uno" (New Uno). The new Uno is engineered at Brazil and co-designed with Turin's Centro Stile Fiat, and is basically a more urban interpretation of the Fiat Panda style on a Fiat Palio. It is larger and roomier than the first, but smaller and cheaper than the second platform.^[31] The car has two options of engines: the 1.0 Fire Evo (74 hp) and the 1.4 Fire Evo (87 hp), both able to use ethanol, gasoline or a mix of both fuels.^[32]

It is being sold in several South American countries as well as Brazil, but it has yet to be confirmed whether this Uno will be sold in Europe.^[33]

In December 2013, Fiat launched the new Uno-based Fiorino panel van (project Type 327), successor of the old Fiorino.

In September 2014, Fiat unveiled a facelift for the Uno and introduced the Start&Stop system in the 1.4 Fire engine.^[34]

Safety

A Brazilian Fiat Uno was tested by Latin NCAP in 2011 and has been rated as highly unsafe, scoring only one star for adult occupants and two stars for children.^[35] Unfortunately, this is the safety standard of low-cost Brazilian cars.^[36]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fiat Uno.

• (IT) Official website of Fiat Uno Italian Association
• Best Car Dealers of Fiat UNO