Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Fiat Albea/Fiat Siena. 2002–12 (prod. n/a). 4-door saloon. F/F, 1242, 1368 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1242, 1248, 1596 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Turkish and Russian edition of Fiat Siena (178), but with a longer wheelbase for European markets, itself based on the original Fiat Palio (178). Basic engineering, built to a price. LWB Siena in China, distinct from Brazilian model and virtually identical to Albea. Facelift for Albea in 2006; not extended to Chinese Siena, which died out in 2008 along with sister car Perla.
Manufacturing locations: Bursa, Turkey; Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia; Nanjing, China
Marque: Fiat | Successor: Fiat Viaggio
q.v. Fiat Perla, Fiat Siena (178)
Mahindra Quanto. 2012–16 (prod. n/a). 5-door saloon. F/R, F/A, 1493 cm³ diesel (I3 DOHC). Faux SUV looking like a chopped Mahindra Xylo, though on the same wheelbase. Supposedly a seven-seater, though the last two were jump seats suitable for children or smaller adults, who themselves would be cramped; and there were no seat belts for this rearmost row. Engine a three-cylinder derivative of Mahindra’s 2·2, lacking grunt for the relatively heavy vehicle and somewhat harsh. Ride only good on tarmac, but not some of India’s rougher roads.
Manufacturing location: Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Marque: Mahindra | Successor: Mahindra NuvoSport
Volkswagen Polo Vivo. 2010–18 (prod. n/a). 3-, 4- and 5-door sedan. F/F, 1398, 1598 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Entry-level Volkswagen, based around Polo IV, for South African market, replacing long-serving Citi. Largely the same as earlier model but for detail changes, especially facelift, bringing Vivo into line with more modern Polo V. Claimed 70 per cent local content. Three-door GT from 2011. Excellent ride for the size, while steering and handling predictable but not remarkable.
Manufacturing location: Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Marque: Volkswagen | Model: Volkswagen Polo | Predecessor: Volkswagen Golf I | Successor: Volkswagen Polo V
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