Ironically, having created the minivan segment here in Brazil by launching the Scenic – and a new factory to make it – in 1998, Renault is now pulling out, leaving its share to alliance partner Nissan’s Livina and the Grand Livina. This was expected, though: the three vehicles shared the same assembly plant and the segment has now shrunk to 6% of total sales.
Other models – Citroen’s Xsara Picasso and GM’s Chevrolet Zafira – followed (both in 2001) and, later on, more compact models – Chevrolet’s Meriva (2002) and Fiat’s Idea (2005) – were launched here.
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These ‘monoboxes’ eventually took a peak 10% of the domestic market but their share has since spiraled down with the rise of the SUV – and a lack of model updates didn’t help renew buyer interest.
That said, Fiat has just rethought its Idea, including fitting the new E.torQ (1.6- and 1.8-litre, 16-valve, former Tritec) engines from its FPT division in place of the 1.8 previously bought-in from GM Brazil.
Now the Brazilian Idea looks quite different from its Italian-built counterpart with a restyled nose and the Brazilian auto industry’s first set of all-LED tail lights, making use of subsidiary Magneti Marelli’s expertise.
The LEDs require less energy than tungsten bulbs, last 20 times as long (practically the car’s lifetime), are more visible and illuminate faster but the cost is double that of a conventional tail light assembly, according to Fiat Brazil. The new units are mounted higher and thus less exposed to damage in minor accidents.
Other Idea improvements include more powerful air conditioning, larger door handles and larger door mirrors incorporating LED turn indicator repeaters.
The model line up has been extended with a new 1.8 litre, 130hp Sporting version devoid of the pseudo-SUV Adventure version’s body add-ons.
The differential lock is now optional, allowing Fiat to keep pricing no higher than the previous R$57,000 (US$32,000) though you can get a 1.4-litre entry level model for R$43,000 ($24,400).
‘Dualogic’ automated manual transmission is optional and, with its new engines, the Idea is much better to drive and now the segment’s benchmark.
