The Fiat Stilo 5-door 1.2 16V, producing 80 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Stilo range during its brief production run from 2002 to 2003. Positioned as the entry-level variant, it aimed to provide affordable and economical transportation within the broader Stilo lineup, which also included more powerful 1.8 and 2.4 liter engine options, as well as diesel variants. The Stilo itself, launched in 2001, represented Fiat’s attempt to move upmarket and compete with established European hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. This particular 1.2L engine and manual transmission combination was primarily targeted at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Stilo |
| Generation | Stilo (5-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 16V (80 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.3 kg/Hp, 69.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10 kg/Nm, 99.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm (84.08 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 188A5000 |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 70.8 mm (2.79 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.9 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.8 l (2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1145 kg (2524.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 335 l (11.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4255 mm (167.52 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Height | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V utilized the 188A5.000 engine, a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was a common sight in various Fiat and Lancia models of the early 2000s. The “16V” designation indicates the engine features four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and higher-end power. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-point fuel injection system, a standard feature for the time, ensuring precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine’s double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain further enhanced its efficiency and performance. The 1.2L engine was known for its relatively simple design, making it reasonably reliable and easy to maintain. The engine was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering a wider range of gears for improved fuel economy and drivability.
Driving Characteristics
The 80 horsepower output of the 1.2 16V engine, coupled with the manual transmission, resulted in a driving experience focused on economy rather than outright speed. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 13.1 seconds, and top speed was limited to 170 km/h (105.63 mph). Compared to the more powerful 1.8L and 2.4L variants, the 1.2L felt noticeably slower, particularly when fully loaded or tackling inclines. However, the 6-speed gearbox allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, making it reasonably responsive in everyday driving situations. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often needed to be revved to extract maximum performance. The steering was light and precise, making the Stilo easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 16V Stilo typically came with a modest level of standard equipment. This included central locking, power steering, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a CD player, and upgraded interior trim. The trim level was generally considered the base model, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and affordable hatchback.
Chassis & Braking
The Stilo 1.2 16V featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The suspension was tuned for comfort and stability, prioritizing ride quality over handling precision.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, it was often criticized for its lack of performance and somewhat bland styling. Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, the Stilo 1.2L felt underpowered and less refined. However, it offered a competitive price point and a spacious interior. Fuel economy was a strong point, consistently achieving around 36.2 US mpg in combined driving conditions. Reliability was generally considered average, with some reports of minor electrical issues.
Legacy
The Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V, while not a standout performer, remains a reasonably affordable and practical used car option. The 188A5.000 engine is known for its durability, and parts availability is generally good. However, potential buyers should be aware of potential issues with the electrical system and the cooling system. Today, these cars are often sought after by those looking for a cheap and cheerful runabout, or as a first car for a new driver. While it may not offer the excitement of its more powerful siblings, the Stilo 1.2 16V provides a reliable and economical transportation solution.
