The Fiat Strada Double Cab 1.3 Flex, produced from 2020 onwards, represents the latest iteration of Fiat’s popular compact pickup truck, primarily aimed at the South American market. This variant, powered by a 1.3-liter Flex (gasoline/ethanol) engine producing 101 horsepower on gasoline and 109 horsepower on ethanol, occupies an entry-level to mid-range position within the Strada lineup. The Double Cab configuration offers seating for five passengers, distinguishing it from the single-cab and extended-cab versions and catering to families and businesses needing both cargo capacity and passenger space. It’s built on Fiat’s flexible small vehicle platform, designed for affordability and practicality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Strada |
| Generation | Strada (281) Double Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 Flex (101/109 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (Ethanol – E100) | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (Ethanol – E100) | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E100 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (Ethanol – E100) | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Maximum speed (Ethanol – E100) | 169 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm, 114.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 6000 rpm (109 Hp @ 6250 rpm on Ethanol) |
| Power per litre | 75.8 Hp/l (81.8 Hp/l on Ethanol) |
| Torque | 134 Nm @ 3500 rpm (98.83 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) (139 Nm @ 3500 rpm on Ethanol) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 55268176 |
| Engine displacement | 1332 cm3 (81.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 70 mm (2.76 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 13.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.36 l (3.55 US qt, 2.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt, 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1167 kg (2572.79 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1817 kg (4005.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 844 l (29.81 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal, 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Length | 4474 mm (176.14 in.) |
| Width | 1732 mm (68.19 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1967 mm (77.44 in.) |
| Height | 1606 mm (63.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1457 mm (57.36 in.) |
| Rear track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Front overhang | 820 mm (32.28 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 917 mm (36.1 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 212 mm (8.35 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 23.8° |
| Departure angle | 26.6° |
| Ramp-over angle | 21.9° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 257 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 228.6 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Strada Double Cab 1.3 Flex is the Fiat Firefly 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated with engine code 55268176. This engine is notable for its flex-fuel capability, allowing it to run on gasoline, ethanol (up to 100% E100), or any blend thereof. The engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The 13.2:1 compression ratio is relatively high, contributing to efficiency but requiring higher octane fuel or ethanol for optimal performance. The engine’s design prioritizes fuel economy and reliability over outright power. The five-speed manual transmission is the standard offering, chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for everyday driving, prioritizing acceleration in lower gears and fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3-liter engine, producing 101 hp and 134 Nm of torque, provides adequate performance for typical urban and rural driving conditions. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes approximately 12.4 seconds, which is typical for a vehicle in this class. The engine feels somewhat strained when fully loaded or climbing steep hills, and the five-speed manual transmission requires frequent shifting to maintain momentum. Compared to higher-output versions of the Strada, such as those equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, the 1.3 Flex offers less spirited acceleration and overall performance. However, it compensates with improved fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but it lacks the off-road capability of four-wheel-drive pickups.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Strada Double Cab 1.3 Flex typically comes standard with features such as air conditioning, power steering, central locking, and a basic audio system. Safety features include ABS brakes and dual front airbags. Higher trim levels may add features like power windows, electric mirrors, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery is typically cloth, with a durable and practical design. The dashboard layout is functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetic appeal.
Chassis & Braking
The Strada Double Cab utilizes a McPherson strut independent suspension in the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs in the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride on paved roads, but it can feel somewhat harsh on rough surfaces. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums. This configuration is common in this vehicle segment, balancing cost and performance. The electric power steering provides light and easy steering, making it maneuverable in urban environments.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Strada Double Cab 1.3 Flex has been well-received in the South American market, particularly among buyers seeking an affordable and practical pickup truck. Critics have praised its fuel efficiency and versatility, but some have noted its lack of power and refinement compared to more expensive competitors. Compared to other trims in the Strada lineup, the 1.3 Flex offers the best fuel economy but the lowest performance. It appeals to buyers who prioritize affordability and practicality over outright performance.
Legacy
The Fiat Firefly 1.3-liter engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powertrain, and the Strada Double Cab 1.3 Flex is expected to maintain its value in the used car market. Its simple design and readily available parts contribute to its long-term reliability. As a popular and practical pickup truck, the Strada Double Cab 1.3 Flex has established itself as a significant player in the South American automotive landscape.
