The Fiat Viaggio 1.4 T-Jet (120 hp) was a compact sedan produced by Fiat between September 2012 and 2017. Designed primarily for the Chinese market, the Viaggio represented Fiat’s attempt to establish a stronger foothold in the world’s largest automotive market. It was positioned as a modern, comfortable, and relatively affordable sedan, utilizing Fiat’s experience in European design and engineering. The 1.4 T-Jet variant occupied a mid-range position within the Viaggio lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It was built on Fiat’s Compact Wide platform, shared with other models like the Dodge Dart.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Viaggio |
| Generation | Viaggio |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 T-Jet (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 2012 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 32.7 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 39.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.9 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (121.79 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp, 84.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 87.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 206 Nm @ 2500 rpm (151.94 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 343B0027 |
| Engine displacement | 1368 cm3 (83.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1425 kg (3141.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l (16.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4679 mm (184.21 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Height | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2708 mm (106.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1572 mm (61.89 in.) |
| Rear track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Fiat Viaggio 1.4 T-Jet utilized the 343B0027 engine code, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. This engine was a member of Fiat’s “Fire” family of engines, known for their compact size and relatively simple design. The engine featured multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The turbocharger provided a boost in power and torque compared to naturally aspirated engines of similar displacement. The 1.4 T-Jet produced 120 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 206 Nm (151.94 lb-ft) of torque at 2500 rpm. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this variant. The transmission was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and suitability for the engine’s power output.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 T-Jet engine in the Viaggio provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 10.5 seconds, and the top speed was rated at 196 km/h (121.79 mph). While not a particularly sporty setup, the turbocharger did provide a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, making overtaking maneuvers relatively easy. Compared to higher-output versions of the Viaggio, such as those equipped with the 1.6 T-Jet engine, the 1.4 T-Jet offered a more fuel-efficient and comfortable driving experience. The 5-speed manual transmission offered precise shifts, but some drivers found the gear ratios to be somewhat tall, requiring frequent downshifts when climbing hills or accelerating quickly. The power delivery was relatively linear, with peak torque available at a relatively low engine speed.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 T-Jet variant of the Fiat Viaggio typically came with a standard equipment list that included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a straightforward design with easy-to-use controls. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear parking sensor. The trim level of the 1.4 T-Jet was generally considered to be entry-level to mid-range within the Viaggio lineup, appealing to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance and luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Fiat Viaggio featured an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The steering was a rack and pinion system with electric power steering, providing light and easy steering feel. The Viaggio rode on 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R16 tires.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Viaggio 1.4 T-Jet received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While the car was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively affordable price, some critics found the engine to be underpowered and the handling to be somewhat uninspired. Fuel economy was generally considered to be good, with the 1.4 T-Jet achieving around 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) in combined driving conditions. Compared to other compact sedans in the Chinese market, the Viaggio offered a competitive package, but it faced stiff competition from established brands like Volkswagen and Toyota. The 1.4 T-Jet variant was often seen as a more sensible and economical alternative to the higher-powered 1.6 T-Jet models.
Legacy
The Fiat Viaggio, while not a massive sales success globally, played a role in Fiat’s efforts to expand its presence in the Chinese market. The 1.4 T-Jet engine proved to be relatively reliable, with few major mechanical issues reported. On the used car market, the Viaggio 1.4 T-Jet remains an affordable option for buyers seeking a comfortable and fuel-efficient compact sedan. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is adequate. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car’s relatively basic features and its lack of brand recognition compared to more established competitors.
