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| I love the clean, angular designs from back then. |
Based on the Uno, the Duna was classified as a supermini. Primarily designed and destined for Brazil and Argentina, where it was sold as the Duna Weekend and also badged as the Premio, it was concurrently sold in Italy as the Fiat Elba and the Innocenti Elba. A 3-door panel van version was made, also. Once again, which engines were specifically offered in the station wagons are hazy and could be a 1.1, 1.3, 1.5 or 1.6 petrol or a 1.7 diesel. I'd guess the 1.6, which sported horsepower in the 80 to 90 range and the diesel.
I have no experience with this particular model, but I did drive some small 1990s Fiats in Europe, during family visits. Honestly, they were AWFUL. Cheap and tinny, uncomfortable ride, nasty gearboxes, and with ergonomics that would make you cry. Their only saving grace was that the engines were rev-happy and seemingly unburstable. I hope someone with more direct experience can tell us how this particular model behaved.
ReplyDeleteI happen to know that K2 is indisposed at the moment, so I'll take the liberty to answer for both myself and him.
DeleteYou are correct on every point, Bobinott. I remember seeing and renting these little boxes back when I started coming over to the UK on business on a consistent basis in the early 2000s.
At the same time, I can see why K2 would be interested in these cars. They were never more than butterfly wings; fun, cheap, crappy and never meant to last. In fact I can't remember the last time I ever saw one of these running around, not even at one of those enthusiast meet-and-greets. They are "collectible", not particularly interesting technically or historically...and yet, they were a perfect representation of the times. Good and bad, they truly don't make them like this anymore.
Just my 2 cents!
Thanks Bolo; spot on. It seems to me that back then, automakers were very good at least attempting to give their cars personality in a mostly clueless way. They'd hire designers that infused everything with their own little quirks and the end product was never intended to go beyond 100K miles. Nowadays, the cars last practically forever and are so very bland that it's difficult to identify which car you're in and what manufacturer it's from.
DeleteIn my travels over the weekend, I spent a lot of time as a passenger in a Saturn Ion with nearly 200K miles on it that ran and looked flawless. And though the doors closed with a plastic rattle, I couldn't help but think to myself that here was an economy coupe that had personality AND was designed for long life. I've been in plenty of newer, similar class, cars that I couldn't say the same of.
Unfortunately, even though there's absolutely nothing wrong with the car, the owner is getting the new car itch. He wants a MINI and doesn't want to hear about what he might encounter in regards to future maintenance. He insists on a stick and he's been blinded by the perceived quality.
I kept my mouth SHUT.
K2, I am shocked. Everyone knows that friends don't let friends drive Minis! In the UK, only hairdressers drive Minis:
Deletehttp://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/its-official-minis-are-hairdressers-cars-20110530-1fbwl.html
Ha ha! Of course, I'm guilty of that (Miata) so I should be careful of throwing rocks. But I'd like to say that the article isn't far from the truth; people are fooled by the size and weight of the MINI and thing they're driving something that can't be duplicated by another automaker's cars.
DeleteAs always, buying a car has NOTHING to do with logic and is purely emotional.
Not long ago, I overheard two dudes talking about how their JCW MINIs are pure sports cars. I nearly lost my cool. You'll be proud to know that I kept mum, but it was difficult...SO VERY difficult...