1996-2010 (Present?) Fiat Palio Weekend

Initially designed by I.D.E.A, the Palio got rounded edges courtesy of Giugiaro.

Lots of space for not a lot of cash.

Fiat's first attempt at a "world car", the Palio was and continues to be a relative success for the company. A FWD supermini, it is typical of what Fiat likes to do; cheap, cheerful and problematic. Petrol engines ranged from a 1.0 up to a 1.8 and there were three diesels offered in displacements from 1.3 up to a 1.9. There was the eventual and obligatory crossover variant.

That's right; no stereo. Think that would fly in the States? No.

Despite never offering it here in the States, this truly was a world car with production spread far and wide, including Russia, South Africa and Brazil. Based on online owner reports that I've read, it seems generally well liked and even considered rather sporty, though quality from car to car ranges from excellent to leave it on the side of the road with the keys in it. Ah, Fiat...

It boggles my mind that Fiat doesn't sell the latest Weekend in the States.