FIAT Brazil Introduces Its All-New 2023 Fiat Fastback Utility Coupé!

After revolutionizing segments such as pickups, by creating the sport-utility pickup (SUP) and innovating passenger cars in the Brazilian market, FIAT is getting ready to change the market again. This time with the all-new 2023 Fiat Fastback, its first SUV Coupé. As the brand’s most important launch in recent years in the Brazilian market, Fastback brings together the best of each segment like a large cargo area, ample interior space, high ground clearance, a higher driving position, and sporty turbocharged engines.

“With this launch, we will re-signify a category“, Herlander Zola, Senior Vice President of FIAT in South America. “We are bringing the best combination of design, performance, security, and technology at a level only seen in premium segments. Fastback points in the direction of our future. Entirely designed in Brazil and manufactured in Betim (MG), the model is the greatest representative of FIAT’s repositioning in the market, reaching a new level in the perception of the value of our brand and our products.“

It all began with the Fiat Fastback Concept presented at the 2018 São Paulo Motor Show, which was praised worldwide for its design that brought the perfect harmony between the designs of an SUV and a coupé. With a great public and media response, the concept was quickly greenlit for production and inspired the development of the production model, from the name to its striking side body lines.

Available in three different models (Audace, Impetus, a new Limited Edition “Powered By Abarth”), the Fastback comes with an extensive list of standard items. Each Fastback includes equipment such as Advanced Steering Assistance Systems (ADAS), electronic parking brake, paddle shifters, 7-inch digital cluster, and  10.1-inch Uconnect-based Fiat Connect touchscreen.

The Limited Edition Powered By Abarth, brings an exclusive look and turbocharged 1.3-liter T270 inline-four-cylinder engine proving more power and torque than any other offering in the segment.

As FIAT’s second SUV manufactured in Brazil, the Fastback joins the new Pulse as the fastest growing market segment in the preference of Brazilians. 

Exterior Design – 

The team at the Stellantis Design Center in South America was issued the mission of creating more than just a new model, but to create a new category for the brand. Thus, an imposing, authentic vehicle, blending both classic Italian and Brazilian design characteristics, the Fastback was born.

With a masculizing side profile, the silhouette stands out thanks to the sloping C-pillar and the roof plunging towards the rear. It is important to note, that the line that starts on the side, passes over the rear wheel and continues to the spoiler, giving a sense of movement and width to the rear of the vehicle, giving it as fast or sleek profile.

From the front, we see much of the Fastback’s design is shared with the Pulse. The front bumper features aerodynamic inlines and a Piano Black 3D honeycomb grille design. The headlights feature standard LED headlamps and daytime running lights (DRLs), which also incorporate an amber switchback feature when the turn signals are activated. 

A two-tone paint scheme also adds more elegance and sportiness to the design on Impetus and Limited Edition models.

Coming to the rear, the essence of the SUV coupé, the trunk lid has a very fluid line, ending in the imposing final portion with floating LED taillights, in a 3D optical set. 

Interior Design – 

Featuring a clean and sporty interior design, the cockpit has an immersive atmosphere for all occupants. In addition, the position of the center console gives great prominence to the multimedia center and leaves all the controls in one place within easy reach of the eyes and hands. The higher driving position conveys a total sense of security.

Complementing these ergonomics, the seats are very spacious, comfortable, and have an exquisite finish, with soft fabrics to the touch. Mescla Sanchez embossed, Black eco-leather or Steel Gray natural leather with embroidery is available.

One of the key goals for the design team was to maximize space. The cargo area, which is the largest in its segment has an impressive 600 liters of volume and features greater depth, width, and larger access than its competitors. With the rear seats lowered, that volume grows to 1,087 liters. But what else is amazing, is that the design team also incorporated 28 liters of storage compartment space in the cabin. There is even a removable cup holder with a secret compartment below.

And since the FIAT brand loves their Easter eggs, there are several throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Colors – 

The 2023 Fiat Fastback will be offered in 6 exterior colors. Those colors include Vulcano Black, Banchisa White, Strato Grey, Bari Silver, Silverstone Grey, and Monte Carlo Red (which is exclusive to the Limited Edition Powered by Abarth model).

Chassis – 

Ensuring a unique combination of high performance with maximum security, Fastback was developed on the MLA platform, one of the most modern and versatile of Stellantis, fully modular, and that delivers a lot of quality and robustness. Thus, the Fastback is one of the safest cars produced in Brazil.

Starting with the bodywork, which is made up of 87% high-strength steel that better dissipates impact energy in the event of a collision, bringing great integrity to the cabin. In addition, the vehicle has four airbags, two on the front and two on the side, which have such efficient technology that they do double duty, protecting the head and chest. It is worth mentioning that this is a level of protection that meets the strictest international safety standards.

Another strong point of the model is the height from the ground (192 mm), which is among the best in the category. It is important to mention that, even with this high dimension, the model guarantees low body roll in curves. Along with the angles of attack (20.4-degrees) and transposition (21.2-degrees), the measurements make the Fastback calmly face any obstacles in the city and also the challenges of a dirt road. However, his size is not limited to height. Thus, it also has the longest length (4.43m) among its main competitors. 

It is also important to mention that the Fiat Fastback has new suspensions. Optimization of the front geometry allowed for a lower roll center for increased stability and a new steering ratio that ensures more precise and direct steering. It also features a larger stabilizer bar diameter that provides more dynamic stability. In addition, a new rear axle was developed that gives more rigidity, reducing body roll and ensuring more stability. The suspensions also have new springs and dampers for better handling, while maintaining a high level of comfort.

Performance – 

There are two turbocharged engines available for the 2023 Fiat Fastback. The first is the Turbo 200 Flex (T200), a turbocharged 1.0-liter inline-three-cylinder engine that is flex-fuel capable. The engine produces 130 horsepower on ethanol (125 horsepower on gasoline) and 200 N⋅m (148 lb.-ft.) of torque. The T200 engine allows the Fastback to have a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 9.4 seconds and a fuel economy of 14.6 km/l (34.4 MPG) on the road. 

The T200 engine is paired to a continuous variable transmission (CVT).

For those who are more performance-driven, the Limited Edition Powered by Abarth is powered by the turbocharged 1.3-liter Turbo Flex 270 or T270 inline-four-cylinder found in the Jeep Renegade. It delivers 185 horsepower on ethanol (180 horsepower on gasoline) and 270 N⋅m (199 lb.-ft.) of torque and is capable of propelling the Limited Edition to a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 8.1 seconds and has the best power-to-weight ratio in the segment.

The T270 engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Technology – 

Each Fastback comes equipped with Advanced Steering Assistance System (ADAS) with the following features: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Change Alert, and automatic headlights. 

The electronic parking brakes is easily accessible on the center console and also brings a new “Auto Hold” feature that allows the Fastback to keep the brake on after taking your foot off the pedal, whether on a climb, at a traffic light, or in a traffic jam, bringing much more comfort to the customer’s daily life.

Fastback also features standard paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. A new 7-inch full-digital cluster allows the driver to have information in an analog or digital form, such as G-Force, Turbo Pressure, and Fuel Consumption, amongst others.

When it comes to connectivity, Fastback has been equipped with either a 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch Fiat Connect touchscreen display (depending on the model). Of course, there is the typical Uconnect 5 features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With more than 30 features, the driver can have access to all of their Fastback information, such as diagnostics and vehicle location via smartphone, smartwatch or even through a personal assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant. 

The 2023 Fiat Fastback also includes a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, and navigation with real-time traffic as standard equipment. There is also Traction Control plus (TC+) function that assist with better braking in low grip conditions, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and back-up camera. 

Trims & Pricing – 

2023 Fiat Fastback Audace Turbo 200 Flex AT – 

The Audace model is equipped with the Turbo 200 Flex engine and CVT transmission. The Audace features an extensive list of standard features such as ADAS, front and side airbags, TC+, ESC, 17-inch aluminum wheels, electronic handbrake with Auto Hold feature, automatic climate control, paddle shifters, rear parking sensors, back-up camera, wireless phone charger, 8.4-inch touchscreen, and full LED exterior lighting.

Suggested retail price in Brazil (except São Paulo and Manaus Free Trade Zone) is $R129,900 (or about $24,812 USD).

2023 Fiat Fastback Impetus Turbo 200 Flex AT – 

In addition to the all of the standard features offered on the Audace, the Impetus model features leater seats, darkened interior theme, front parking sensors, Gloss Black painted roof, front fog lights with cornering lamp function, 18-inch Diamond-finished aluminum wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, carpet floor mats, 7-inch digital instrument panel, and 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Suggested price Brazil (except São Paulo and Manaus Free Trade Zone) is set as $R 139,990 (or about $26739 USD).

2023 Fiat Fastback Limited Edition Powered by Abarth Turbo 270 Flex AT – 

The Limited Edition adds everything from the Audace standard features, but add the Turbo 270 Flex engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It also features sporty 18-inch darkened aluminum wheels, “Limited Edition” badges on the front fender, “Powered by Abarth” on the engine compartment and door panel.

Suggested price Brazil (except São Paulo and Manaus Free Trade Zone) is set at $R 149,990 (or about $28,649 USD).