Fiat Tempra

The Fiat Tempra (Type 159) is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1990 to 1997 in Italy.[6] The Tempra was intended as a replacement for the Fiat Regata. The original project was called Tipo 3, being a mid size car between the Fiat Tipo (project Tipo 2) and the bigger Fiat Croma (project Tipo 4). The Tempra shares its Type Three platform with the Lancia Dedra and Alfa Romeo 155.

Fiat Tempra
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat Tofaş Mekong Auto[1]
Also called	Fiat Marengo (panel van)
Production	1990–2000
Assembly	Cassino Plant, Piedimonte San Germano, Lazio, Italy[2] (1990–1997) Bursa, Turkey (Tofas; 1990–1999) Betim, Brazil (1991–1998) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Mekong Auto; 1996–2000)[1]
Designer	Ercole Spada at I.DE.A Institute
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car (C)
Body style	2-door saloon (Brazil) 4-door saloon 5-door station wagon 5-door panel van
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive (estate)
Platform	Type Three platform (Tipo Tre)[3]
Related	Alfa Romeo 155 Lancia Dedra
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L I4 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.0 L turbo I4 1.9 L diesel I4 1.9 L turbodiesel I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic "Selecta" CVT[4]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,540 mm (100 in)
Length	Saloon: 4,355 mm (171.5 in) Station Wagon: 4,472 mm (176.1 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb weight	1,030 kg (2,271 lb)-1,220 kg (2,690 lb)[5]
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat Regata
Successor	Fiat Marea

The Tempra was named the 1991 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland. In Brazil, the Tempra was built from 1991 to 1998.[7] The car was also assembled in Turkey by Tofas and in Vietnam by Mekong Auto in complete knock down until 2000.

Overview

The saloon of the Tempra was shown for the first time in newspapers in November 1989, and introduced in February 1990 at the Geneva Motor Show, with the station wagon (marketed as the "Tempra SW") arriving two months later in Turin.[5] The initial engine range comprised 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 petrol units and normally aspirated and turbocharged 1.9 litre diesel units.

The car began to be produced in Brazil for Latin American markets, after being introduced in Aruba, September 1991. First seen in September 1992, a two door coupé version of it, was produced exclusively for the market in Brazil.[8] It was built until 1995, and an turbocharged petrol version was also available there.[9]

Mechanics

Fiat Tempra (rear view)

Fiat Tempra Station Wagon

Fiat Tempra Station Wagon (rear)

The Tempra's engine range was similar to that of the Tipo. Initially 1.4 and 1.6 litre models had carburettor engines. Both of these models were discontinued in 1992, due to the new European emission standards, and thus all models from 1992 on had catalytic converters and electronic injection.

Transmission was a standard five speed manual, but for the first time a midsize sedan was offered as with a continuously variable transmission which was previously available on the Fiat Uno, Panda, Ritmo and Tipo.

This, called the "Selecta", was available only with the 1.6 litre engine with either bodystyle.[5] As of July 1991, the 2.0 litre SX model became available with an optional four speed automatic transmission.[10]

Presented in Geneva 1992 (March), there was a version of the station wagon which offered the two litre engine, combined with permanent four wheel drive. The four wheel drive version had a slight front bias (56/44%).[11]

During its six year production run, few changes were made apart from a minor facelift in April 1993, which resulted in a new front grille and other minor styling changes, as well as new equipment levels.

Main parts (most notably, the doors) were shared with the Fiat Tipo. Other vehicles, derived from the same chassis were Lancia Dedra (Tempra's most similar cousin, sharing all mechanical components) and Alfa Romeo 155.

The Fiat Tempra had two exclusive options in Brazil: two door version for any engine option (from 1992 to 1994), and a 2.0 litre turbo, which was sold with the two door as "Tempra Turbo" (1994 to 1995) and with the four door as "Tempra Turbo Stile" (1996 to 1997).

The engine delivered around 163 hp (122 kW; 165 PS) and 26.5 kgf⋅m (192 lb⋅ft; 260 N⋅m) of torque.

Car magazine tests registered 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.2 seconds, and a top speed of 213 km/h (132 mph) by the Tempra Turbo two door 1994. As remark, the Tempra Turbo 1994 was the second turbocharged car to be produced in Brazil. The first one was the Uno Turbo, also in 1994.

Equipment and trim levels

Fiat Marengo Van

Only two trim levels were available in its early years: standard (S) and SX, both reasonably equipped considering the Tempra's low price.

SX models for example, featured power windows, power locks, adjustable belts and steering wheel, front fog lights, body coloured bumpers, velvet upholstery, a futuristic digital dashboard and many other standard extras. They were also available with optional extras like anti lock brakes, alloy wheels, sunroof, electronic climate control, etc.

A facelift in April 1993 featured more trim levels, now ranging from the standard models ("L" in the United Kingdom, where it was only available with 1.4 engine) via the S and SX to the top SLX, which was only available with 1.8, and 2.0 litre engines in the United Kingdom. An optional driver's airbag was another innovation that year.

The four wheel drive Station Wagons continued to be available in some markets, such as Switzerland.[12]

In Turkey, where Tofaş built the car, there were also "SX A" and "SX AK" (climate control added) versions available. The 1,000,000th Tofaş built was a Tempra 2.0 i.e. 16V. The Turkish 16 valve Tempra was not sold in the rest of Europe; it was also available with station wagon bodywork and has a 148 PS (109 kW) engine.[13]

There was also the domestic market Marengo, a name also used before with the Regata Weekend and later again with the Marea Wagon. This is a commercial version of the Tempra which was based on the Station Wagon version, but with basic equipment, heavily tinted rear windows, and no rear seats. The engines were most commonly the naturally aspirated diesels.

Reports

Digital dashboard on SX models

Quattroruote, a popular Italian motoring magazine, reported some failures and defects with the Tempra. The first issue to be reported was some water ingress through the windscreen seals, an issue that previously plagued some other Fiat vehicles, especially Alfa 33, which in rainy conditions would carry a significant quantity of water on board.

This problem was reported from 1990–92, and was resolved with using a higher quantity of sealant when fitting the glass.

Another reported problem was a high oil consumption, especially the 1,581 cc engine, which was a common defect with Tipo (with the same engine) and Panda (1000 FIRE engine). The same was reported for other Fiat's vehicles, but disappeared with the new 1.6 L 66 kW engine.

On the same model, from 1994, the car started to show some electronic malfunctions, with items such as the electronic control unit, code key and electric system. A design flaw of the Tempra was that its rear window was too small and inclined and the tail too tall, so that rear visibility was poor. This issue was common with the 155 and Dedra, and was one of the reason the estate had more success than the saloon,[14] especially in the United Kingdom.

Qualities

Tempra Interior and standard dashboard on S models

Since the beginning, the Tempra was presented as a cheap and reliable car. 1.4 and 1.6 engines were able to run long distances with good fuel economy, also aided by a high capacity tanks of 65 litres (17 US gal; 14 imp gal) for the sedan and 70 L (18 US gal; 15 imp gal) for the Station Wagon.

Average range for a 55 kW 1.6 litre sedan was around 920 km (572 mi) (14 km/L or 7.1 l/100 km or 39.5 mpg_‑imp), and consumption at constant speed was of 16.5 km/L (6.1 l/100 km; 46.6 mpg_‑imp) at 90 km/h (56 mph) and 11.6 km/L (8.6 l/100 km; 32.8 mpg_‑imp) at 130 km/h (81 mph). All these were aided by a favourable aerodynamic (C_x 0.297) and only 17.2 PS subtracted at 100 km/h (62 mph), which was the best result among all the rivals.[15]

Another advantage was the galvanized structure, which allowed the model to be resistant against rust over the time, also showing a good response to weather and bad climate conditions after many years. Other qualities were the strength and reliability of the mechanics, thanks to the engine that could be used in urban drive, extra urban and highways.

For its luggage capacity, especially the Marengo version, was also one of the favourites among companies with the 1929 cc diesel engine, and the interior space was comfortable for five persons during long travels.

F1 Safety Car

External image
Fiat Tempra at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1993

A Brazilian produced version of the 16 valve Tempra had the honourable role of being used in Formula One as the Safety Car during the season of 1993, most notably at the Brazilian Grand Prix.[16]

End of production

The Tempra was discontinued in Europe in August 1996, and in Brazil in 1998. It was replaced by the Fiat Marea, which is based on the Fiat Bravo and Fiat Brava platform, the replacements for the Tempra's sister car the Fiat Tipo. In Brazil, 204,795 Tempras were produced in eight years,[17] and in Turkey, where the car was manufactured by Tofaş from November 1990[18] until 1999, 129,590 were made.

Engines

Model	Engine layout	Engine code	Displacement	Power	Torque	Notes
1.4 S	I4 SOHC	159A2.000	1,372 cc	DIN: 57 kW (77 PS) at 6,000 rpm ECE: 56 kW (76 PS) at 6,000 rpm	DIN: 108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 2,900 rpm ECE: 106 N⋅m (78 lb⋅ft) at 2,900 rpm	carburator
1.4 i.e.	I4 SOHC	160A1.046	1,372 cc	DIN: 52 kW (71 PS) at 6,000 rpm ECE: 51 kW (69 PS) at 6,000 rpm	DIN: 108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 2,900 rpm ECE: 106 N⋅m (78 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	cat and fuel injection
1.6 S	I4 SOHC	159A3.000	1,581 cc	DIN: 63 kW (86 PS) at 5,800 rpm ECE: 62 kW (84 PS) at 5,800 rpm	DIN: 132 N⋅m (97 lb⋅ft) at 2,900 rpm ECE: 130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 2,900 rpm	carburator
1.6 i.e.	I4 SOHC	159A3.000	1,581 cc	DIN: 59 kW (80 PS) at 6,000 rpm ECE: 57 kW (77 PS) at 6,000 rpm	DIN: 128 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm ECE: 124 N⋅m (91 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	cat and fuel injection (until 1992)
1.6 i.e.	I4 SOHC	835C1.000 159A3.048 (Selecta)	1,581 cc	DIN: 56 kW (76 PS) at 6,000 rpm ECE: 55 kW (75 PS) at 6,000 rpm	DIN: 128 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm ECE: 125 N⋅m (92 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	cat and fuel injection (after 1992)
				DIN: 68 kW (93 PS) at 5,750 rpm	DIN: 136 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) at 2,750 rpm	No catalyzer (Turkey and other markets)[13]
1.8 i.e.	I4 DOHC	159A4.000	1,756 cc	DIN: 81 kW (110 PS) at 6,000 rpm ECE: 80 kW (109 PS) at 6,000 rpm	DIN: 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm ECE: 140 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm	fuel injection
1.8 i.e.	I4 DOHC	835C2.000	1,756 cc	DIN: 77 kW (105 PS) at 6,000 rpm ECE: 76 kW (103 PS) at 6,000 rpm	DIN: 140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm ECE: 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	cat and fuel injection, 1992– 66 kW (90 PS) DIN in some markets[19]
2.0	I4 8V DOHC		1,995 cc	DIN: 71 kW (97 PS) at 5,250 rpm	DIN: 159 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	carburetted Brazilian model[8]
2.0 i.e.	I4 8V DOHC	159A6.046	1,995 cc	DIN: 85 kW (115 PS) at 5,750 rpm ECE: 83 kW (113 PS) at 5,750 rpm	DIN: 159 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) at 3,300 rpm ECE: 156 N⋅m (115 lb⋅ft) at 3,300 rpm	cat and fuel injection
2.0 i.e. 16V	I4 16V DOHC		1,995 cc	DIN: 92 kW (125 PS) at 5,750 rpm DIN: 109 kW (148 PS) at 6,250 rpm	DIN: 177 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) at 4,750 rpm DIN: 186 N⋅m (137 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm	Brazilian model[8] Turkish model[13]
2.0 i.e. Turbo	I4 8V DOHC		1,995 cc	DIN: 121 kW (165 PS) at 5,250 rpm	DIN: 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	(1993–1996 two door, and 1995–1998 four door Tempra Turbo Stile) Brazilian model
1.9 D	I4 SOHC	160A7.000	1,929 cc	DIN: 48 kW (65 PS) at 4,600 rpm	119 N⋅m (88 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm
1.9 TD	I4 SOHC	160A6.000	1,929 cc	DIN: 60 kW (82 PS) at 4,000 rpm ECE: 59 kW (80 PS) at 4,000 rpm	DIN: 173 N⋅m (128 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm	with EGR
1.9 TD	I4 SOHC	160A6.000	1,929 cc	DIN: 68 kW (92 PS) at 4,100 rpm ECE: 66 kW (90 PS) at 4,100 rpm	DIN: 191 N⋅m (141 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm ECE: 186 N⋅m (137 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm

Notes

1. David W. Conklin (2006). Cases in the Environment of Business. ISBN 9781412914369. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
2. "Fiat raggiunge l' accordo per Cassino". archiviostorico.corriere.it. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
3. "Fiat Type platform". Fiat-tipo-portugal.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2010.
4. "Fiat Tempra". carsfromitaly.net. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
5. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (March 1991). Automobil Revue 1991 (in German and French). 86. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. pp. 267–268. ISBN 3-444-00514-8.
6. "Domestic production - breakdown by makes and models". 31 March 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
7. "Tempra 1991-1998". Retrieved 13 August 2019.
8. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (10 March 1994). Automobil Revue 1994 (in German and French). 89. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. pp. 255–256. ISBN 3-444-00584-9.
9. Glon, Ronan (13 March 2011). "A quick look at the Fiat Tempra Coupe". Ran When Parked. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011.
10. Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1992 (in Italian). Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. 1992. p. 241.
11. Automobil Revue 1994, p. 252
12. Automobil Revue 1994, p. 102
13. Özenen, Hakan, ed. (December 1996). "Türk pazarındaki otomobillerin teknik verileri" [Technical data for Turkish market automobiles]. Auto Capital (in Turkish). Istanbul, Turkey: Hürgüç Gazetecilik A.Ş. (1): 114.
14. Quattroruote; December 1995
15. Quattroruote; September 1992
16. "The F1 Safety Car's Bumpy Ride". 22 December 2007. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
17. "Best Cars Web Site". uol.com.br (in Portuguese). Retrieved 30 December 2007.
18. Automobil Revue 1994, p. 526
19. Automobil Revue 1994, pp. 250-251

External links