Fiat Ritmo (Italy, 1978-1982)

The first generation Fiat Ritmo debuted at the 1978 Turin Motor Show. The new compact model had a front-wheel drive layout and a transversely mounted engine. It was available with 3- or 5-dorr body variants and had a modern, original styling.

The Ritmo was initially offered with three engines: a 1100 cc, 1300 cc and a 1500 cc unit. These were combined with 4- or 5-gearboxes. Customers had the choice to add numerous extras, such as air conditioning, a 3-speed automatic transmission. From spring 1979, the Ritmo 60 was equipped with the 1050 cc engine built in Brasil.

In February 1980, Fiat introduced the diesel variant of the Ritmo. The car was available as 5-door with L and CL trims. The 1700 cc engine with belt-driven overhead camshaft produced 55 bhp and was mated with a 5-speed gearbox. Its top speed was over 140 km/h and average fuel consumption figured at 7.3 litres/100 km. The diesel variant saw also some body changes, such as a reinforced suspension, a...