Fiat Argenta

Fiat Argenta
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1981–85
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.6 L straight-4 2.0 L straight-4 2.0 L straight-4 supercharged Diesel: 2.5 L straight-4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,558 mm (100.7 in)
Length	4,449 mm (175.2 in)
Width	1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Height	1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight	1170 kg
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat 132
Successor	Fiat Croma

The Fiat Argenta is a large family car produced by the Italian automobile company Fiat from 1981 to 1985. It was a comprehensive update of the Fiat 132 and the last mass-produced Fiat with rear-wheel drive. This model was available in sedan/saloon style only.

Argenta (1981-1984)

The Argenta was closely based on its predecessor Fiat 132. All body panels and windows except the doors were new. Other changes included new trim, wheels, dashboard, mirrors and rectangular headlights. Trim level was raised compared to the previous 132 and the contemporary 131 Mirafiori, with power steering, electric windows and door locking. Some markets had a large manually-sliding steel sunroof, others had air conditioning.

The Argenta came with a choice of 4 different engines (market dependent):

• Argenta 1600

1.6 litre petrol producing 96 hp (72 kW) 1585 cc

• Argenta 2000

2.0 litre petrol with 113 hp (84 kW) 1995 cc

• Argenta 2000ie

2.0 litre petrol with Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection producing 122 hp (91 kW) 1995 cc

• Argenta 2500 D

2.5 litre diesel with 75 hp (56 kW) 2435 cc

Marelli Digiplex electronic ignition was fitted to the 2000ie.

Argenta (1984-1985)

Fiat Argenta showing new facelift grille

In 1984, the Argenta was facelifted. The grille was renewed with the then corporate 5-bar grille, new front end, new bumpers and an anti-roll-bar was mounted on the rear axle. The front axle was widened by 60 mm (2.4 in), and new wheels with flat wheel trims & chrome embellishers used. Some minor changes were made inside the car, most notably to the seat/door/rooflining trim and a new steering wheel. The radio antenna moved from inside the windscreen to the roof.

The Argenta had also two new engines: Fiat's first turbodiesel, 2.5 litre producing 90 hp (67 kW), and for the Argenta VX a supercharged 2.0 engine with 135 hp (101 kW), shared the Lancia Volumex models. Both these models had rear disc brakes and a 70litre fuel tank instead of 60litre.

The new versions were named:

• Argenta 100
• Argenta 110
• Argenta 120ie
• Argenta VX (SX on the Italian market)
• Argenta Turbo D

The car remained in production until 1985 when it was replaced by the Croma.

References