| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1987 |
| Production Years: | 1987 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
The Fiat Duna (146 B), produced from 1987 to 1991, is a compact sedan designed primarily for fuel efficiency and urban practicality. As a development of the Fiat Uno platform, the Duna retained the hatchback's mechanical components but adopted a three-box sedan design, offering increased trunk space and a conventional sedan profile preferred in many markets. This generation of the Fiat Duna measures approximately 4,156 mm (163.5 inches) in length, making it a compact vehicle well-suited for city driving and easy maneuverability in tight urban spaces. The width is estimated around 1,585 mm (62.4 inches), with a height of about 1,380 mm (54.3 inches), offering a low stance that improves aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining enough interior headroom for passengers. Its lightweight design contributed to its economy and nimbleness, positioning it as an affordable choice during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The sedan body style of the Fiat Duna provided a more traditional silhouette compared to its hatchback counterpart, appealing to buyers seeking a practical four-door layout with separate trunk storage. Throughout its production period, the Duna was commonly equipped with small-displacement petrol engines, emphasizing fuel efficiency over outright performance. Its size and layout made it competitive among other compact sedans of the era, offering a blend of Italian styling, simplicity, and functional urban transport. As such, the Fiat Duna (146 B) remains a notable example of late 20th-century small sedans, holding a significant place in markets throughout South America and other regions where compact and economical vehicles are in demand.
Discover the standout features that make the 1987 Fiat Duna a leader in its class
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The Fiat Duna (146 B) sedan, produced between 1987 and 1991, has a notable compact size designed for city and suburban driving. Its length measures approximately 4,127 mm (162.4 inches), width stands at around 1,603 mm (63.1 inches), and height comes to approximately 1,342 mm (52.8 inches). This size makes the Duna practical for maneuvering in tight spaces while still providing comfortable seating for four passengers.
The Fiat Duna (146 B) has a width of about 1,603 mm (63.1 inches), which was fairly typical for compact sedans in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Gol or Chevrolet Chevette, the Duna's width allowed it to remain nimble in urban environments, while still providing adequate interior space for driver and passengers. Its moderate width also contributes to easier parking and better aerodynamic performance relative to some wider sedans of the time.
Yes, the Fiat Duna (146 B) fits comfortably inside a standard home garage. Typical garages have minimum dimensions around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width and 5,000 mm (196.8 inches) in length, and the Duna's measurements—4,127 mm (162.4 inches) in length and 1,603 mm (63.1 inches) in width—leave sufficient space for easy parking. Its relatively low height of 1,342 mm (52.8 inches) also allows for clearance under most garage door heights.
The Fiat Duna (146 B) typically weighs around 920 kg to 1,000 kg (2,028 to 2,205 pounds) depending on trim and engine configurations. This relatively light curb weight benefits handling by providing nimble and responsive driving dynamics, particularly valuable in urban settings. The lightweight construction also contributes to improved fuel efficiency, making the Duna economical to run compared to heavier sedans of its era.
With a height of approximately 1,342 mm (52.8 inches), the Fiat Duna (146 B) is on the lower side for compact sedans of its time. This lower height contributes to a sportier profile and may improve the car's aerodynamic efficiency. Compared to some competitors that often measured closer to 1,400 mm (55 inches), the Duna's stature promotes a lower center of gravity, which can positively influence stability and handling.
The Fiat Duna offers a practical interior layout with seating for up to five occupants, though four passengers is more comfortable for longer trips. Its cabin emphasizes simplicity and functionality, with adequate legroom and headroom for its class. The sedan's trunk capacity is around 460 liters (16.2 cubic feet), which was competitive in the compact sedan segment of the late 1980s, allowing owners to carry everyday cargo such as groceries, luggage, or tools with ease.
The Fiat Duna (146 B) was introduced to replace or succeed older compact cars like the Fiat Oggi, sharing many mechanicals but with a more modern and practical sedan body style. Dimensionally, the Duna maintained very similar or slightly larger overall measurements, emphasizing increased passenger comfort and a better trunk space. Compared to its predecessors, the Duna offered more modern styling and improved usability while retaining its compact ease of use.
Compared to other compact sedans from the late 1980s such as the Volkswagen Gol or Renault 9, the Fiat Duna stands out for its combination of compact exterior dimensions with a boxy yet practical sedan design. Its length of 4,127 mm (162.4 inches) fits well within this competitive class while offering a well-sized trunk for cargo. The Duna’s relatively narrow width and low height promote good aerodynamics and efficiency, whereas competitors sometimes prioritized style or interior luxury over compactness, making the Duna a practical and economical choice.
The Fiat Duna (146 B) featured front-wheel drive, a choice that enhanced interior space efficiency and provided good traction in everyday driving conditions. It was equipped with economy-focused inline-four engines reflecting the vehicle’s target market as an affordable and practical compact sedan. The Duna's design emphasized simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance, with minimalistic but functional interior and exterior styling. Safety features were basic by modern standards but typical for its era, including seat belts and simple crash protection measures.
Absolutely. The Fiat Duna’s compact dimensions—4,127 mm (162.4 inches) length and 1,603 mm (63.1 inches) width—make it well suited for navigating narrow city streets and heavy traffic. It's easy to park in tight urban spaces, and its lightweight build helps in quick acceleration and fuel efficiency. While it lacks modern driver assist technology, its size, straightforward driving dynamics, and reliable mechanical components still make the Duna a practical choice for urban environments if maintained well.
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