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Half-ton dream real? Fiat approves Strada for Sub-Sahara Africa
South Africa seems set to welcome the Strada back after what has been an 11 year absence, however, no specific mentioning was made.
Strada has been Brazil’s best-selling new vehicle for years with sales of 400 000 units at the end of September after 25 years and two generations. Image: Stellantis
In a surprise announcement on Tuesday evening (7 November), Stellantis confirmed it will be commencing sales of the Fiat Strada in both the Middle East and markets in Sub-Saharan Africa from this month.
Brazil’s most popular
Updated in August this year after making its initial unveiling three years ago, the Strada officially became Brazil’s best-selling new vehicle with the debut of the second generation, which has amassed sales of 400 000 units over the last 36 months.
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Marking its 25th anniversary this year, a reported 2.1-million units have left the Betim plant since production started in 1998, with sales at the end of September this year having eclipsed 85 000 units.
Made in South Africa?
Despite Stellantis’ announcement not mentioning South Africa outright, the automaker’s confirmation two months ago that it will be assembling a bakkie at its new plant in Coega Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Cape from 2026 as part of a R3-billion investment all but points to the Strada being the model approved for assembly.
As it stands though, this is purely speculative, and while it could be assumed that the Betim plant will assemble the Strada in right-hand-drive before complete knockdown (CKD) kit production starts, for now, nothing has been set in stone.
What’s on offer?
Available as a single cab or double cab with payloads from 650 kg to 720 kg, the Strada sports a ground clearance of 185 mm to 214 mm depending on the trim level and a loadbox capacity of 844-litres for the double cab and 1 354-litres for the single cab.
Withdrawn from the local market in 2012 after what had been a seven-year innings, the Strada range comprises five trim levels; the single cab only Endurance, double and single cab Freedom and the double cab exclusive Volcano, Ranch and Ultra.
Only available with front-wheel-drive, but with a choice of transmissions, motivation comes via two engines; a normally aspirated 1.3 that forms of the Brazilian-made and developed Firefly range producing 75kW/134Nm when using petrol and 80kW/139Nm when running on ethanol.
At the top of the range, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged Firefly produces 92 kW when running on petrol, and 96 kW when opting for ethanol. In both instances, the claimed torque output is 200 Nm.
On the transmission side, the Endurance, Freedom and Volcano all come standard with a five-speed manual, with the option of a CVT on the latter. The self-shifter prevails, however, as the only choice on the turbocharged Ranch and Ultra derivatives.
The standard transmission is a five-speed manual or in the case of all turbo models, a CVT as standard.
Wait and see
“The introduction of the Fiat Strada in Sub-Saharan Africa marks a significant milestone for Stellantis. With this new vehicle, we expand our range of mobility solutions into the emerging entry-level pick-up segment, catering to the needs of our Sub-Saharan African customers,” Stellantis Middle East & Africa Chief Operating Officer, Samir Cherfan, said in a statement.
“This reaffirms our commitment to strengthening our leadership in the light commercial vehicle market within the region”.
As mentioned, no details regarding the Strada coming to South Africa has been revealed, however, The Citizen has reached out to Stellantis seeking clarity and will update accordingly once informed.
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