1994 Fiat Tempra Turbo SLX (brazilean version) review from Argentina

The turbo got jammed at 67k changed it, brake pads worn too early 23k or less... no further problems

To those who read this, I have to explain, this car is a Brazilean version of the tempra, 2 door coupe, 2.0 16v turbo intercooled engine, 185hp (or 162 on the 8v version). the car runs really fast and gets over 120mph effortlessly, max speed at 145 mph, (on rev limit at 6600rpm). 5 gear gearbox, 5th gear could be longer... still the car gets to 60 in 7.6 seconds (measured in drag circuit with my car) and gets to the 1/4 mile in 16.2 seconds.

Interior is quite nice, too bad it doesn`t have leather seats. electrical windows, check panel, central lock, alarm, steering wheel height adjustment, electric seats (no heated seats though). rear seats are quite comfortable and roomy to be a 2 door coupe. has sunroof on some versions. very complete instrumental, even has turbo pressure meter (meassures in psi).

On the outside there are some changes in contrast of the sedan version. Rims are 15 inch alloys nicer than the usual 14 inch, different design. similiar to the first fiat coupe rims. Different front bumper, same as rear one. the car rides quite lower than the sedan version about 1,5 inch lower. Fog lights are nicer, and rounder.

My uncle bought this car new in 1994 and barely used it. So as soon as I turned 18 he gave it to me. It`s a rare car here in Argentina, but since we are close to Brazil, spare parts are no headache. The car runs fine, started using it at 45k and now has 85k kilometers. It runs smooth on uneven roads, handling is really good compared to sedan tempras since it rides lower, and has 15 inch rims with 205-50-15 tires. Brakes are no wonder, in fact brake pads tend to wear really fast, and hot when braking at high speeds.

From a full stop the car gets to 60 in 7.1 secconcds according to manual specifications, tried it on race track and got to 60 in 7.6. still fast. gets over 120mph with no effort it's a pleasure to drive fast on highways, VERY STABLE, and no wind noises. Consumption is quite high, sory about the units, but it`s about 16 lt every 100km for urban/highway use.

Interior seams cheap, specially the rear part.

Never had any kind of rust problems. Amazingly low oil consumption. About 1l every 1800 miles in the worst conditions (going fast in summer with aircon on). Great car, too bad there are few of them and all made in brazil.