The Fiat Egea, specifically the 1.6 Multijet II variant producing 130 horsepower, represents a significant offering in the compact sedan segment, particularly within European and select international markets. Introduced with the 2020 facelift (model year 356), this version aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and economical family vehicle. The Egea, positioned as a successor to the Bravo in many regions, quickly became a popular choice due to its competitive pricing and spacious interior. This particular engine and transmission combination occupied a mid-range position within the Egea lineup, offering a step up from the base engine while remaining more accessible than the higher-powered options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Egea |
| Generation | Egea (356, facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Multijet II (130 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 4.3-4.5 l/100 km (54.7 – 52.3 US mpg, 65.7 – 62.8 UK mpg, 23.3 – 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 114-118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-FINAL |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 100 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 246.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 81.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 46346020 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 45 kg (99.21 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4532 mm (178.43 in.) |
| Width | 1792 mm (70.55 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2002 mm (78.82 in.) |
| Height | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1542 mm (60.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1543 mm (60.75 in.) |
| Front overhang | 893 mm (35.16 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1003 mm (39.49 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Egea variant is the 1.6 Multijet II diesel engine, a member of Fiat’s widely-used family of common-rail direct injection diesel engines. The engine code 46346020 signifies a refined version of the Multijet technology, known for its efficiency and reduced noise compared to earlier iterations. This four-cylinder, inline engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output to 130 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1500 rpm. The high compression ratio of 15.7:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to thermal efficiency. The engine employs a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing gas flow for improved performance. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver control. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to maximize the engine’s torque band, offering good acceleration in everyday driving situations.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 Multijet II with 130 hp delivers a composed and practical driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the engine provides sufficient power for comfortable highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. The readily available torque at low engine speeds makes it particularly well-suited for city driving, minimizing the need for frequent downshifts. Compared to the base engine options, this variant offers a noticeable improvement in acceleration, achieving a 0-60 mph time of around 9.1 seconds. However, it falls short of the performance offered by higher-powered Egea models, such as those equipped with the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine. The manual transmission provides a direct connection to the engine, allowing for precise gear selection, but some drivers might find the shift action slightly notchy. Overall, the driving experience is geared towards efficiency and comfort rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 Multijet II 130 hp Egea typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and stability control. Higher trim levels, often denoted by names like “Lounge” or “Sport,” added features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather seats on higher trims. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like autonomous emergency braking.
Chassis & Braking
The Egea’s chassis utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. This configuration provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are typically disc brakes, while the rear brakes are often disc brakes as well, depending on the specific trim level. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The electric power steering provides light and precise steering feel, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Egea 1.6 Multijet II 130 hp received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and competitive pricing. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy under hard acceleration. Compared to other trims in the Egea lineup, this variant offered a sweet spot between performance and economy. The petrol-powered versions provided more spirited acceleration, but at the cost of higher fuel consumption. The lower-powered diesel options were more economical but lacked the same level of performance. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308, the Egea offered a compelling value proposition, particularly in markets where diesel engines were popular.
Legacy
The 1.6 Multijet II engine has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain, with many examples still on the road today. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, filter replacements, and timing belt service (typically every 120,000 miles). The diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires periodic regeneration, and issues can arise if the vehicle is primarily used for short trips. In the used car market, the Egea 1.6 Multijet II 130 hp remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical and economical family sedan. Its reputation for fuel efficiency and reliability continues to make it a competitive option in its segment.
