The Fiat Fastback 1.3 T270 (180/185 hp) Flex Automatic is a front-wheel-drive, five-passenger compact crossover coupe produced by Fiat beginning in August 2022. Positioned as a more stylish and sporty alternative to traditional SUVs, the Fastback aims to appeal to a younger demographic seeking a blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. It represents Fiat’s entry into the growing coupe-SUV segment, primarily targeted at the Brazilian and South American markets. The “Flex” designation indicates the engine’s capability to run on both gasoline and ethanol (E85) fuel, a common feature in Brazil. This variant occupies a mid-to-upper position within the Fastback lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Fastback |
| Generation | Fastback |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 T270 (180/185 Hp) Flex Automatic |
| Start of production | August, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (Ethanol – E85) | 12.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (Ethanol – E85) | 10.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (Ethanol – E85) | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.2 kg/Hp, 138 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 207.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 135.1 Hp/l |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 185 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre (Ethanol – E85) | 138.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GSE T270 |
| Engine displacement | 1332 cm3 (81.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 70 mm (2.76 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, MultiAir III |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt, 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt, 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1304 kg (2874.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1704 kg (3756.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 600 l (21.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1087 l (38.39 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal, 10.34 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Length | 4427 mm (174.29 in.) |
| Width | 1774 mm (69.84 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1990 mm (78.35 in.) |
| Height | 1545 mm (60.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2532 mm (99.69 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Front overhang | 854 mm (33.62 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1041 mm (40.98 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 189 mm (7.44 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305×28 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 203 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 215/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 18 |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Fastback 1.3 T270 is the GSE (Global Small Engine) family 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, designated as the GSE T270, is a modern design featuring direct fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) configuration with Fiat’s MultiAir III electro-hydraulic valve actuation system. MultiAir III allows for independent control of intake valve timing and lift, optimizing engine performance and efficiency. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides increased power output. When running on ethanol (E85), the engine management system adjusts parameters to deliver 185 hp, showcasing the engine’s flexibility. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The six-speed automatic transmission is a conventional torque-converter type, chosen for its smoothness and ease of use, particularly in urban driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3 T270 Automatic offers a comfortable and relatively responsive driving experience. While not a performance-oriented variant, the 180 hp and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque provide adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging. The automatic transmission is tuned for fuel efficiency, with relatively tall gear ratios. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 8.4 seconds. Compared to a hypothetical manual transmission version, the automatic prioritizes ease of use over outright performance. The ethanol-fueled version offers a slight performance boost, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 8.1 seconds. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but lacks the all-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive system.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Fastback 1.3 T270 Automatic typically comes standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels add features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Interior upholstery is typically cloth on base models, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard design is modern and driver-focused, with a prominent touchscreen display. Optional extras include premium audio systems and various cosmetic enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The Fastback utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. Stabilizer bars are included on both axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing ride quality over sharp cornering ability. The electric power steering provides light and easy steering feel, making it well-suited for urban driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Fastback 1.3 T270 Automatic has been generally well-received in the Brazilian market, praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and fuel efficiency. Critics have noted that the automatic transmission can sometimes feel hesitant during quick acceleration. Compared to other trims in the Fastback lineup, the 1.3 T270 offers a good balance between performance and economy. The base 1.0-liter engine provides better fuel economy but lacks the power of the 1.3 T270, while the higher-spec versions with more powerful engines offer increased performance at a higher price point. Fuel economy figures are competitive within its segment, achieving around 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) on the urban cycle.
Legacy
The Fiat Fastback 1.3 T270 represents a significant step for Fiat in the South American market, offering a modern and stylish alternative to traditional SUVs. The GSE T270 engine is expected to be a reliable and durable powertrain, benefiting from Fiat’s experience in developing small-displacement turbocharged engines. As a relatively new model, long-term reliability data is still emerging, but early indications suggest that the engine and transmission are proving to be dependable. On the used car market, the Fastback 1.3 T270 is expected to hold its value reasonably well, particularly among buyers seeking a stylish and fuel-efficient crossover coupe.
