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The all-new Fiat Pulse subcompact crossover SUV has arrived in Mexico. The Pulse is the brand’s first SUV fully created, developed, and produced at the Betim Automotive Pole (MG). It also allows FIAT to compete in the B-SUV segment, one of the fastest-growing segments in Latin America.
Pulse stands out for having one of the most complete safety packages in the market, with the addition of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), starting from the intermediate model.
“With the arrival of Pulse, Fiat reinforces its position in Mexico and offers customers a vehicle with a perfect size, high levels of active and passive safety, modern connectivity systems, as well as an efficient engine with the lowest fuel consumption. and market issues. Pulse is aimed at a new aspirational consumer, who is looking for a balanced, connected, safe SUV with an Italian emotional touch”, said Jesús Gallo, Director of the Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo brands.
Design –
The Pulse features LED headlamps that give the B-SUV an expression of confidence while demonstrating the technology present inside and outside the vehicle. With its muscular stance from the side, with large fender arches, and a longitudinal rack on the roof, the Pulse’s profile has a unique and distinctive look. In the rear, the 3D LED taillamps, are inspired by floating blades. The LEDs are positioned to optimize the vehicle’s presence to other drivers while delivering a signature FIAT look to the vehicle. A unique rear bumper unites functionality with form, as the design optimizes the Pulse’s departure angle proving this vehicle is more SUV-like than a standard hatchback.
The new knitted or synthetic leather seats feature exposed stitching in an enveloping design. The gearshift knob is adorned by a discreet silver border, the same tone used around the controls of the new steering wheel, which for the first time brings the FIAT logo and allows access to various functions, such as adjusting the sound, changing gears through paddle-shifters or one-touch Sport mode.
The instrument panel (I/P) features an all-new digital gauge cluster, a new floating screen Uconnect 5 touchscreen in either 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch configurations, and the ability to produce a 4G internet connection. Controls for the vehicle’s sound system, air conditioning, and controls are brought together in an intelligent integrated cluster, creating a clean look and facilitating quick access to Pulse’s key features. Below it is two USB ports, one of which is Type-C, positioned just above the induction cell phone charger. Another USB connector placed between the seats allows rear-seat passengers to charge their smartphones.
These elements create an enveloping style in the Pulse cabin with a feeling of spaciousness, making the environment pleasant for the occupants. In the SUV, design and practicality go hand in hand, as is clear from the 18 storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, which total 25 liters (1,525 cubic inches) of storage.
Following in the footsteps of its American adventure cousin, the Jeep® brand, there is a number of “Easter eggs” hidden throughout the vehicle. There are things like a map of Italy and Latin America with off-road trails.
Powertrain –
Fiat Pulse reaches the market with a mechanical assembly that seeks efficiency, low fuel consumption, lower emissions, and robustness. The four-cylinder engine, with 1.3 liters of displacement, is part of the award-winning family of Firefly engines developed by Stellantis. It took more than three years of research and 30,000 hours of bench testing, resulting in the best of both worlds: increased performance and increased durability.
These features are enhanced by the MultiAir III system, an exclusive Stellantis technology. It is equipped with an electro-hydraulic system for flexible control of intake valves, maintaining high performance without compromising fuel consumption and low emissions. The electronic control also makes it possible to anticipate the opening of the intake valves in the exhaust phase, creating a recirculation of gases that reduces nitrogen oxides from combustion.
This engine develops 97 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque, associated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic with various driving modes. It uses a silent distribution chain called “for life”, since it does not require maintenance during the useful life of the vehicle, reducing service costs.
The CVT transmission, developed in conjunction with Aisin (one of the most prestigious companies in this field), uses two variable pulleys connected by a metal belt immersed in maintenance-free oil. This solution offers maximum smoothness and comfort for the driver without compromising the performance and efficiency of the whole.
Suspension –
The Pulse was developed to meet the strictest criteria of performance, strength, and comfort, essential among consumers in the segment. For this reason, Pulse adopts several technologies fully developed in Brazil in the areas of suspension, steering, bodywork, as well as acoustic and vibration isolation.
Delivering the versatility you expect from an SUV without compromising the vehicle’s stability and handling on a day-to-day basis is not easy. Fiat Pulse uses a unique suspension, developed especially for the model. The set comprises the McPherson system on the front axle and the torsion axle for the rear wheels, both equipped with new geometry.
At the front, a more rigid flat cross member favors superior dynamic performance and contributes to more protection in collisions. The new springs and shock absorbers are connected to it, capable of absorbing irregularities in the ground while optimizing the stability of the Pulse in curves. The new front stabilizer bar is designed to contain the leaning of the body when cornering, something essential in an SUV. The piece is linked to new swing arms fixed by a new vertical bushing, designed to provide comfort to passengers in any type of situation. At the rear, the new torsion axle has greater rigidity, which mitigates vehicle roll-in curves and improves stability. The component also received recalibrated shock absorbers and springs specifically for the Pulse.
This care with the smallest details gave Fiat SUV excellent numbers for those who want more versatility. The wide 20.5° entry angle allows the driver to face the most different ramps and ditches without the risk of touching the bumper to the ground.
The ground clearance reaches 22.4 cm (8.8 inches), with a minimum height of 19.6 cm (7.7 inches). This provides safety on bumps and dirt roads, preserving the Pulse floor against contact with rocks and other obstacles. At the rear, the raised suspension combined with the new bumper offers an excellent exit angle of 31.4°, preventing damage and scares even on the steepest garage exits.
The new electric steering has progressive and linear assistance, allowing comfortable and safe driving in any driving condition. And maneuvering a compact SUV has never been easier: the Pulse steering wheel has the lowest stationary effort in its class, plus a turning diameter of just 10.5 meters (34.4 feet).
The robustness of Fiat’s SUV is also shown with features such as the TC+, which helps the vehicle to transit in conditions of low grip. The equipment adjusts stability control parameters to lock the wheel without grip and transfer torque to the other side, increasing the Pulse’s ability to overcome obstacles. In addition, the TC+ also has ABS Off-Road, which ensures better braking in conditions of low grip on floors such as dirt, mud, and sand, thus bringing more safety and efficiency when braking the model.
The engine and gearshift are fixed by means of special bushings that ensure maximum vibration and noise absorption, which makes the cabin environment quiet and pleasant. Taking care of these components allowed a reduction of vibrations of up to 32% on the steering wheel and 7% on the seat rail compared to its main competitor.
Trims & Price –
Drive – $355,000 MXN (or about $17,380 USD):
The new Pulse comes complete with the entry-level model. The Drive trim features full LED headlights, taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs), four airbags, stability and traction control (with TC+ function), hill start, electric steering, digital air conditioning with automatic temperature adjustment, driver’s seat and steering wheel with height adjustment, rear parking sensors, backup camera, 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, power windows, locks, and mirrors, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and roof bars.
Drive Plus – $385,000 MXN (or about $18,850 USD):
The Drive Plus version adds all the elements of the Drive version adding the comfort and performance of the exclusive 7-speed CVT automatic transmission and three driving modes, including Sport, which is activated by a button on the steering wheel. Features passive entry and Keyless Entry & Go® push-button start, remote engine start, body-color exterior door handles, and center console.
Audace – $410,000 MXN (or about $20,075 USD):
This version is even more complete, highlighting the 60/40 folding rear seat, electrochromic interior mirror, 10.1-inch screen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, rain sensor, and automatic lighting, as well as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. (ADAS). The wheels are still 16-inches but with a different design and the cabin incorporates seats upholstered in Premium cloth with beige-tone appliqués and silver stitching; the ecological leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddles for speed changes in manual driving mode.
Impetus – $455,000 MXN (or about $22,280 USD):
The top-of-the-range model is for those who do not give up anything in their new Pulse. Without options, the list of standard equipment has all the items of the Audace version adding LED fog lights with turning function, 7-inch full digital cluster, two-tone paint, 17-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, steering wheel with height and depth adjustment, electrically folding side mirrors and with courtesy light. The cabin stands out for its dark awning and eco-leather upholstery.
The Pulse is available in 8 exterior colors for 2022. Those colors include Volcano Black, Montecarlo Red, Bank White, Amalfi Blue, Silver Bari, Silverstone Gray, Stratum Gray, and Alaska White. There is also the option on upper-level trims for a two-tone exterior color (adds a Gloss Black roof) to the mix.
What do you think of the all-new 2022 Fiat Pulse? Let us know in the comments below or in the MoparInsiders.com forums.
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