Choosing the correct battery for the Fiat Croma I (154), produced between 1985 and 1996, depends largely on the specific engine variant. This model range included a broad selection of petrol and diesel engines, from modest 1.6-liter units to powerful 2.5-liter V6 and turbo-diesel options. While none of the Croma I versions used Start-Stop systems or required advanced battery technology like AGM or EFB, each engine configuration still demands a battery matched to its power requirements and cold cranking needs.
For petrol engines like the 1600 variant, which is one of the most basic in the lineup, a battery with a capacity of 44 to 54 Ah and a cold cranking current between 360 and 540 A is sufficient. This type of battery can easily handle daily starting and power the limited onboard electronics typical of cars from the 1980s and 1990s. Some example models suitable for this configuration include Bosch S30 02, Exide EB500, Lucas LP012, and Varta C22. These batteries are compact, dependable, and well-suited for smaller displacement petrol engines.
As we move up to the 2.0-liter petrol engines, including the 16V, CHT, i.e., and Turbo variants, as well as the 2.5 V6, the power requirements increase. These engines should be paired with a battery offering between 55 and 65 Ah of capacity and a starting current between 460 and 640 A. This ensures a reliable start even in colder climates and enough reserve capacity for models equipped with additional electronics or accessories. In these cases, appropriate battery models include Bosch S40 05, Exide EA640, Halfords HCB 027, Lucas LS027, and Varta D15. All of these are designed to support mid-range petrol engines and are easily available on the European market.
The diesel engines used in the Croma I, such as the 1.9 Turbo D i.d., 2.5 D, TD, and TDE, have even higher demands, particularly in terms of cold cranking current. Diesel engines naturally require more power to start due to their higher compression, and this is especially true in older turbocharged configurations. These models benefit from batteries with capacities ranging from 70 to 78 Ah and CCA values between 640 and 780 A. Some suitable examples include Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, Halfords HCB 096, Lucas LS096, and Varta E13. These batteries are larger and heavier but deliver the reliability and performance that larger diesel engines need, particularly during winter starts or prolonged periods of vehicle inactivity.
An interesting detail about the Fiat Croma I is that it was one of the first Fiat models built on the Type Four platform, shared with cars like the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema, and Alfa Romeo 164. While its styling may seem conservative by today’s standards, the Croma was packed with technology for its time, including the availability of electronic fuel injection, turbocharging, and even a direct-injection diesel engine—the first of its kind in a passenger car when launched. This technological ambition demands that key components like the battery are kept in top condition to avoid voltage drops that could affect engine control units or ignition systems.
In summary, selecting a battery for the Fiat Croma I means matching the correct specifications for your engine variant. Smaller petrol models can use compact 44 Ah batteries, while high-powered petrol and all diesel engines require larger, stronger batteries up to 78 Ah. Reliable brands such as Bosch, Exide, Varta, Lucas, and Halfords offer a range of batteries that meet these criteria. Ensuring you install the proper battery not only helps the car start reliably every time but also supports the longevity of electrical components in a car that, despite its age, can still provide a dependable and characterful driving experience.
Fiat Croma in version I (154) was produced in the years 1985 – 1996. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Fiat Croma (1985-1996):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Fiat Croma I (154) – petrol engines:
- 1600
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 02 | 45 Ah 400 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC440 | 44 Ah 360 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP012 | 45 Ah 390 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic B19 | 45 Ah 400 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
For Fiat Croma I (154) models equipped with 1600 petrol engines without the Start-Stop system, a specific range of car batteries is recommended to ensure optimal performance and reliability. These engines, being conventional petrol units, require standard 12V lead-acid batteries with the appropriate specifications to match the vehicle’s electrical demands and physical fitment requirements.
The suitable batteries for these engines typically have a capacity ranging from 44Ah to 58Ah, which provides sufficient power for starting and running the vehicle’s standard electrical systems. Cold cranking amperage (CCA) values for these batteries fall between 360A and 540A, ensuring reliable engine starts even in colder conditions. The physical dimensions of compatible batteries are generally around 207–210 mm in length, 175 mm in width, and 190 mm in height, which fits the designated battery tray in the Fiat Croma I (154) 1600 petrol models.
All recommended batteries feature a terminal layout of 0 (positive terminal on the right), terminal type 1 (standard car post), and use the B13 holding system for secure mounting. The standard construction type is suitable for these non-Start-Stop engines, ensuring compatibility and ease of replacement. Well-known battery series such as Bosch S3, S4, and S5; Varta Black, Blue, and Silver Dynamic; Exide Premium, Excell, and Classic; as well as offerings from Halfords and Lucas, are all appropriate choices provided they meet these specifications. When replacing the battery, always verify the physical size, polarity, and mounting type to ensure a proper and secure fit for your Fiat Croma I 1600 petrol engine.
Fiat Croma I (154) – petrol engines:
- 2000 16V
- 2000 CHT
- 2000 i.e.
- 2000 i.e. Turbo
- 2500 V6
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 05 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC550 | 55 Ah 460 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 027 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic C14 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
For Fiat Croma I (154) models equipped with the 2000 16V, 2000 CHT, 2000 i.e., 2000 i.e. Turbo, and 2500 V6 petrol engines, battery requirements become more demanding due to higher engine displacements and, in some cases, additional electrical and ignition system needs. These engines, none of which utilize a Start-Stop system, benefit from batteries with greater capacity and starting power to ensure reliable cold starts and smooth operation of all electrical components.
The ideal battery choices for these engines feature a capacity typically between 55Ah and 65Ah, providing an ample energy reserve for both starting and powering on-board systems. Cold cranking amperage (CCA) is especially important in larger displacement or turbocharged engines—values between 460A and 640A are recommended to guarantee reliable start-up performance even in challenging weather conditions. All compatible batteries share very similar external dimensions, generally around 242–243 mm in length, 175 mm in width, and 190 mm in height, which fits well in the battery compartment of these Fiat Croma I variants.
These batteries use a terminal layout of 0 (with the positive terminal on the right when facing the battery), standard terminal type 1 (car post), and are secured using the B13 mounting system. The listed batteries—such as Bosch S3, S4, and S5 series; Varta Black Dynamic, Blue Dynamic, and Silver Dynamic; Exide Premium, Excell, and Classic; as well as Halfords and Lucas models—are all standard lead-acid types suitable for these engines. When choosing a replacement, always double-check the capacity, cold cranking amperage, polarity, and mounting type to ensure perfect compatibility and optimal performance for your Fiat Croma I with any of the 2.0 or 2.5 petrol engines.
Fiat Croma I (154) – diesel engines:
- 1900 Turbo D i.d.
- 2500 D
- 2500 TD
- 2500 TDE
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
For Fiat Croma I (154) models fitted with diesel engines—specifically the 1900 Turbo D i.d., 2500 D, 2500 TD, and 2500 TDE, all without Start-Stop systems—the battery requirements are more demanding than for petrol variants. Diesel engines, especially those with larger displacements and turbocharging, require higher cranking power to turn over the engine effectively, particularly in cold weather. As a result, selecting a battery with the appropriate capacity and cold cranking amperage (CCA) is essential for reliable starting and long-term durability.
For these diesel engines, the recommended batteries have a capacity ranging from 70Ah to 78Ah and a CCA value between 640A and 780A. These specifications provide ample reserve power both for starting the engine and for supporting the car’s electrical systems under heavy load. The physical dimensions of suitable batteries are consistently 278 mm in length, 175 mm in width, and 190 mm in height, ensuring a precise fit within the battery tray of all Fiat Croma I diesel models. The terminal layout is 0 (with the positive terminal on the right when facing the battery), and all batteries use standard terminal type 1 (car post), together with the B13 mounting system for secure installation.
Batteries from reputable manufacturers such as Bosch (S3, S4, S5 series), Varta (Black, Blue, Silver Dynamic), Exide (Premium, Excell, Classic), Halfords (Standard, Essentials), and Lucas (Supreme, Premium) are all suitable provided they meet these specifications. These standard lead-acid batteries are engineered for the higher starting demands of diesel engines and are fully compatible with the electrical systems of the Fiat Croma I diesel variants. When replacing the battery, always confirm the physical size, capacity, CCA, terminal layout, and mounting system to ensure a proper fit and trouble-free operation for your diesel-powered Croma.
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Fiat Croma , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!