The Fiat Palio I, produced between 1996 and 2011, was designed as a practical and affordable compact car for global markets, particularly in South America, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. Developed under Fiat’s “Project 178,” the Palio was built to endure different road conditions and climate extremes while offering easy maintenance and reliability. Available in various body styles, including hatchback, sedan, and station wagon, it became especially popular in Brazil and India, where it was also manufactured under license by local partners. The car’s straightforward engineering made it suitable for a wide range of users, from daily commuters to small families.
Throughout its long production life, the Palio was equipped with a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines. While none of the models were fitted with a Start-Stop system, battery requirements still vary depending on the engine size and fuel type. All versions use traditional lead-acid batteries, but the capacity and cold cranking amperage (CCA) specifications differ across the lineup. Choosing the correct battery is crucial for optimal performance, especially during cold starts and to support the vehicle’s basic electrical needs.
The smaller petrol engines, such as the 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4-liter variants, require batteries with capacities between 40 Ah and 44 Ah, and a CCA range of 320 A to 420 A. These compact powertrains have modest electrical demands, making them suitable for lightweight, cost-effective battery solutions. Some example models that are compatible with these specifications include the Bosch S30 00, Exide EC400, and Varta B36. These batteries are widely available and known for their reliability in small vehicles.
Moving up to the 1.5 and 1.6-liter petrol versions, a more powerful battery is needed. These engines demand a minimum of 44 Ah and up to 54 Ah in capacity, with starting currents ranging from 360 A to 540 A. These specifications provide better performance, especially in colder temperatures where battery output can drop. Sample compatible models for these configurations include Bosch S50 02, Exide EA530, Lucas LP079, and Varta C30. These options are suitable for slightly higher electrical loads while still maintaining durability and affordability.
The diesel-powered variants, including the 1.7 TD, 1.9 D, and 1.9 JTD, require significantly more starting power. Diesel engines naturally require more current during ignition due to their higher compression ratios. For these engines, battery capacities range from 55 Ah to 65 Ah, with CCA ratings from 460 A to as much as 640 A. Suitable examples for these versions include Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Varta D24, and Lucas LS027. These batteries are designed to deliver strong cold start performance and maintain stable voltage under higher demand.
One interesting fact about the Fiat Palio is its global adaptability. It was often localized to meet the needs of specific regions. In South America, for instance, some models were flex-fuel, capable of running on ethanol blends. This versatility extended to the electrical systems as well, making it especially important for owners to select batteries that match the precise requirements of their vehicle’s engine type and regional version.
Given the range of engines and configurations, selecting the right battery for the Fiat Palio I should not be a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s always advisable to verify not only the technical specifications—such as amp-hour rating and CCA—but also the battery dimensions, terminal layout, and mounting compatibility. Even among batteries with similar ratings, variations in size can affect fitment under the hood.
To summarize, whether your Fiat Palio is a basic 1.0 petrol model or a rugged 1.9 JTD diesel, choosing the correct battery is essential for ensuring reliable performance and a long service life. Reputable brands like Bosch, Exide, Varta, and Lucas offer several compatible options, but these should be treated as examples. The most important step is to match the battery to your car’s exact engine type and daily usage needs for the best results.
Fiat Palio in version I was produced in the years 1996 – 2011. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Fiat Palio (1996-2011):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Fiat Palio I – petrol engines:
- 1.0
- 1.2
- 1.4
- 1.4 CAT
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 00 | 40 Ah 340 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 00 | 44 Ah 420 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC400 | 40 Ah 320 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB440 | 44 Ah 400 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP202 | 40 Ah 340 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic A16 | 40 Ah 340 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic B36 | 44 Ah 420 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
Fiat Palio I – petrol engines:
- 1.5
- 1.6 16V
| 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 |
| 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 |
Fiat Palio I – diesel engines:
- 1.7 TD
| 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 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 |
Fiat Palio I – diesel engines:
- 1.9 D
- 1.9 JTD
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 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 Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 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 |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Fiat Palio , 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!