Is the Fiat Toro a double-cab pick-up we ought to get in South Africa?

Out of the Fiat Chrysler group, there is only a small portfolio of pick-up trucks.  Dodge makes the big pick-up trucks, Jeep has not made a pick-up in many years, while Fiat makes smaller workhorse pick-ups… but no Fiat double cab?

Fiat Toro – new double-cab pick-up from Fiat

Now Fiat is entering the double cab work/leisure pick-up market with its Fiat Toro.  It is confirmed for the Latin American market, but what about South Africa, where double cabs are very popular?  Local importers have confirmed the Fiat Fullback, which apart from the unfortunate name, is a mere disguise of the Mitsubishi Triton.  The Fiat Toro looks interesting, and Toro sounds strong… Toro means bull.  Who would not want a bakkie which name means bull?  It should find favour with Blue Bulls supporters?

In Brazil the Fiat Toro will initially be offered in a choice of 1.8 engine (which can run on petrol or ethanol) and 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.0 Multijet diesel linked to the 9-speed auto, with the 2.4 Tigershark engine to follow.

Fiat not new to bakkies

We have seen some Fiat pick-ups here in South Africa, such as the small Fiat 128 bakkie of the 80s, and more recently the Fiat Strada.  But currently there have been no Fiat bakkies in the local line-up, whereas in Brazil the Fiat pick-up is big business – you can still buy a new Fiat Strada there, as seen on Fiat Brazil website.

So can Fiat SA source the Toro for our local market?  It is not such a far-fetched idea.  Consider the Chevrolet Utility pick-up we get here is as per the model sold there, and the re-invented Fiat Uno that was available here for a short while from 2007 was also a product of Brazil.

Please, Fiat Chrysler SA – rather bring in the Toro than the Mitsubishi-copy Fullback.  The Fiat Toro has its own look, and that split-level front lights face already resembles the Jeep Cherokee from your brand group.