Dodge 700 minitruck

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Besides an eventual skepticism of some commercial operators regarding FWD trucks, and the Chicken Tax too, it's quite clear for me the most limiting factors for the Fiat Strada to reach the American market are the engine displacement and the absence of an automatic transmission (which is rumored to become an option in the next year). Its size is comparable to an old SWB Chevrolet S10, and even though it's slightly shorter overall it's a little wider. Presumably the transverse engine layout is a reason why its smaller lenght doesn't really harm the cargo capacity. And even though it's quite usual to see a Strada operating under harsh environmental conditions, the absence of a 4WD version might be an issue for the gas station cowboys.

I would say the biggest issue is that the FWD platform it is built on was never intended to be sold in the USA so it doesn't meet US regulations.

Maybe if the Maverick and Santa Cruz sell well Stellantis will design the next version to meet our standards.

[Xist]

Those first pictures make it look like you would only have good rear visibility with a full load--assuming it isn't taller than the truck bed.

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Subaru brat?? Useless collection of metal parts.

Oddly I saw one of these the same day you posted that...had never heard of one before, though I think I have seen the occasional one in passing.

Looking at it...it was poorly put together. Like someone took a Forrester and chopped the back end off. Hard to believe they came from the factory looking so goofy.

I like the idea of a car/truck...but it needs a reasonable size bed, and maybe a removable canopy to turn it in to a fastback or at least a wagon. And it shouldn't bee too jacked up either.

The 2 door versions of these Fiat/Dodges looks ok, the 4-door should be longer to keep the bed a reasonable size.

Disclaimer: useless post containing nothing but musings.

[Xist]

Does anyone know a rabid Subaru fanboy they can invite?

"Boxer engines have a lower center of gravity!"
"Yes, but Subarus don't!"

[freebeard]

I don't know one, but I found this is the grocery store parking lot.



Properly, like the LUV, it's all caps.

The Subaru BRAT, short for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter", known outside Canada and the United States as the 284 in the United Kingdom, Brumby in Australia, and Shifter, MV, or Targa in other markets, is a light duty, four-wheel drive coupé utility, sold from 1978 to 1994. It was an export-only model, never being officially sold in Japan.

It's not a pickup it's a CUV. I like the T-top.

[Stubby79]

Oops, my bad...the car/truck I saw was a Subaru Baja. Worst of two worlds?

Those old Brats don't look too terrible, though I'm not one for aged styling.

[freebeard]

There ya go. The Baja is the BRAT for people with big fat b*tts.

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by freebeard

There ya go. The Baja is the BRAT for people with big fat b*tts.

I didn't see that in the brochure! I MUST HAVE ONE!!!

[Xist]

Is this how to find fat-bottomed girls, or do you need to be a rockstar?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

I would say the biggest issue is that the FWD platform it is built on was never intended to be sold in the USA so it doesn't meet US regulations.

This doesn't seem to be so much of a problem. Remember the Fiat 500 was not meant to the USDM, yet it got federalized once it started to be made in Mexico?

Maybe if the Maverick and Santa Cruz sell well Stellantis will design the next version to meet our standards.

The slightly larger Fiat Toro, also branded Ram 1000 in some export markets, is based on the same platform of the Jeep Renegade and Compass which comply to American standards.