FIAT or Maserati? The Toro gets an upgrade in Brazil thanks to a cosmetic update

There are models that are only available in some markets and that, from Spain, we can only look at and think it wouldn’t hurt to have them in our market and enjoy driving them. The FIAT Toro is a pick-up sold in Brazil and designed to offer solutions for the hard daily work. But just because it’s a work truck doesn’t mean it can’t have style.

So the Italian brand has wanted to give this Brazilian model a more attractive and powerful image, and has modified its front end to give it a different look. This model was launched in Brazil in 2015 and around 600,000 units have been sold over all these years. Now, FIAT has offered it a refresh so it can stay on the market for at least ten more years.

One of the most important changes has been the front of the pick-up. The first thing that catches the eye is the grille, made up of chrome vertical slats. These give it an imposing presence and make it stand out from similar vehicles. The split LED headlights also make that more powerful look of the vehicle more intense.

Where there aren’t many changes is the side, which remains more or less the same. That said, FIAT wants to offer more wheel and colour options for the bodywork. At the rear, the split tailgate remains, a signature feature of the model, although the styling of the rear light clusters has been improved.

Inside, the update brings higher-quality materials in the upholstery and trim of the cabin. The parking brake is now electric and in the Ranch trim level, the top one, there are leather-upholstered seats and wood decorative details.

On the technology side, the 7-inch digital instrument display and the 10.1-inch multimedia screen remain. The model is based on the Small Wide 4×4 LWB platform, which is also used in models such as the Jeep Compass and the Alfa Romeo Tonale, among others.

As for engine options, a 1.3-litre turbo petrol and ethanol engine is offered, with front-wheel drive. Another available engine is a 2.2-litre diesel unit with four-wheel drive. This version is the most capable of those offered, with a payload capacity of 1,000 kg and the ability to tow up to 400 kg.

The model has not yet been officially put on sale, but this will happen shortly, as units of this model have already been spotted at Brazilian dealerships.