The new Strada Life is finally here to complete Fiat's trinity of models in the now fully-imported, Brazilian-built Strada range.

The Strada 1.4 Working is the first rung on the Strada ladder; this model represents extremely good value for money. It may be designated Working, but there's nothing utilitarian about its comfort features: power steering, central locking (key-operated), a Fiat Code immobiliser, rev counter, tinted windows, third stop light, door pockets, glove box light, grab handles, load bin liner and a 12-volt power point are all part of the standard equipment package.

The Strada 1.4 Life is more lifestyle-oriented than the Working; the new Strada Life adds air conditioning, electric windows, radio/CD, 14-inch alloy wheels and a sliding rear window incorporating a chunky, matte black protective frame.

X-Space

The X-Space Adventure is the only under one-ton bakkie range to feature an extended cab 'X-Space' variant. This not only makes the cabin airier, but most importantly adds valuable extra space of more than 30cm or 300 litres behind the seats. That is equivalent in size to that a small car?s boot. There?s an added security benefit too; items that would normally have to be stored in the rear box can now be safely locked away inside.

Even more remarkable is the fact that all this extra space has not intruded too much into the rear load box, which shrinks from 1685mm to 1303mm in length. The width is unaffected at 1350mm (1090mm between wheelarches). The payload for the X-Space is rated at 700kg as opposed to 715kg for the standard version. Befitting its flagship status, the X-Space Adventure gets the works (over and above the Life) including colour-coded exterior trim, front and rear fog lamps, roof rack, silver dashboard accents and a driver?s airbag.

Bear in mind though, that all models in the refreshed Fiat Strada range (including the new Life) use a new 60kW, eight-valve, 1.4-litre MPI engine ? now standard across the range ? which replaces the smaller 1.2-litre engine as well as the 1.6-litre powerplant. This 1368cc mill churns out a respectable 60kW at 5 500rpm and 120Nm of torque at 2 250rpm.

All Stradas have a five-speed manual transmission and also feature new interior trim, Fiat badging, wheel caps and a new instrument cluster with redesigned dials. This includes a rev counter and, for the first time, incorporates an electronic odometer.

Core strength

It's worth remembering that the Strada's core strength is still its maximum load capacity of 715kg for the standard cab versions (700kg for the X-Space Adventure), meaning you get a three-quarter tonner for the price of a half tonner.

Also important are the 20 000km service intervals ? unique in this segment ? and a tough load box liner (non-slip) which extends over the tail gate for all variants. Sturdy hooks are positioned around the edges of the box and on the floor where they won't get in the way of loading and unloading. These can be used to fasten objects securely. Access to the load compartment is made easier by the low box ground clearance and a tailgate that opens to 90 degrees. The tailgate can support a weight of up to 300kg.

Location of the full-size spare wheel is behind the passenger seat for safety and convenience (standard cab versions only). Key-operated central locking and power steering features across the range, as does the specially designed, omega-shaped rear axle ? the central part is raised which enables the vehicle to negotiate rugged terrain with ease.

It is one of the most affordable new-generation pick-up ranges in South Africa, starting at R105 500 and moving up to R164 500 for the top of the range.