cars were improved in 1971, taking on board some Paolo Martin innovations conceived for the Coupé. The steering column, the dashboard, the central console and the ventilation are identical to the Coupé. The seats, the steering wheel and the door panels were improved, but differently from the Coupé. One can say the 1971 "B" version from 1971 is significantly more refined than the "A" version dating from 1969. Retrospectively, if one compares the 130 with big BMW and Mercedes sedans, the Fiat 130 Berlina type "B" may be the winner in terms of interior design and some comfort elements. But if one is considering the dynamic elements like power and ride comfort, the Fiat 130 type "B" is still lagging as the engine is not blessed with fuel injection (somewhat difficult to start—depending on the conditions), the engine does not have hydraulic self-adjusting valves, and the engine is simply not powerful enough. All this combines with a worryingly high fuel consumption. And this lack of dash and lack of efficiency are not compensated for with an extra smooth ride. Critical appraisal British Motor magazine reviewed the 130 and decided that the car's strong points were excellent handling and road-holding, smooth ride, very high standard of interior and comfort plus an enormous boot. Against the car were its noisy engine, heavy fuel consumption and price. Motor described ultimate cornering power as very high. The UK's Autocar tested the car and described it as a dignified Italian. The overall verdict from Autocar was similar to that of Motor, but they added that the brakes were spongy [and] road noise was obtrusive, though to its credit the car was very well appointed and finished and had first-class visibility. Concerning the handling, the road-testers went on to write, "seldom have we encountered such excellent handling in a car of this size. Its superbly balanced feel inspires tremendous confidence, allowing high averages to be achieved without conscious driver effort". Under a review of the coupé version of the 130, Car described the engine as providing a comfortable level of overall performance with good intermediate range torque. According to Car the saloon had a less-controlled ride than the coupé and less positive handling, the hard-driven saloon getting "more wallowy at times" References 130 Fiat 130 Cars introduced in 1969 Flagship vehicles Executive cars Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Sedans Coupés Station wagons Pininfarina