[2] Production of the saloon ended in 1976 with no direct replacement, and with 15,093 produced (including 4 Familiares, station wagon/estate versions converted by Officine Introzzo of Como).

[2] Using the "128 type A" motor as a basis, a new crossflow V6 engine, with a 60° vee angle and rubber-toothed-belt driven twin overhead camshafts was developed for the model by Aurelio Lampredi.

The press soon concluded that the 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) was insufficient in view of the weight of about 1,600 kg (3,527 lb), hence the Fiat 130 berlina type "A" did not compete with the big BMW and Mercedes sedans.

The central console was redesigned by Paolo Martin, featuring wooden veneer, a row of switches and soft illumination throughout using state of the art fibre optics.

[citation needed] An original and gallant element was the option to open the passenger door from the driver's seat by pulling a lever just underneath the dashboard, next to the middle console.

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.

[citation needed] The Agnellis charged Officina Introzzi of Lake Como with building an estate version of the 130 saloon, called the 130 Familiare.

[6][7] 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.

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.

Its superbly balanced feel inspires tremendous confidence, allowing high averages to be achieved without conscious driver effort".

[10] 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.