It is a low cost sedan, aimed at developing global markets, and was not sold in Western Europe.

A facelifted version has been available since February 2005, two months before the Palio underwent a similar restyling.

[7] This version has a new front end, no bumper moldings, and a round "Fiat" badge in the top center of the trunklid.

[8] From 2006 to 2011, the Albea was assembled from complete knock down kits in Russia, in Naberezhnye Chelny, at the Fiat-Sollers plant.

The tested vehicle was equipped with standard driver and passenger airbag and regular seatbelts.