It was also aimed at a higher price point with an improved level of trim and standard equipment compared to the Ritmo/Strada upon which it was based, mirroring a trend among European manufacturers to push the sedan versions of C-segment hatchbacks more upmarket (similar to contemporaries such as the Ford Orion and Volkswagen Jetta).

A conventional four door three box design, it bore very little external resemblance to the original Ritmo, although it hinted strongly at the look of the facelift of 1982 for that car.

In the Swedish market, the car was called "Regatta", as Regata was uncomfortably close to a derogatory term for an overbearing woman.

[3] The Regata 100, as the top model, was well equipped and came with a "check panel", an early onboard computer that provided information on fuel consumption, average speed, range, optimal gear selection, etcetera.

[4] An economy model called the "ES" ("Energy Saving") was also available, it featured an early start-stop system.

Alongside there was also a two-seater glazed van derivative called the Marengo, only available with the larger diesel engine.

[8] A mid-life update was carried out in April 1986, in which numerous small details were changed, most notably new doors with an altered window line.

56,789 were built in Argentina, with limited exports to select South American nations with lower barriers for entry such as Venezuela and Chile.

[11] Along with a light facelift in November 1987, the 2000 Twincam replaced the 100S, carrying the same level of equipment but with the Croma's larger Twin Cam two-litre engine with 10 more horsepower and considerably more torque.

A 1/43 variant of this car was made by Bburago, Norev (for Hachette Fiat Story) and Elite Models.