Interesting.
The 1.6 etorq models were (as far as I can tell) not popular choices. I think one possible reason is that the etorq engine was considered to be poor choice over the MultiAit or MultiJet engine versions. That said I believe the etorq engine is in many respects a more traditional and simpler petrol engine without all the diesel DPF and other emissions control stuff.
Personally I'm now (at my age and always have been) in the keep it simple, nominal/modest performance and best reliability camp. Do I really need all that HP etc.?
Example. I've towed our 1000kg caravan or a trailer with my Uno onboard with a Punto HGT, Tipo 1.6ie (70 BHP), Tempra 1.8ie, Stilo 2.4, Croma 1.9 MultiJet and now my 500X 1.4. There is no doubt that of these the Stilo, Croma and 500X would win the towing race BUT even the Tipo could well manage the task in hand if you gave here a little credit and consideration etc. Never towed with my Coupe 16V 5 potter.
Tricky subject to discuss for sure but having driven all the above (and more) Fiats (starting with my 600D... the list goes on) I personally think that just about all Fiats (which have always had good engines) are not to be scorned. If my old Tipo 1.6ie 68/70 BHP can tow several times a 1000Kg caravan for 3000 miles to Italy and back (each journey and up challenging mountain passes)) and I have done the same in my Stilo, Croma and 500X then any issues are not with the vehicles as such but with driver expectations or driver lack of consideration with regards to their vehicles capability.
I've been well and truly happy with all my various Fiats and Engines but if I were to criticise any of them then it would be:
1) Stilo/Marea/Coupe/Other 2.4 5 cylinder engines. One cylinder too many resulting in horrendous basic maintenance and cam belt change issues
2) Croma/Other 1.9 MultiJet *with" complex DPF and EGR systems
I guess as we all potentially have to go electric (except for classic car ownership) we will be comparing battery life, performance, range, WARRANTY, etc stuff here on Fiat Forum