Fiat Multipla 2010
Fiat, one of the biggest names in the car manufacturing business have just gotten bigger and are now preparing for an invasion of America. Since acquiring a controlling stake in “Chrysler”, Fiat plan to release a selection of their European line-up abroad, along with cutting down a few of the less popular Chrysler models. How will Fiat stack up against their more established rivals in the USA? Let’s take a look at the current Fiat line up and see which cars could make an impact across the Atlantic.The Fiat Multipla is next up for review. Slightly smaller than its Doblo and Qubo cousins, the Multipla’s role in the Fiat line up is simple, it is a compact MPV, much like the Qubo. It has undergone a re-design since its release in 1998 and this is definitely for the better. The older Multipla definitely turned more heads than the new one will, but for all the wrong reasons.The Multipla’s exterior is quite attractive for a compact MPV. The smooth, flowing curves and large windows are just a couple of the good design elements featured. Whilst it won’t turn any heads, I believe Fiat have done all they could to try and make a car of this size and role attractive without being extravagant. This car is still trying to serve a very practical purpose.The interior is smart but hardly eye catching. There is a lot of space and even a middle front seat. This car should fit 6 people quite easily which is very handy. Like the Doblo and the Qubo, the seats are also foldable to create more space in case extra cargo room is required. The dashboard isn’t cluttered and the buttons and dials are quite smart. Practicality is the key here.Much like the Doblo and the Qubo, you shouldn’t expect to find a particularly large or speedy engine under the Multipla’s hood. The new Multi jet engines can be found, however, which is a huge bonus. The base engine is a 1.6 litre 16v, capable of around 103bhp and a top speed of 106mph. However, a sensible option, because of how much it can save you in the long run, would be one of the three Multi Jet engines on offer. The biggest is the 1.9 litre Multi Jet capable of 120bhp and a top speed of around 110mph.Fuel economy in the Multi Jet engines tops 40mpg, which is outstanding for a vehicle in the Multipla’s class. Safety features include the usual host of airbags and ABS. The price of this compact SUV tops that of the Doblo and the Qubo, making it the most expensive of Fiat’s larger cars. Starting at around 15,300 pounds for the base model, you can expect to pay up to 19,000 pounds for the higher end model with the 1.9 litre Multi Jet engines.The Multipla, like the Doblo and the Qubo, is a fantastic option for large families or small business owners. The room inside the car, despite its compact nature, is a highlight, as is the fuel economy and practicality. I also think the Multipla is also the most attractive of the three mentioned above. The price is reasonable and, out of the three mentioned above, I believe that the Multipla would be the most successful in America.
