For the earlier Fiat 600-based Multipla produced between 1956 and 1965, see Fiat 600.

Fiat Multipla

First generation Fiat Multipla
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1998-present
Assembly	Mirafiori plant, Turin, Italy
Predecessor	Fiat 600 Multipla
Class	5-door MPV
Wheelbase	2666 mm (105 in)[1]
Length	Pre-facelift: 3994 mm (157.2 in) Post-facelift: 4080 mm (160.6 in)
Width	1871 mm (73.7 in)
Height	1670 mm (65.7 in)
Curb weight	1300-1490 kg (2866-3285 lb)

The Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV manufactured by Italian automaker Fiat since 1998. Based on the Brava, the Multipla was quite unlike any other on the market. It was much shorter and wider than its rivals, and it had two rows of three seats, while all its competitors had two seats in the front (the Honda FR-V, which has the same layout, was released in 2004).

In common with a number of other modern Fiats, the Multipla reuses the name of an earlier vehicle, in this case the "Multipla" variant of the Fiat 600 produced during the 1950s and 1960s.

Design

The exterior and interior design of the Multipla was quite extraordinary and was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York during its "Different Roads - Automobiles for the Next Century" exhibition in 1999.

Multipla sales began in Italy late in 1998 but most other markets had to wait a year before receiving imports. The power of the Fiat badge meant that the Multipla was an instant hit with Italian buyers, but its styling meant that sales elsewhere were less successful. This ultimately led to the car being voted 'Ugliest Car' in the Top Gear awards 1999. Also when Simon Cowell went on Top Gear he was shown a picture of the car and said it had a disease.

Second series Multipla

In 2004 the Multipla underwent a major facelift to shed its original styling for a more restrained look, with the intention of attracting more buyers.

Engines

The 103 PS (102 hp/76 kW) 1.6-litre petrol and 120 PS (118 hp/88 kW) 1.9-litre turbodiesel engines give the Multipla good levels of performance and refinement, and the chassis ensures entertaining ride and handling. A "Bi-Power" Multipla that runs on both petrol and CNG (methane) is offered in certain markets.

Inner room and flexibility

The new generation Multipla was hailed by journalists at its launch for its flexibility. The new Multipla’s three-abreast seating configuration allows for adjustment of the front seats and the removal and relocation of the rear seats into many formats. It also affords a big 430 litres (15 cu ft) of luggage space which can increase to 1,900 litres (67 cu ft) of flat floor load space with the rear three seats removed from the vehicle.

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Notes

External links

• Fiat Mutipla Official UK Site
• Fiat Multipla Owners Club - Fiat Multipla Owners website