Fiat Multipla

Based on the Brava, the Multipla, Fiat's compact MPV, was quite unlike any other on the market. 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). The exterior and interior design of the Multipla was unique and had a polarizing effect&mdash;some people love it, many hate it. Nonetheless, the Multipla 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 as well as 'Car of the Year' in the Top Gear Awards in 2000 and 'Family Car of the Year' in the Top Gear awards for 2000, 2001 and 2002.

This shows that as usual, the Multipla splits opinion like very few other cars. In fact, the original models launched in the UK even had a dealer fitted sticker on the rear window that said "Wait until you see the front" so at least Fiat knew it would be controversial.

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.

The 1.6 L petrol and 1.9 L turbo-diesel 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.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes
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Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
As seen on the UK Government Fuel Economy website, the Urban/Extra Urban/Combined MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
There's a wide variety of road tests undertaken of the Fiat Multipla available online including Autocar, Top Gear, The AA, Channel4 and Fifth Gear.

Reliability
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Safety
EuroNCAP, the pan-European crash testing organistaion, rated the Multipla as having a three-star crash performance, out of a maximum possible of five stars in 2001.

The model tested was a RHD first generation JTD ELX.


 * Fiat Multipla entry on NCAP website

Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
There have not been any mass produced hybrids but there have been a couple of interesting variants such as the Multipla Multi-Eco Concept shown at the 2006 Paris Motor Show Fiat that can use three types of fuel and a Multipla Hybrid from 2000 that never got to the UK.

Unique Attributes
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Interior
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 numerous formats. It also affords a class-leading 430 litres of luggage space which can increase to 1900 litres of flat floor load space with the rear three seats removed from the vehicle. In 2005, it was voted number one as the ugliest car designed in the 20th century.

Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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First Generation/Origins (1998–2004)

 * Interesting article on the origins of the original Multipla design philosophy

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
Top Gear Car of the Year 2000

Top Gear Family Car of the Year 2000, 2001 and 2002.