The new Fiat Multipla

The new Multipla model UK line-up, priced from £13,295–£16,495 on-the-road, embraces three new trim levels – Dynamic, Dynamic Plus and Eleganza – and a choice of engines: a spirited Torque 1.6 litre 16-valve 103 bhp petrol unit, or Fiat Auto’s renowned 115 bhp 1.9 litre JTD common rail direct injection turbodiesel, both mated to 5-speed manual transmissions.

The flexibility of the new Multipla’s ground breaking, three-abreast seating configuration not only allows for extensive adjustment of the front seats and the removal and relocation of the rear seats into numerous practical formats, but also affords a class-leading 430 litres of luggage space – increasing to a cavernous

1900 litres of flat-floor loadspace with the rear three seats removed from the vehicle.

Even at entry level, standard equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board. This includes power assisted steering, a 6-speaker RDS stereo CD player, remote central locking, driver and double capacity front passenger airbags, electric height adjustable driver’s seat, and electric front windows and heated folding door mirrors.

A wide range of options includes satellite navigation, parking sensors, a fridge, a twin screen DVD player, 17" alloy wheels and, from next year, Bluetooth connectivity and CONNECT NAV – Fiat Auto’s unique communications system which is the most advanced infotelematic package on the market.

Allied to powerful, ventilated front and rear disc brakes, every version of new Fiat Multipla is fitted, as standard, with ABS anti-lock braking complete with electronic brakeforce distribution. On board, the fitting of up to six airbags including Smart 2 front airbags and window bags, three front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, three inertia reel safety belts in the rear, six full-sized head restraints, ISOFIX child seat attachments and an FPS Fire Prevention System, further contributes to making the new Multipla one of the safest MPVs available today.

In addition to a radical interior design solution offering the ultimate in flexible practicality, one of Fiat Auto’s key design objectives for the Multipla was to produce a mid-range MPV that would handle as well as an equivalent saloon. As a result, in a class of competitors which often tend to be larger-bodied versions of existing hatchbacks whose suspension is inevitably compromised by existing dynamics, the purpose-built, spaceframe chassis, wide track and comparatively long wheelbase of the new Fiat Multipla combine with independent MacPherson strut front and trailing arm rear suspension to offer superior high speed stability, class leading roadholding, and handling of a tenacity more usually associated with a sporty hatchback.