Fiat Croma

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Fiat Croma I

Production	1985-1996
Predecessor	Fiat Argenta
Successor	None
Class	Large family car
Body style	5-door liftback
Wheelbase	2660 mm
Length	4495 mm
Width	1755 mm
Height	1425 mm
Related	Saab 9000 Lancia Thema Alfa Romeo 164
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

Fiat Croma II

Production	2005-present
Predecessor	None
Successor	None
Class	Large family car / Large MPV
Body style	5-door estate / MPV
Wheelbase	2700 mm
Length	4755 mm
Width	1775 mm
Height	1600 mm
Related	Opel Signum
Similar	Ford S-MAX Citroën Grand C4 Picasso
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

The Fiat Croma is a nameplate used for two automobiles produced by Italian automaker Fiat, one built from 1985 to 1996 and the other since 2005.

1 First generation (1985-1996)
2 Second generation (2005-present)
- 2.1 Safety
3 External links

[edit] First generation (1985-1996)

The original Croma was a five-door notchback liftback penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built on the "Type Four" chassis, which was designed in cooperation between several companies and was also used for the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema and Alfa Romeo 164. Although the other models were executive cars, the Croma was marketed in the large family car segment, replacing the Fiat Argenta.

It was available with a variety of petrol and Diesel engines, the former from the Fiat DOHC engine family. Base models had the 1585 cc, 83 PS (61 kW) and 1995 cc, 90 PS (66 kW) "Controlled High Turbulence" powerplants, followed by two fuel injected 2.0 L units, one with 120 PS (88 kW) and the other a turbocharged and intercooled version giving 153 PS (113 kW). Diesel engines were the Fiat's 1.9 L fitted with a turbocharger with direct injection, giving 92 PS (68 kW), and the 2499 cc unit supplied by VM Motori, with a normally aspirated version giving 75 PS (55 kW) and a turbocharged one with 115 PS (85 kW). This one replaced the previous 2446 cc with 100 PS (74 kW).

Production ceased in 1996, and Fiat abandoned the large family car segment. The Bravo/Brava-based Fiat Marea small family car replaced the Croma and Tempra as the largest saloon and estate in Fiat's model range.

[edit] Second generation (2005-present)

In 2005, Fiat announced a large cross-over wagon with an upright tailgate, reminiscent of that of the Fiat Stilo, resurrecting the Croma nameplate. Again, Giugiaro styled the exterior, while the chassis was provided via the short-lived link with General Motors. The new Croma is therefore based on the GM Epsilon platform sharing components with the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. It has gone on sale in Italy in June 2005.

Unlike the previous model, and aware of its lack of image in the upper market segments, Fiat opted for not developing a standard large family car but developing a "Comfort Wagon" [1], an automobile with design elements of both estates and large MPVs. Its height of 1600 mm falls between the Mitsubishi Grandis and Ford S-MAX large MPVs (1655 mm and 1660 mm respectively) and Toyota Avensis Wagon (1525 mm).

The Croma, built at Fiat's Cassino factory, has three trim levels and five engine options. Like the chassis, petrol engines were supplied by Opel, beginning with the brand new evolution of the Ecotec 1.8 L with 140 PS (103 kW), followed by the torquier 2.2 L with 147 PS (108 kW). However, the bulk of the sales is represented by Fiat's own Multijet engine, available in three variants 1.9 L with 8 valves and 120 PS (88 kW), 1.9 L with 16 valves and 150 PS (110 kW), and the range topper five-cylinder 2.4 L, with 200 PS (147 kW). The Diesel engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

In February 2007, Fiat UK announced that the Croma would no longer be generally available in the UK, after less than 900 were sold in the whole of 2005. The car will still be offered by special order only, with right-hand drive models manufactured to customer specifications.

[edit] Safety

The Croma has a five star EuroNCAP crash rating. It is manufactured with nine airbags as standard including knee bag for the driver. It is also built with pioneering electronics to help the driver keep control of the car in every situation. As standard the Croma is equipped with anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution.