Fiat Multipla

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

The modern Multipla

The present-day Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV manufactured by Fiat from 1998 to the present. Based on the Brava, the 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—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.

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.

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.

[edit] 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 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.

[edit] Trivia

A thinly disguised Fiat Multipla featured alongside other unusually designed cars in the 2006 film Children of Men.
Retired German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher stated in an interview that he uses a Fiat Multipla as a family car, a gift from Fiat. The multiple World Champion has a huge collection of (sports)cars.
The 2004 Facelift version uses the same headlight unit as the smaller Fiat Idea to reduce costs.