The Fiat area at the Paris Motor Show is refreshingly youthful and a feast for the eyes. The stand extends over 2500 square metres, and presents simple, rounded lines. The design and liveries of the cars on show are offset by white walls and flooring.
Visitors wandering through this inventive setting are able to discover that Fiat has indeed changed its tune and that its products represent the most sophisticated technology, the best Italian design and the greatest respect for the environment. Place of honour on the stand is reserved for the Panda family that proudly presents three world previews at the French show: the new 2007 range, the powerful and feisty ‘100 HP’ version and the green ‘Panda Panda’ version. This is the best demonstration of the versatility of a winning model that lives up to the Panda spirit by continuing to surprise with new versions: the Panda 4x4, the Panda Cross, the Panda Alessi, the Panda Monster and now the brand new Panda Panda and Panda 100 HP.



The second focus of the stand is dedicated to the Grande Punto that conveys three different concepts in an original way: sportiness, play and hi-tech entertainment and telephony. Visitors to the show may admire a Grande Punto Sport in the ‘Need For Speed’ specification, another version equipped with the ultra-new 1.4 16v Starjet - and also a stylish 5 door Emotion. Not to mention the fact that all three cars come with a Hi-Fi Interscope system but also ‘Blue&Me®’, the sophisticated Windows Mobile-based system produced in a joint venture between Fiat Auto and Microsoft. One of these cars also sports the first car tribal tattoo kit to be produced by Fiat Auto. This opaque film is sold in the form of modules that can be applied to the front doors, rear doors or tailgate for fast and easy car customisation. Such makeovers were until recently considered complicated, costly and achievable only with the aid of qualified, specialised staff but this Fiat kit now offers an easy, practical and cheap alternative. The kit also offers innumerable opportunities for decoration without any risk of damaging the body when customers wish to remove or replace the tattoo.
Environmentally friendly versions are also represented by the Multipla Multi-Eco and Panda Panda Concept car: the future and present for minimum environmental impact vehicles – Fiat style. This on-going commitment has led to a comprehensive range of Natural Power products able to meet the needs of professional operators and individual members of the public alike: including the Doblò, the Punto, the Multipla and the Panda. The resulting broad range allows Fiat Auto to retain its European leadership in the segment of cars sold with methane engines as original equipment: more than 24,000 units were sold in 2005 (more than double the amount sold in 2004).
The host of new car products and all the architectural and graphic features of the stand at the Paris show create a unique atmosphere that celebrates Italian motorsport and engineering. Fiat also backs its distinctive products with unmistakable design that has always made its models immediately recognisable amidst the run-of-the-mill traffic on the road today. This line-up naturally includes the Croma Model Year ‘07 and the Fiat Sedici that parade across the stand in perfect harmony with the panache of a winning brand that has always played a leading role in many different segments.
The set is complemented by an imposing Fiat building adorned with 3-D logos and led windows plus three huge spheres made out of overlapping sheets of lacquered wood, made more original by shifting light effects inside. A central platform at the base of these original spheres acts as a workstation for the DJs and VJs who perform throughout the show to create a fun stand where everyone can meet and listen to music. Another round platform houses the Ducato Truckster show van with a new Panda 100 HP on its back.
The Multipla Multi-Eco Concept Car is located inside one of the spheres while the other houses the Concept – Lab, a virtual workshop for the New Fiat 500 that has already received thousands of suggested configurations and ideas for accessories and custom versions from the host of enthusiasts who have visited www.fiat500.com (a new interactive multimedia site created specially for the eagerly-awaited model). Further campaigns in line with the 500 philosophy over the coming months will ensure that the new model is truly ‘a car created for the people, from the ideas of the people’.
Last but not least, visitors to the Fiat stand may also admire ‘Football Italian Athletic Toys’ a special installation by Felice Limosani, presented by LUISAVIAROMA. This piece of art combines the world of sport with the world of ‘toys’ – in this case entertaining artistic playthings somewhere between design, art and graphics. The installation takes the form of an immense table football game destined for the Guinness Book of Records (12x2 metres), featuring two teams: Dog (black) against Cat (white) from the renowned TOY2R ToyCollection. The idea is inspired by the famous FIAT workers’ USOF sports clubs (the acronym stands for ‘Unione Sportiva Operai Fiat’). The capital letters of the installation spell out the name FIAT: Football Italian Athletic Toys.
Both teams are captained by a ‘toy’ 1.7m high wearing a FOOT-BALL 1920 shirt produced by Brama bearing the Rites Sportwear logo. The CAPTAIN-TOY will then be exhibited in the main European art galleries during the TOYFASHIONTOUR that will see contributions by famous stylists such as Yohji Yamamoto, Galliano and Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. The tour represents a marriage between fashion, major labels and artistic toys and aims to raise money for the Telethon Foundation.











The Panda family has grown
The Panda model is not merely a segment A supermini but an authentic platform on which Fiat is building an entire car family with the sort of engineering and attention to detail you would expect from a higher category car. Now the brand presents a world preview of three highly intriguing new products: the Panda MY 2007, the Panda Panda and the Panda 100 HP.
All these products naturally share the model’s winning qualities: innovative design, cutting-edge technology accessible to all and clever solutions to make life simpler and better. These are the winning features of the Panda model. Since it was first introduced on the market, the model has rapidly risen up the league table in segment A to reach first place in the Italian and European top ten. And more. Although destined mainly for European markets, the various Panda versions are also sold in countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan or the island of Martinique. Its commercial success is confirmed by the 18 awards it has received from the international trade press, including the prestigious ‘Car of the year 2004’.
This public and critical success rewards, above all, the extraordinary ability of the Panda template to extend itself and generate new versions: the tiny ‘ready for anything’ 4x4, the funky Alessi version, the entertaining Panda Active and the well-appointed Panda Emotion – not to mention the competitive Panda Rally and the new Panda Cross and Panda Monster and any number of concept cars created on the same base.

Panda Model Year 2007

The new car, due to go on sale in October, introduces four new body-colours: Lagoon Blue, Batik Orange, Magnetic Blue and Quartz Grey. As far as the Panda is concerned, colour is not merely a matter of superficial looks but an integral part of a product philosophy based on personality, flair and style.
No changes have been made to the model’s original, dynamic shape – almost amounting to a small SUV – so appreciated by customers throughout the world. The Panda Model Year 2007 complements these lines with a stylish dark grey facia and new interiors featuring brand new colours and fabrics: all this authenticates the impression of great quality that the model conveys at first glance. An appealing car that may be customised with the wide array of accessories on offer.
The Panda Model Year 2007 is a personality-packed car, substantial and good looking with attributes and values that are encoded in Fiat's DNA. The credit goes to a design that has generated a car of compact external dimensions gifted with the level of comfort we now expect from larger cars. Designed to be thrifty with fuel but no less lively for this. Ideal in city traffic but at the same time eager to tackle longer journeys, with the guarantee of a relaxing drive for passengers at all times. All these features make the Panda Model Year 2007 a fun pint-sized car that also represents fantastic value for money with its winning package of features, running costs and resale value.

Panda 100 HP
The Panda model continues to amaze by introducing a truly sporty version. Its very name, ‘Panda 100 HP’, tells you this is not just an exterior face-lift. The new car is fitted with a brand new 1.4 16v power unit that develops a power output of 100 bhp at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4250 rpm. When equipped with this engine, the Panda 100 HP reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds and consumes 6.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle. This performance, attractive by any standards, will satisfy young customers who continually seek performance but wish to stand out from the crowd. On the outside, the Panda 100 HP therefore reveals itself to be a car with a true sporty vocation with chrome spoiler and exhaust pipes, special bumpers with a sporty grille and new 15” alloys. The same aggressive stamp is also evident in the passenger compartment, where customers will appreciate a leather steering wheel, new sporty interiors and a black facia with chrome detailing.
The new Panda 100 HP complements the long list of equipment on the Emotion version, from which it is derived, with a foglight, rear disc brakes, special suspension, 195/45-15” tyres, leather steering wheel, 6-speed manual gearbox, split seats and special exterior add-on kit. Customers can use a Sport key on the facia to select the steering setting and accelerator response to enjoy the sporty drive to the full.
The Panda 100 HP colour range is also made up of five colours: red, black, white, blue and grey (the last two are new).
A special ‘Pandemonio’ pack available at the launch will also accentuate the sportiness of the new version with chrome side stickers (red if the body is white), red brake callipers, door mirrors and 15” alloys with silver treatment, sporty pedals and special interior mats.














Environmentally-friendly versions

The two cars on show in Paris are further evidence of Fiat Auto’s concern for environmental protection, a fundamental principle behind model development in the company. The ‘Panda Panda’ that is due to go on sale next January and the ‘Multipla Multi-Eco’ concept car that combines an innovative powertrain architecture – consisting of an engine that can run on three different fuels i.e. petrol/methane/benzene + ethanol) - with the use of eco-compatible materials (recyclable or of natural origin) inside and outside. On the one hand, the Panda Panda extends the diverse range of petrol/methane dual fuel power units; on the other hand, the Multipla Multi-Eco confirms Fiat’s desire to carry on making breakthroughs in the field of alternative minimum environmental impact power unit research with a view to broadening its range of Natural Power power units.

Panda Panda: two energies, one movement
The Tao symbol is a mark of universal harmony, beginning and end, yin and yang, black and white, male and female. A realm where opposites live together and enhance one another, respecting the rhythms and balance of nature. Customers who choose the Panda Panda love nature and respect it, although they wish to move in freedom. Opposites finally meet in the Panda Panda: driving satisfaction and low environmental impact, dual fuel and low fuel consumption. Twofold energy for a single movement.
Smart, practical, fun and environmentally sound: these are the distinctive features of the ‘Panda Panda’, the new minimum environmental impact vehicle equipped with a 52 bhp 1.2 engine with a dual petrol/methane fuel system.
This original Natural Power sets out to become the new benchmark in the sustainable urban mobility vehicle scenario. The Panda Panda is also even more innovative because it overcomes the drawbacks typical of methane cars. The floorpan, derived from the 4x4 version, incorporates two separate methane tanks, each with a capacity of 72 litres. The two tanks fitted in this way allow the same amount of room as on the original car for both passenger and luggage (more than 200 litres with the rear seats upright).
The 72 litre capacity allows a superior trip range that is about 300 kilometres using methane alone (20% more range than that offered by the Fiat Punto, for example). The fuel tank capacity remains unchanged compared to the petrol version (30 litres) thus ensuring peace of mind even where methane suppliers are thin on the ground.
The ‘Panda Panda’ confirms Fiat’s leadership in the methane sector and its continuous quest to find solutions that reconcile customer needs with the greatest respect for the environment. Methane vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 23% compared to the equivalent petrol vehicles and reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions to practically zero. Emissions when the car is driven in methane mode amount to 114g of CO2/Km compared to 133g of CO2/Km in petrol mode (NEDC cycle).
The Panda Panda will also be available with a Dynamic specification to ensure that even the basic version of the car is packed with creature comforts and may be customised on the basis of individual requirements. The new Panda version is also ideal for small company fleets since it can be driven around freely in any city centre.


Multipla Multi-Eco Concept car

The Paris motor show will host the original Multipla Multi-Eco, a concept car produced on a Multipla base that exploits the potential of Tri-fuel technology combining petrol, a mixture of petrol and ethanol (E85) and methane (petrol/E85 dual fuel systems are normally termed Flex fuel systems). E85 is a mixture made up of 15% petrol and 85% bio-ethanol.
This is how it works: the bio-ethanol and the petrol are poured into the same tank; a feature that makes it easier for motorists to refuel. The engine software monitors the mixture and alters the injection properties accordingly in fully automatic manner. Flex engines are able to work in the same way and with the same performance using both conventional fuel and natural alcohol-based fuels.
As far as the environment is concerned, the advantage of ethanol lies in the fact that it is a renewable energy source (obtained from various crops by means of a biomass fermentation process i.e. agricultural products rich in sugars such as cereals, sugar crops, corn and vines) and does not increase the greenhouse effect and global warming because carbon dioxide is trapped during the production process.
Since E85 mixture also contains petrol, it reduces net CO2 emissions by some 40% (TBC). The option of switching from E85 to methane certainly represents a new alternative for sustainable mobility for city and rural driving because the methane reduces CO2 emissions while cutting polluting PM and NOx (urban pollution) to zero, while E85 considerably reduces CO2 emissions.
The Multipla Multi-Eco Concept Car is created through the experience of Fiat Brazil in the field of innovative power units able to run on different fuels in any proportion.








Sophisticated technology and out-and-out sportiness
The Grande Punto is unique in the world panorama, designed and built to be the new benchmark in design terms, introducing the idea of more imposing dimensions. The model also reaches safety and quality standards that are particularly high for its segment as evidenced by its prestigious five star Euro NCAP ranking. It also offers the best range of diesel engines and, lastly, offers a very competitive price/content ratio. Visitors to the Paris show can admire the latest new features added to the model in terms of power units, specifications, high-tech in-car entertainment and telephony.

Dualogic gearbox and 1.4 16v Starjet power unit
The Grande Punto range has become even broader and more diverse with the introduction of the Dualogic gearbox and the new 95 bhp 1.4 16v Starjet.
Firstly, the new 95 bhp 1.4 16v Starjet (EURO 4) applies three technologies at the same time for the first time in the world. It adopts a variable swirl combustion chamber system based on an intake manifold with phased Doppler anemometry (PDA), combined with variable valve timing (VVT) controlled by the injection control unit. This system allows a substantial part of the exhaust gas (EGR) to be recirculated to the combustion chamber to significantly reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
This is how it works. One of the two intake ducts is closed (deactivated duct) while the other stays open. The air taken into the open intake duct swirls around the cylinder axis to increase air turbulence inside the chamber. The continuous variable valve timing system delays exhaust valve closure due to an internal gas recirculation device to ensure that both cool air (from the intake duct) and part of the exhaust gases are present during the intake phase. The resulting mixture is responsible for a significant reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
So much for the innovative power unit. The Fiat Grande Punto also offers Dualogic, a robotised manual sequential gearbox that offers maximum comfort and low fuel consumption (up to 9% less) in automatic mode, after experiencing all the satisfaction of a sporty, dynamic drive in manual. The sophisticated device, available on the 77 bhp 1.4 petrol unit and the 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet, is available as an option at a very attractive price. In detail, the Dualogic gearbox automates the clutch controls and gear lever by means of a hydraulic servo device to retain all the attributes of a dry clutch and manual gearbox (weight, strength and reliability, low energy consumption). Two operating modes are available: semiautomatic (manual) and automatic.
The first is more similar to manual operation and allows you to change gear using a joystick on the tunnel. Because no clutch pedal is present, the device is controlled simply by moving the lever: forward to change up (towards the ‘+’ symbol), back to change down (towards the ‘–’ symbol). A simple push is sufficient to ensure the transmission performs a fast, accurate gear shift.
The second mode offers two settings: Normal and Economy. Normal mode offers outstanding driving comfort to assure dazzling gearshifts in all conditions. Economy mode is used to reduce fuel consumption while still maintaining top level handling and driving comfort. With both options, the system adapts the rpm to a new higher ratio, when the engine delivers maximum torque or power. In automatic mode, the system recognises the road gradient (by means of a software algorithm) and modifies the gear shift point to ensure the best possible compromise between the driver’s needs, ground conditions and vehicle situation (speed and engine rpm) at all times.
The Dualogic also offers other advantages over conventional manual and automatic gearboxes.
Firstly, the system may read the driver’s needs and thus adapt to his driving style. To do this, it analyses the engine rpm and maps the pedal position (interpreted as performance requests with rising speed).
Another specific feature of the Dualogic is its ability to assess vehicle deceleration and adjust downshifts. In semiautomatic mode, for example, the system allows downshifts, particularly when the driver demands a lower gear to take a corner at speed during a sporty drive. In automatic mode, the system anticipates the downshift to ensure the driver can always call on the most appropriate speed to maintain the required comfort level or fuel saving.
To ensure safety and prevent unwanted gear changes, the system engages neutral when the engine is still running and the door has been opened. Lastly, the Dualogic device also activates warning lights and buzzers to notify the driver of emergency situations or manoeuvres that are not permitted and could damage the engine or gearbox. With the Dualogic gearbox in automatic mode, its robotised electronic management system allows the gears to be changed at the time of maximum engine performance. This makes it possible to exploit all the power and torque of the 1.4 petrol and 1.3 Multijet engines and achieve a distinct improvement in acceleration over a manual gearbox. In automatic mode with the Economy key engaged, the Grande Punto consumes less fuel than a manual gearbox. Fuel consumption with the Dualogic fitted is 5.7 compared with 5.9 l/100 km for the 1.4 petrol and 4.5 versus 4.6 l/100 for the Multijet. The most substantial benefits are achieved around town: 6.8 compared to 7.5 l/100 km for the 1.4 petrol and 5.8 compared to 5.9 l/100 for the Multijet.
The engineers therefore succeeded in imposing a set of gearshift settings that reduce fuel consumption without reducing performance and thus driving satisfaction due to the device’s small size and low weight. Not least, the price of the new device is significantly lower than that of a conventional automatic transmission. Lastly, no fewer than 11 model versions may be equipped with the Dualogic, with a choice of two power units and 6 specifications (Active, Dynamic, Emotion, Speed and Freeride): it is the broadest range in its category.

‘Blue&Me®’
All the cars on show are fitted with the ‘Blue&Me®’ accessory, a sophisticated device that is absolutely unique in the world. This Windows Mobile-based system, created as a result of a joint venture between Fiat Auto and Microsoft, changes the paradigms of in-car communication, information and entertainment to improve comfort and the quality of time on board.
The device is extremely simple to use, and allows you to make/receive telephone calls and to listen to music simply and safely as you drive. And thanks to Bluetooth® technology, you can also communicate with the outside world from the car using your own personal mobile phone or hand-held computer.
The system on offer will be supplemented in future with more advanced devices giving access to the many new products that technological progress has in store for the coming years: from a complete multimedia system to satellite navigation. Not to mention a whole range of services that will make all your journeys more comfortable, safe and easy.
The ‘Blue&Me®’ device incorporates a sophisticated hands-free system with voice recognition that guarantees maximum driving safety in all conditions, and respects the law because drivers can use the system without taking their hands off the wheel. The system allows drivers with a Bluetooth® mobile phone to use the telephone even if it is in a jacket or a bag, automatically lowering the volume of the radio (when this is on) and routing the other person’s voice through the stereo speakers. The system is also extremely compatible with all mobile phones currently on the market and can be updated to comply with new standards and future telephones.
The Grande Punto handsfree device is built into the car and the control keys are positioned on the steering wheel for immediate, safe access to the system; the driver can find a number in his phone book by scrolling through the control panel display, or mute the call for confidentiality.
One interesting feature is the fact that the mobile phone has to be registered with the system once only. And more: it is also possible to transfer a personal phone book to the car in full, automatically updating it every time the system recognises a mobile phone.
Privacy is guaranteed because access is only granted to the phone book if the telephone registered with the system is in the car. The number or name of the caller is shown on the display if it is in the phone book and the number can be called using voice commands by dictating the numbers or saying the name if it has been saved.
The advanced voice recognition process does not require a voice learning stage. The system also allows you to manage and store up to five mobile phones at the same time so that more than one passenger in the car can make direct use of the handsfree set. The programming may be modified whenever required. And finally, the hands-free system with voice recognition can also play a personal call tone using the radio speakers.
These are the features of the hands-free system with voice recognition, but there is more to the innovative ‘Blue&Me®’ system on the Grande Punto: it allows the motorist to listen to his favourite music when it is recorded on a mobile phone, one of the new smart phones, on an MP3 player or on a USB memory stick. This is made possible by a USB port in the glove compartment, to which any digital device with a USB connection can be connected. Allowing musical audio files (MP3, WMA and WAV) to be played directly through the stereo system. And because all the information is visible on the instrument panel display, customers can browse through the system archive (divided by type, album, artist, etc.) either using voice commands or by means of the steering wheel controls, and select the track they want to hear using the controls on the steering wheel.

‘Need For Speed’ and Interscope Hi-Fi system
The area of the stand devoted to the Grande Punto also features a Sport version outfitted with the special Need For Speed kit (based on the well-known racing video-game) that includes aluminium pedals, sports exhaust tailpipe, sideskirts, special bumpers at front and rear, roof spoiler, roof bars, 17” alloys and a Hi-Fi system designed for connection of an iPod.
The new Grande Punto ‘Need For Speed’ is the outcome of an original joint venture between Fiat and Electronic Arts (EA), a world leader in video-games. Visitors to the stand may try version two of Need For Speed, the biggest-selling car racing game in the world (version one sold more than 15 million copies) that involves the unexpected participation of a Grande Punto car. Visitors can also admire the real life version of the car, to satisfy those who want to enjoy a form of sportiness that is not so virtual.
The cars on show in Paris are also equipped with a sophisticated Hi-Fi sound system developed in conjunction with Interscope, the prestigious Universal Music brand. The system has been carefully developed, designed and adjusted to fit the passenger compartment to ensure sound quality of unparalleled performance and dynamism. In detail, it consists of 2 Tweeters with a treated silk diaphragm for crystal-clear high notes (40 Watts of music power); 2 165 millimetre Woofers with a polypropylene membrane for clean medium frequencies and precise bass notes (80 Watts of music power); 2 130 millimetre Fullrange with a copper ring for undistorted listening (40 Watts of music power). The Interscope Hi-Fi system is also equipped with a four-channel amplifier (160 Watts of music power) that optimises the sound to the shape of the car for effective spatial sound distribution - and a two-channel amplifier subwoofer box (80 Watts of music power) with a twin coil speaker for deep, powerful bass notes.
The agreements with Electronic Arts and Interscope are part of a wider Fiat strategy to involve itself in art, sport and fashion - and now also entertainment and music. The common aim of the various initiatives is to win over young customers aged between 18 and 35, who make up a demanding, well-informed and forward-looking customer segment.


Prestige and versatility

Visitors to the Paris show will also be able to enjoy all the prestige of the Croma Model Year ’07 plus the great versatility of the Fiat Sedici. The first vehicle is equipped with a 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet and clad in a brand new Ink Blue exterior colour. The Croma Model Year ’07 is exhibited in its top specification and graced by new luxurious natural leather interiors combined with a one-coloured facia and burnished mouldings. The car is also equipped with a generous Sky Dome sunroof, a Connect NAV+ satellite navigation system and 10 spoke 18” alloys. This is the ideal car for customers who want superb performance combined with good value for money in terms of standard equipment – everything at a truly unbeatable price.
A place of honour on the stand is also reserved for the versatile Fiat Sedici that, together with the Panda 4x4, marks Fiat’s return to off-road motoring with the specific aim of offering all the entertainment and safety that only a four wheel drive can afford. The car on show in Paris is in the Emotion specification with chrome bars, 16” alloys and a chrome exhaust terminal. In detail, the car is equipped with a 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine and offers metallic paintwork (Vertigo Blue), tinted windows, heated seats and leather seats (Natural).

Croma Model Year 2007

This is a further development of a model that sets out to increase an already high standard of value for money to the customer. From the Dynamic specification, the Croma Model Year ’07 is also adorned with chrome inserts on the front and rear bumpers and side mouldings on the doors with a chrome insert. On the Emotion version, in addition to the features already present on the Dynamic, the Croma Model Year ’07 displays a new look front central grille and lower grilles on the Chrome Shadow effect bumpers plus new front headlights with burnished housings. The Must version benefits from the same exterior features as the Emotion plus new natural leather interiors with new inserts on the facia, panels and gearknob with burnished Chrome effect. The Croma Model Year ’07 range is also complemented by new 17” and 18” alloys and an original midnight blue exterior colour (Jazz Cool Blue) that helps to enhance the great stylistic attributes typical of the Croma.
So much for the new features introduced on the Model Year ’07. All the attributes of a model that is renowned for its substance are naturally retained: great interior roominess for outstanding comfort; technological innovation in the diesel engine sector and, lastly, superior quality for a standard production model. The new car was also recently awarded a prestigious five-star ranking by Euro NCAP.
Hence the model’s sales success: the car has conquered Europe with approximately 60,000 orders since its launch. And more. The sales mix in terms of specification level and engines is very attractive. Firstly, 50% of customers opted for one of the best-equipped versions: the Croma Emotion accounted for 40% of sales while the remaining 10% chose the top-of-the-range Must specification including 18” alloys, leather interiors and the generously-glazed Sky Dome sunroof. Customer preferences also confirmed the model’s worth and excellence as far as engines are concerned. For the Multijet turbodiesel engines in particular, 60% of customers chose the 150 bhp 1.9 Multijet 16v engine while 10% chose the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine. Lastly, versions with 5 or 6 speed automatic transmissions accounted for 25% of Fiat Croma orders even though the segment average is some 10%.

The Comfort Wagon is here
The new Croma was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and it introduces original styling with innovative architecture and smart features. As the designer explained: ‘In the last 20 years, technological progress and market expectations have changed rapidly. We just have to think of safety and the work involved in fitting airbags in the most effective points, the services offered by electronics in terms of individual comfort, active and passive safety, and of information. I would say that, compared to the 3-box model of 1985, the new Croma has basically taken on board the lessons learned with MPVs - tall cars in which the space can be interpreted freely according to circumstances - while it retains the image of a very comfortable saloon: in other words a Comfort Wagon’.
This premise has created a highly original car that leads its class in certain areas: for example, where access is concerned, due to the flat floor and raised H-points at front and rear. But the car fears no comparison in terms of roominess, as we can see from the generous space above the passengers' heads, the distance between the rows of seats (the best in its category) and the raised driving position that guarantees better control over the road and better external visibility. In addition to the fact that the glazed area on the new model is one of the best in its segment (3254 m2) and guarantees excellent acoustic and vibration comfort, thanks to careful analysis of the passenger compartment and the special suspension setting. And finally, certain outfits offer an innovative modular system for the luggage compartment that adapts perfectly to a wide range of individual needs.
Together these features make it the roomiest car in its segment: the new Croma comes with one body type, 475 centimetres long, 177 cm wide and 160 cm high, and a wheelbase of 270 cm, measurements that translate into an extraordinary amount of interior roominess. The new model is in line with the best competition where length and width are concerned, but about 10 centimetres higher.
Original outside, spacious and silent inside. The Croma Model Year ’07 is a car created to satisfy people with different needs, tastes and lifestyles, who all have something in common: the desire for a comfortable car. For those who seek outstanding performance, the Croma offers a powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine (combined with a 6-speed automatic sequential gearbox) that sets the car at the top of its category for its specific power rating: 83 bhp/litre.

Category-topping Multijet engines
When it comes to engines, the new Croma Model Year ’07 reveals a second type of substance: in addition to the two feisty petrol engines (the 2.2 16v delivering 147 bhp, and the 1.8 16v delivering 140 bhp), the model offers three Multijet turbodiesel engines (the 120 or 150 bhp 1.9, and the new 2.4 litre unit delivering 200 bhp), yet another demonstration of Fiat Auto's technological superiority in this field. The Fiat Group has set numerous records in the field of diesel cars, starting with the Croma TDI which was the world's first direct injection diesel car back in 1986.
The Croma Model Year ’07 is offered with no fewer than 5 different gearboxes to exploit the performance of its engines in full (all the engines meet EEC phase 4 emission limits): in brief, all the petrol engines come with a 5 speed gearbox with an option to fit an automatic sequential gearbox on the 2.2 16v. All the diesel engines come with 6-speed gearboxes with an automatic sequential gearbox as an alternative to the manual unit on the 150 1.9 Multijet and as the only choice on the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet 20V.

An extensive range that offers good value for money
The new Croma offers value for money first of all, expressed by an extensive range with numerous outfits that allow a wide choice of customisation and advantages that increase progressively with the higher specification levels. For example, if you choose the second specification, the Dynamic, you can benefit from an advantage equal to 40% of the value of the additional features present on this version.
Every outfit has been designed with the right level of equipment, with materials chosen specifically to create an ideal, comfortable environment modelled to the customer's requirements. One example will suffice: the vast glazed surface of the double opening sunroof that is standard equipment on some versions. Each specification level is trimmed in different cloth and offers a choice between two colours (dark grey or beige) or even leather upholstery that adds a new natural shade combined with a single-colour facia and burnished mouldings to the two existing shades.
You can choose your Croma Model Year ’07 from all these versions. All represent good value for money and, above all, are heirs to an automotive concept that Fiat has helped significantly to create and develop: large saloons with stylish, practical looks.
The Croma Model Year ’07 adds a host of sophisticated devices and systems to this equipment array that make it a new benchmark in its segment. Examples include: ESP, Xenon headlights, antiwhiplash front seats and as many as nine airbags (in the field of safety); an advanced satellite navigation system (CONNECT Nav Plus) and a Hi-Fi system with eight speakers and sub-woofer (in the field of entertainment and infomobility), Cruise Control and a sequential automatic transmission (for stress-free driving), special 16” and 18” alloy wheel designs which impart an individual stylistic personality to the car.


Fiat Sedici
The Fiat Sedici, star of the Twentieth Turin Winter Olympic Games, marks a veritable leap in the compact SUV scenario because it is the result of a style and design approach that is intended to be applicable across the board. The new model is a fusion of different vehicle types: it combines the driving satisfaction and handling features of a compact Fiat with the off-road performance of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Incidentally, the car’s name says everything about its off-road proclivities: sedici (sixteen) is what you get when you multiply 4x4 – the code used to identify four-wheel drive vehicles. The Sedici’s design was developed in conjunction with Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign company as part of the Fiat-Suzuki manufacturing project.
The Fiat Sedici marks Fiat’s return to the 4x4 world, with the clear intention of standing out amidst the common herd of off-road cars due partly to certain stylistic features such as innovatively designed tail-lights, a uniquely dynamic mid-line, a well-proportioned rump and the muscular bulk of its side inserts.
The new model is available in two specifications (Dynamic and Emotion) with two power units (107 bhp 1.6 16v and 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet) and reconciles apparently conflicting qualities: plenty of passenger room despite a compact size; the handling of a saloon with the off-road qualities of an SUV - and original exterior styling with interior design geared for maximum practicality. This means that the Fiat Sedici is the ideal solution for the motorist of today who inhabits a technological world where it is common for objects to serve more than one purpose. The car is now seen as a versatile product that can adapt to different activities: work, relaxation, culture and leisure time.
The Fiat Sedici has thus been designed and built for drivers who wish to make a statement by driving a sophisticated car with elegant lines yet are also seeking a compact, easily handled and safe car that will slip through town traffic with ease. The extraordinary resulting versatility of the Fiat Sedici makes it ideal for everyday use: its dimensions are 411 centimetres long, 176 centimetres wide and 162 centimetres wide with a wheelbase of 250 cm. These dimensions and features make the Fiat Sedici one of the most original cars in its segment. More specifically, the new Fiat model is 11 centimetres less than the average length for compact SUVs (as far as customers are concerned, this means the vehicle is easier to handle, particularly around town). The vehicle is also 10 centimetres lower, which is evident in its slender shape. This makes it look more like a compact saloon and makes for better performance, fuel consumption and emissions.
The new Fiat model allows its customers to make the most of their free time, particularly if they love nature and wish to indulge their taste for adventure and challenge. The vehicle boasts an all-terrain look plus a special adaptable four wheel drive that allows the driver the freedom of changing from a 4x2 drive to a 4x4, thus ensuring this vehicle consumes less fuel than other off-road vehicles in the same category. And more, a Fiat Sedici equipped with the spirited 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine assures outstanding performance, travelling comfort and respect for the environment.
The Fiat Sedici simultaneously ensures thrills and driving satisfaction by carefully juggling style and sophisticated engineering. Its vigour arouses a zest for life while satisfying the desire to travel in complete freedom. Fiat wishes to play a leading role in the development of the SUV by offering an off-roader for all. This steadily growing market segment rose from a share of 1.7% in 1992 to the current level of 6% for the entire European on-road vehicle fleet. Back in 1992 the segment was made up of vehicles that were configured for out-and-out off-road driving but the original generation of off-road vehicles were later supplanted as a result of two events: the first occurred in 1994 with the arrival of the first compact SUVs combining the qualities of true 4x4 off-roaders with up-to-date and original design making them suitable for city driving. These were followed in 1997 by deluxe off-roaders: with their wealth of equipment and extremely generous dimensions, these were the ideal response for demanding, sophisticated customers in a continual quest for unique products with a strong personality.
Both subsegments, particularly the compact SUV subsegment, are now experiencing growing interest from the public and the scenario is changing quickly. The size and features of the Fiat Sedici slot it into the compact SUV category but it stands head and shoulders above the herd for its absolutely elegant exterior styling and very appealing standard equipment package. Not to mention the fact that the car comes with a 3 year (or 100,000 km) warranty.