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Fiat Multipla

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

The Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV manufactured by Italian automaker Fiat since 1998. Based on the Brava, the Multipla was quite unlike any other on the market. It was much shorter and wider than its rivals, and 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).

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.

Design

The exterior and interior design of the Multipla was quite extraordinary and 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. Also when Simon Cowell went on Top Gear he was shown a picture of the car and said it had a disease.

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.

Engines

The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre turbodiesel 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.

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Years
100 16V SX	I4	1581 cc	76 kW (103 hv) @ 5750 rpm	@ 4000 rpm
105 JTD SX	I4	1910 cc	@ 4000 rpm	@ 1500 rpm	–2000
110 JTD ELX	I4	1910 cc			2001–
1.9 JTD	I4	1910 cc	@ 4000 rpm	@ 1456 rpm
1.6 (Bi-Power) CNG	I4	1581 cc	@ 5750 rpm	@ 4000 rpm

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 many formats. It also affords a big 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.