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The big question when the Multipla was introduced six years ago was: Who needs a car like that? After the oddball styling was replaced by standard fiat-looks, its the interior originality that attracts attention: 2 seating rows with 3 seats each. Whoever wants to buy such a car (or its luxurious competitor Honda FR-V), has to identify himself as someone the car is targeted at. For big families wanting to go on vacation, it doesn't offer enough loading space. What's more, normal sized people sitting next to each other are somewhat squeezed together on the rather narrow seats. But with its individually removable back seats it would fit as a variable small van quite good already.
However, the real advantage shows only with the tape measure pulled out: The Multipla is much shorter as it looks. You wouldn't think that it is actually 20 centimetres shorter than the current VW Golf and just 10 centimetres longer than the Polo. Therefore: A fancy, slightly bigger city cruiser with plenty of space for kids and shopping bags. The only drawback for city conditions is the 11 metre turning circle.
The tested version Dynamic offers in series ABS, 4 airbags (incl. double airbag for both front-seat passengers), an unpractical trip computer to operate, air condition and auxiliary heating. For surcharge: ESP, Radio, CD and speakers.
The Fiat Multipla 1.9 JTD Dynamic in motion
Engine/Powertrain * * * *
We liked: Reliable, economical and powerful Diesel-engine, that manages to move the1370 kilo of the six seater including payload in an adequate way.
We didn't like: The motor after-fires quite fervid and could have been insulated in a better way.
Comfort * * *
We liked: Plenty of head room and enough space in the second row, low load sill and a tail gate that shuts easily.
We didn't like: Surprisingly tautly, low comfort calibration. Side windows only open to a maximum of two thirds.
Driving Characteristics * * *
We liked: Good and firm road holding despite the high body. Good survey trough-high seating position and big mirrors.
We didn't like: : The wind sweeps loud at higher speeds. The turning circle is two big for a car of a rather small size like that.
Room Capacities/Variability * * * *
We liked: Very convenient and variable because of its individually removable back seats. Glove compartment for driver and front-seat passenger (for CDs) badly shaped, but very convenient.
We didn't like: For five or six passengers the trunk compartment (385 litres) doesn't offer enough space for luggage.
Performance * * * *
Top speed: 176 km/h. Acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in 12,2 seconds. Tested fuel consumption: 11,1 litres for 100 km. Price (Multipla Dynamic): 22.100 Euro (in Austria, incl. all taxes)
Data from the manufacturer
Engine
Supercharged Diesel with fuel stratified injection and intercooler, straight-four cylinder, 1910 ccm, 85 kW/115 PS at 4000rpm, 203 Nm at 1500rpm, two valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft.
Powertrain
to front wheels, five-speed manual transmission.
Chassis and Body
five door compact car, 800 kg kerb weight, 290 kg payload, 1165 kg permissible maximum weight, 28 kg maximal roof rack weight, non-braked haul: max. 350 kg; self supporting body with supporting frame;; Mc-Pherson struts and wishbone up front; trapezoidal link axis in the back, coil springs, sway bar in front and back and telescopic shock absorbers
Tyres, Brakes and Steering
vented round disc brakes up front and rear drum brakes, ABS; handbrake for rear wheels.
Dimensions and Weights
Wheelbase 2665 mm, length 3995 mm, width 1870 mm, height 1720 mm, starting from 1300 kg, 1870 kg permissible maximum weight, turning circle 11,0 meters.
Fuel Consumption
for 100 km (according to manufacturer): urban 8,0, extra-urban 5,5, mixed 6,4 litres. Diesel.
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