|
 Mulitpla,
what does it mean ? Multi-purpose vehicle ? Multi-seat in the first row
? I don't know, but at least this name sounds smart and easy to
remember.
Some
people might
feel uncomfortable
with its distinctive front end design - I call it "Cab Upward" - but I
don't. Who say MPV should be one-box ? Who say the company logo must be
in the nose ? The designers in Turin always prove themselves as the
most
imaginative people in the world. Trust me, Multipla is going to be one
of the most distinctive designs in our 100-plus automobile
history.
Big
windows is
another special
feature of Multipla. Its side windows are nearly as big as the doors,
thanks
to the extra high roof and the low waistline. This provides a
world-beating
visibility and benefit the subjective spacious feeling of the
cabin.
And
it IS
SPACIOUS inside
! Although the 4 metre length is no longer than the Brava on which it
is
based, its 1871 mm width easily exceeds Renault Scenic's1720mm and even
BMW 7 Series's 1845mm ! All this is because Multipla has to fit 3 full
size individual seats in the first row as well as the back row to make
itself a real 6-seater.
Obviously,
the
ultra-wide
Multipla need a completely new chassis. Instead of the conventional
monocoque,
Fiat chose space frame chassis for its lower manufacturing cost for
small
quantities, as well as flexible upgrading. This is not a new idea, as
Matra
has been building the space frame Espace for Renault for one and a half
decade.
However,
new
chassis doesn't
prevent the Multipla from sharing components with other existing
models.
The 103 hp 1.6 litres 16v engine, 105 hp 1.9 litres common-rail turbo
diesel,
5 speed gearbox and suspensions all come from Brava / Bravo. This
ensures
Multipla can be priced competitively against Renault Scenic.
Fire
ball it
surely isn't,
as no one would have expected from a budget MPV. However, handling is
suprisingly
good for its width and runs close to Scenic, that means it drives like
cars rather than vans, thanks to the rigid chassis, precise and snappy
gearchange and direct steering. Furthermore, perhaps because of the
extra
weight (it weighs 1300 kg), it rides even more supple than the
Brava.
When
come to
interior space,
comfort and functions, Multipla is simply unbeatable. Firstly, unlike
Mercedes
A class, you "walk in" the cabin rather than "climb in". Secondly, the
large windows and high driving position offers unmatchable all round
visibility
and a feeling of freshness. Then, you'll noice the cute door handles,
the
stylish multi-function center console which places the speedometer,
vent/cool
controls, sound system, cup holders and gear shifter. Like Fiat Ulysse,
the position of the cable-operated shifter is easily accessible and
provides
remarkable shift quality. All the texture and plastic in the cabin are
colored smartly.
The
most
impressive is how
people sit. As already mentioned, the front row has 3 individual seats,
in which the center one slide several inches behind so that the driver
could operate the shifter without obstruction. All three occupants in
the
first row sit comfortably without touching each other, thanks to the
width
of the car. When the center seat fold down, it becomes a small table
with
4 cup holders. Seats in the back row are the same individual seats and
in the same size. All 6 seats can be detached and frees up a cargo
space
of at least 1300 litres, well above Scenic's 960. Even without altering
the seats, the boot has 430 litres versus Scenic's 220 litres. The
winner
is clear.
To
me, Fiat
Multipla is even
more ground-breaking than the Scenic, the European Car of the Year
1997.
If Multipla has been on sale in at least 6 European countries, it would
have been this year's COTY. Let's wait for next year. |