Fiat Multipla

Fiat 600 Multipla

1955 Fiat 600 Multipla

The Fiat Multipla (Type 186) was the name given to two different automobiles manufactured by Fiat, the first from 1956 to 1965, and a more recent version from 1998 to the 2010. It was a family car based on the Brava, the Multipla was shorter and wider than its rivals and had two rows of three seats. The Multipla was even shorter than the three-door Fiat Bravo upon which it was based, despite offering substantially more space and seating.

Fiat 600 Multipla Taxi

Original Multipla (1956–1965)

The original Multipla and the 600 Multipla were based on the Fiat 600 drivetrain and sat 6 people in roughly the same footprint as the original Mini Cooper. The driver compartment was moved forward, eliminating the trunk in effect but giving the body very MPV-like one-box look.

Design

The exterior and interior design of 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.

It won the Top Gear Car of the Year (1999) and was voted Top Gear Magazine's Family Car of the Year for four years in a row (2001–2004).

Multipla sales began in Italy late in 1998 but most other markets had to wait a year before receiving imports. The Multipla sold well with Italian buyers, but sales elsewhere were less successful. 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. It did arrive to critical acclaim.

Fiat 600 Multipla Taxi

Engines

The car came with either a 103 hp 1.6-litre petrol or a 120 hp 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine. A "Bi-Power" Multipla that runs on both petrol and CNG (methane) was offered in certain markets.

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Years
100 16V	I4	1581 cc	103 hp at 5750 rpm	144 lbft at 4000 rpm	1998–2000
100 16V	I4	1596 cc	103 hp at 5750 rpm	144 lbft at 4000 rpm	2000–2010
105 JTD	I4	1910 cc	105 hp at 4000 rpm	200 lbft at 1500 rpm	1998–2000
110 JTD	I4	1910 cc	105 hp at 4000 rpm	200 lbft at 1500 rpm	2000–2001
115 JTD	I4	1910 cc	115 hp at 4000 rpm	203 lbft at 1500 rpm	2001–2006
1.9 Multijet	I4	1910 cc	120 hp at 4000 rpm	206 lbft at 1450 rpm	2006–2010
1.6 (Bi-Power) CNG	I4	1581 cc	92 hp at 5750 rpm	130 lbft at 4000 rpm

The Modern Multipla (1998–present)

File:Multipla 1999.jpg

1999 Fiat Multipla

Based on the Brava, Fiat's offering in this size of car was quite unlike any other on the market. It has six seats, three on two benches. The exterior and interior design of the Multipla is unique and has 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.

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 LPG is offered in certain markets.

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.

Six years after its launch, the Multipla has undergone a major facelift to shed its original styling for a more restrained look, which Fiat perhaps hopes will attract more buyers.