More Loch Ness Than Lake Como (Fiat Multipla in general)

Member Name: kenjohn

Product:	Fiat Multipla in general
Date:	14/01/01 (680 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: See opinion

Disadvantages: It's UGLY

~ ~ The Fiat Multipla is the one of the latest Italian offerings in the small MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) sector.
I noticed this vehicle first while on holiday to Tuscany last year, where it was a common sight on the taxi ranks of cities like Sienna and Florence.
When it began to make an appearance on the ranks here in my home city of Dublin, I decided I better have a closer look at this small “people carrier” in my capacity as editor of the “Irish Taxi-Driver” publication, and bang out a review on behalf of the “lads”. (for those of you not already aware, I am a taximan here in Dublin)


EXTERIOR/APPEARANCE

~ ~ For those of you who have yet to get their first sight of this vehicle, it is a pity they don’t allow “images” on a dooyoo opinion.(there is a tiny image at the dooyoo intro to the vehicle)
This is a strange looking “beasty” indeed, and would seem to have more in common with the Loch Ness Monster than Lake Como in its native Italy.(do they have a “monster in Lake Como?)
Once seen, never forgotten, would well sum up the Multipla.
It breaks every styling rule in the book, and is one of the most unconventional designs you’re ever likely to come across.


INTERIOR

~ ~ But if you look beyond the “madcap” design, you begin to appreciate that this Fiat has a few attributes that in some regard make up for its ugly face.

~ ~ Unlike its main rivals in this sector, the “Scenic” from Renault, and the “Zaffira” from Vauxhall, the Multipla isn’t built on an existing production car’s chassis.
The Fiat’s chassis is built specifically for the vehicle, and this allows for more interior space than would otherwise be available.
Fiat have been able to fit three full-size seats across the cabin, which has the effect of “freeing up” more boot space. With its s
eats folded or removed, it has a carrying capacity that would shame a Hi-Ace van.
It is because of this large passenger and luggage capacity that it is becoming increasingly popular with the taxi “fraternity” here in Dublin.

~ ~ The interior cabin design is almost as different as its exterior appearance.
Instead of the usual vast expanse of grey plastic which you normally expect to find in a vehicle of this type, Fiat have lined the dashboard in a soft fabric type of material, which gives it a far “softer” feel.
The speedometer and instrument panel, instead of being in the usual spot right in front of the driver, (and hence obscured by the steering wheel) have been placed right in the middle of the dash, and are very easy to read. The panel itself is also very
“modernistic” in design, and wouldn’t look out of place on a NASA space shuttle!

~ ~ The central seat in the front cleverly slides back just a fraction, so the “extra” passenger isn’t constantly interfering with the driver, a common failing in these type of vehicles.
The higher than normal seats give far more room in the back than you might expect, both in terms of passenger comfort, and allow easier loading and unloading of bulky items and luggage.


ENGINE AND DRIVABILITY

~ ~ Looking at the exterior, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Multipla would most likely drive like an oversized kiddie’s go-cart.

~ ~ It is fair to say that anyone in the market for this type of vehicle probably doesn’t have Ferrari-type performance at the top of their priority list.
That said, a car that isn’t comfortable to drive, or that handles like a tempestuous pit pony, is of no use to anyone.

~ ~ So it came as something of a surprise (to me at any rate) that the Multipla handled so well.
The ride is fairly smooth, and seemed to deal adequately with our notoriou
s road surfaces here in Dublin, and the steering was accurate enough, with loads of “feedback” to the driver.

~ ~ There are two engine options on this vehicle, and both are strong and lively enough for their purpose.
The vehicle I drove had a 1.6 petrol engine, and a 1.9 diesel is available if you want better economy.
The 1.6 litre is surprisingly “nippy”, with a 0 to 60mph time of only 12.5 seconds, and a top quoted speed of 106mph, (not with me in it!) and I’m told by taxi-drivers who own one that they are getting about 30mpg in the petrol and around 40mpg from the diesel versions respectively.

~ ~ One area in which this Fiat really does put its rivals to shame is in the extras included in the basic price of £17,700 (Irish Punts)
The 1.6 ELX model had ABS brakes, twin front airbags, two separate sunroofs, and air conditioning all thrown in at no extra cost.
One MAJOR criticism however is the miserly one-year warranty, which is totally out of place in today’s market, full as it is with three-year all-inclusive packages.


OVERALL RATING

~ ~ I have to (somewhat grudgingly) confess that this is not a “bad” vehicle, and that I was more impressed with its handling and performance than I had expected.
However, to be frank, this is not a vehicle that I personally would consider purchasing.
I must own up to a little personal prejudice here, as I have always considered Fiat the “poor relations” of their Italian cousins, Alfa Romeo.

~ ~ Its “ugly duckling” looks did it no favours whatsoever, and one would wonder just WHY Fiat designed it this way. (perhaps just to be controversial?)
So despite having a lot of good points, I’m afraid this is one vehicle that will not get a “very useful” recommendation from me.

Summary: