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Fiat Multipla is a compact-MPV built and produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1998 to 2010, with British sales in 1999. The Multipla is shorter but wider when compared to other MPVs in its class. It has three seats front and rear and feels very roomy for fitting many items and taller glass.

The Multipla's base engine is a 1.6-litre 16-valve (four valves per cylinder) 102bhp four cylinder, which is also offered in either CNG or LPG versions. Two Multijet (commonly as JTD) diesel engines are also available, in 1.9-litre form but in 8-valve (two valves per cylinder) and SOHC.

The Multipla's sales were very successful in its native Italy, whilst elsewhere it was less successful. In 2004, the Multipla was given a facelift with a new front end (including the grille), fixed headlamps and some changes. Production of the Multipla then ceased in 2010, some markets continue until 2013. The Multipla is replaced by 500L with the newer parent company as FCA Group with the collaboration with Chrysler (now Stellantis in 2022).

Despite having an ugly look (mainly the pre-facelift model), it was praised for being surprisingly practical, with a good ride and handling, as well as comfort. The Fiat Multipla, a year after it was launched in Britain, won the 2000 Top Gear Car of the Year.

Appearances[]

  • In Men & Motors, Richard Hammond roadtests the pre-facelift Multipla. (More will be added later.)
  • In Clarkson's Car Years, Jeremy awarded the Fiat Multipla for "Family Car of the Moment".
  • In Clarkson's Top 100 Cars, the Multipla appeared on the #78 spot.
  • In Series 19, Episode 5, Jeremy and Richard choose the pre-facelift Multipla for the Old People's Car challenge, known as the Rover James. While the Multipla comes with many features, particularly in safety, the design lacked a bit of waterproofing on the roof as they return to the old people's home. A notable feature is a working airbag on the rear end as Clarkson was performing a reverse parking maneuvre. Whilst driving on the wrong side of the one-way road as stated by Clarkson, a self-destruct feature was given to the Multipla. Hammond was impressed with the feature as Clarkson kept going, until the Multipla was destroyed for driving too long on the one-way road.
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