Fiat 500 MPV

Price?

Obviously wider and longer than the new Panda, but that is touted to cost @£13.000 in top spec. So the price of this? It isn't as large as the Multipla, but that's what the Doblo is for. Then, I'd expect the seven seat version to come on a stretched wheelbase. The front window treatment is similar to the Picasso, which is fine, and the Americans will get a 1.4 turbo, which would be nice here too. And why not the 1.6 Diesel, because the 1.3 isn't all that great on economy?

But it's the price that matters.The Panda looks to be expensive, and this will cost more....mmmmmm????

By Alexan14 on 19 January, 2012, 10:54am

NOT a 4/5 door 500

PLEASE sort out your facts AE, this is NOT a 500 in any way shape or form (well, perhaps a little in form).

It is based on the PUNTO platform.

By 306maxi on 19 January, 2012, 1:39pm

But is it?

Is it based on the current Punto platform though? This is already long in the tooth and due to be replaced in a couple of years with a new platform. Is the new platform going to be the US short wide, or whatever they are going to call it, that will also suport the replacemnt Punto? So will this new 500 MPV be built on the new Puto platform, and as Maxi suggests, be unrelated to the current 500 except for a few styling clues? The 500 is built on the Panda old platform, which, although amended for the new Panda (more like the US version) is at the end of it's life and not worth lengthening for new models.

By Alexan14 on 19 January, 2012, 2:08pm

Platform details

Hi 306maxi and Alexan14

The new Panda is based on a development of the Panda/500/Ford Ka platform, and the Fiat 500+ will use an extended version of this.

The next Punto will also use this new platform, rather than the older Punto Evo platform, which itself is a development of an older GM platform.

Thanks

Dean Gibson

By clutchless on 19 January, 2012, 2:30pm

Platform

Thanks Dean,

What exactly does 'development' mean? If it's lengthened and widened and also forms the platform for the 2014 Punto, how much of the core - current - Panda platform is left I wonder? The new Panda sits on exactly the same wheelbase as the current car and is only slightly wider. I was wondering if the width increase is caused be an actual platform widening or just an adjustment to the suspension control arms? Mention has been made in tests I have read that the pedal box of the new Panda is not noticeably wider than in the current car, and this would be inadequate for a replacemet Punto, whcih needs to sit a size higher. So I'm guessing this car will have a platform bigger in all dimensions.

All very interesting of course, but I will be intersted to see how much it really differs from the new Panda in practical terms.

By Alexan14 on 19 January, 2012, 3:12pm

This has been touted as the IDEA's replacement which makes the whole a and b sector FIAT line up a little confusing

By xanderbrown on 20 January, 2012, 1:51pm

Alexan14

You'd have to talk to a Fiat engineer to get closer to the technical specs on how they go about extending a platform, I'm afraid. We just go with the (limited) information which is divulged by the manufacturer and what firms currently use - it would be pretty heavy going if we waded through all of the technical info on every car on sale!

Thanks

Dean Gibson - AE Production ed.

By clutchless on 20 January, 2012, 2:45pm

MPV Really?

How can fiat get away with calling this an MPV. Look at the size of the thing!!

By NeilR on 20 January, 2012, 4:44pm

uh oh

Fiat has said this will go up against the Mini Countryman in the States. Sorry but it's no wear near a match for the Mini if the pictures hold true.

By ducatinova on 22 January, 2012, 5:55am

Oh god, it looks like they are going to be making that hideous concept that was previewed on here. I think I am going to be sick and vomit madly everytime I see it

By Kevtoon2905 on 22 January, 2012, 11:00am

WTF

Dont know about Codename L-zero, probably be more like Sales-Zero.

By Chirpy on 23 January, 2012, 1:15pm