Fiat Multipla

The FIAT Multipla (Type 186) is a compact MPV produced by Italian automaker FIAT from 1998 to 2010. Based on the Brava, the Multipla was shorter and wider than its rivals. It had two rows of three seats, where its competitors had two across front seating. The Honda FR-V, which shares the seating layout, was released in 2005. Sales commenced in Italy in November 1998.

For the earlier Multipla based on the Fiat 600 produced between 1956 and 1965, see Fiat 600 Multipla.
Fiat Multipla
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Also calledZotye Multiplan (China)
Zotye M300 Langyue (China)
Zotye M300EV (China)
Zotye E300 (China)
Production1998–2010
2008–2013 (China)
AssemblyMirafiori plant, Turin, Italy
Arese plant, Milan, Italy (CNG version)
Changshan County, Quzhou
DesignerRoberto Giolito
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV (M)
Body style5-door estate
PlatformFiat C1
RelatedFiat Bravo/Brava
Fiat Marea
Zotye Multipla (second generation)[1]
Powertrain
Engine1.6 L 16V petrol I4
1.6 L 16V LPG/petrol I4
1.6 L 16V CNG I4
1.6 L 16V CNG/petrol I4
1.9 L JTD diesel I4
1.9 L Multijet diesel I4
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,666 mm (105.0 in)[2]
LengthPre-facelift: 3,994 mm (157.2 in)
Post-facelift: 4,080 mm (161 in)
Width1,871 mm (73.7 in)
Height1,670 mm (66 in)
Curb weight1300-1490 kg (2866-3285 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 600 Multipla
SuccessorFiat 500L (Living)

The Multipla was shorter than the three door FIAT Bravo on which it was based, while offering increased seating and cargo volume.

In common with a number of other modern FIATs, the Multipla reused the name of an earlier vehicle, in this case the "Multipla" variant of the FIAT 600 produced during the 1950s and 1960s. The Multipla was marketed from 2008 to 2013, under license in China as the Zotye M300 Langyue, using CKD (Complete Knock Down) kits from Italy. Zotye marketed a total of 220 all electric versions of the M300.

Design
Series I Multipla (rear)

The exterior and interior design of the Multipla were displayed at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York during its "Different Roads – Automobiles for the Next Century" exhibition in 1999.[3]

It won the Top Gear Car of the Year (2000), as well as the "Ugliest Car" in the same programme's awards. It was also voted Top Gear Magazine's Family Car of the Year for four years in a row, from 2001 to 2004. In July 2000, in the series finale of Clarkson's Car Years, it was awarded "Family Car of the Moment".

Upon its subsequent restyling in March 2004, The Telegraph reported designers were "desperately sad that the new Multipla no longer resembles a psychotic cartoon duck," and "while passengers loved the adaptability of the clever interior, they were less keen on the sarcastic sneers and derisive laughter of their neighbours, friends and schoolmates; children can be cruel."[4]

Multipla sales began in Italy in January 1999, but most other markets had to wait another year before receiving imports. The Multipla sold well with Italian buyers, but sales elsewhere were less successful. The Multipla underwent a major facelift in June 2004, to shed its original styling for a more restrained look.

This was under the intention of attracting more buyers, which made it arrive to critical acclaim.[5][6] The Daily Telegraph placed it #2 on its list of the 100 Ugliest Cars in August 2008, saying "Derided for the blandness of its output during the 1980s and early 1990s, Fiat dared to start thinking outside the box. In this case, however, it simply added wheels to the box."[7]

The Multipla was also named the ugliest car of all time by readers of Car Throttle in January 2014.[8] In February 2018, The Sunday Times named it on a list of ugliest cars, saying "The tragedy of the Multipla is that its Elephant Man esque exterior enclosed a genuinely clever and spacious interior, and it wasn’t bad to drive, either. It’s a shame, then, that you’d rather walk than be seen in it."[9]

Engines

A 1.6 engine, that could be powered on either methane or standard petrol, was offered in certain markets.[10]

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Years
100 16VI41581 cc103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp) at 5750 rpm144 N⋅m (106 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm1998–2000
100 16VI41596 cc103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp) at 5750 rpm145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm2000–2010
105 JTDI41910 cc105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 4000 rpm200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1500 rpm1998–2000
110 JTDI41910 cc110 PS (81 kW; 110 hp) at 4000 rpm200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1500 rpm2000–2001
115 JTDI41910 cc115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 4000 rpm203 N⋅m (150 lb⋅ft) at 1500 rpm2001–2006
1.9 MultijetI41910 cc120 PS (88 kW; 120 hp) at 4000 rpm206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) at 1450 rpm2006–2010
1.6 (Bi-Power) CNGI41581 cc92 PS (68 kW; 91 hp) at 5750 rpm130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpmn/a

United Kingdom trim levels
2004–10 Fiat Multipla (facelift) (front)
2004–10 Fiat Multipla (facelift) (rear)
  • Multipla SX: basic model available with petrol or diesel engines.
  • Multipla ELX: added Air Conditioning, Twin Electric Sunroofs, alloy wheels and electric rear windows, as well as special wipe clean, brightly coloured seats.

In June 2004, when the Multipla received its facelift, these trim levels were later replaced with Dynamic, Dynamic Family, Dynamic Plus.

Inner room and flexibility

The new generation Multipla was praised by journalists at its launch for its flexibility. The Multipla’s three abreast seating configuration allows for adjustment of the front seats, and the removal and relocation of the rear seats into many formats. It also affords a big 430 litres (15 cu ft) of luggage space, which can increase to 1,900 litres (67 cu ft) of flat floor load space, with the rear three seats removed from the vehicle.

Zotye M300 (Chinese rebadged version)

From December 2008 to September 2010, Zotye Auto had assembled Multipla 2 from KD kits, in its factory in Changshan, and marketed it in China as Multiplan. In October 2010, Zotye started to build a version of Multipla 2, employing more locally made parts in order to reduce costs; the new version is called "Langyue" in China.[11] There are 2 types: M300 (Engine powered) and M300 EV (see below) which is electric.

  • Zotye M300 EV (E300) taxi (front)
  • Zotye M300 EV (E300) taxi (rear)
  • Zotye M300 EV (E300) battery swap

References
  1. "M SERIES". zotyeglobal.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  2. "1998 Fiat Multipla 100 16v SX". carfolio.com. Retrieved 26 August 2007.
  3. "Fiat Multipla". moma.org. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  4. Andrew English and Peter Dron (12 March 2004). "Stars of the show: Andrew English and Peter Dron report on more stars of the Geneva motor show". The Telegraph.
  5. "Fiat Multipla (00-10) Car Review". Parkers. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  6. "Fiat Multipla MPV (2000 - 2011) expert review - Auto Trader UK". Autotrader.co.uk. 24 March 2008. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  7. "The 100 ugliest cars: 20-1". 28 August 2008 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  8. "Ugliest Car Multipla - Google Search". www.google.com.
  9. "Are these the 10 ugliest cars ever made?". 27 February 2018.
  10. "2006 Fiat Multipla". Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  11. "Zotye Releases Chinese-made Multipla–Longyue". ChinaAutoWeb.com.
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