The Fiat stand at Auto Africa 2007 will mirror the incredible optimism that is currently reflected in this iconic Italian marque. Internationally, things couldn’t be better with the automaker fairly and squarely back in the black and benefiting from the unprecedented success of models such as the Grande Punto.

In South Africa, Fiat Auto South Africa is similarly making waves in the automotive world, having upped sales by more than 50 percent (over 2005) and it is continually strengthening its product line-up. It’s, therefore, fitting that Auto Africa 2006 should serve as the platform to launch two new model additions, and reveal one brand-new product offering: the Fiat Sedici which is set to be one of the biggest stars of this year's show.

The Auto Africa 2006 event is not only the biggest and most important motor show on the entire continent, but it is also just one of just 22 which are sanctioned by the OICA (International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers). The motor show, which takes place at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with this edition, which is open to the media tomorrow and Friday, and then to the public from Saturday onwards. The automotive industry is one of the biggest booming sectors in South Africa, with more than R8.4 billion (up 135 pct on 2005) expected in inward investment this year, while new vehicles sales are set to top 600,000 this year. Authorities expect the 1 million vehicles per year barrier to be broken soon after 2010, while this year the sector will contribute a massive 7.6 pct (up from 7.1 pct in 2005) of the nation's GDP.

Fiat Strada Extended Cab (to be launched in December 2006)

The Fiat Strada Extended Cab is the first 3/4-ton pick-up on the South African market with a stretched cabin configuration. This not only makes the cabin airier, but most importantly adds valuable extra space of more than 30 centimetres or 300 litres behind the seats – very useful for storing small luggage items or clothes without occupying the passenger seat. In fact, the space is equivalent in size to that of a small car’s boot. There’s an added security benefit too: items that would normally have to be stored in the rear box can now be safely locked away indoors. What’s even more remarkable is the fact that all this extra space has not intruded too much into the rear load box, which shrinks from 1770mm to 1472mm in length. The width is unaffected at 1314mm (1090mm between wheelarches). The payload for the Extended Cab is rated at 700kg as opposed to 750kg for the standard version.

Boasting the same styling elements as its standard wheelbase cousin, the Extended Cab blends the typical features of a pick-up with the unmistakable lines of a car even more successfully thanks to the additional side glassed area in the cabin. Other big news is that the Extended Cab will be the first model in the current Strada/Palio line-up to receive the all-new 1.4-litre 8v MPI powerplant. This 1368cc mill churns out a respectable 60kW at 5500rpm and 119,7Nm of torque at 2250rpm.One of the important characteristics of this engine is the very linear torque curve. It is particularly flat between 2500 and 4250 rpm and, incidentally, the engine also delivers more than 90% of maximum torque at just over 2000rpm. This means faster reactions and extra reserves when tackling gradients and other situations requiring extra power.

In the comfort area, the newcomer will be offered in two different guises: an ‘entry-level’ Trekking version and a more leisure-orientated Adventure model. The Trekking is very similarly specced to the standard cab EL variant which means that standard equipment includes power steering, rev counter, rear plastic bin liner, full wheel trims and roof rails. The Adventure model tops up the spec sheet with colour-coded bumpers/mirrors, twin driving/foglamps, exterior side steps, ‘Adventure’ decals, alloy wheels, central locking, air conditioning, power windows, a stereo system, upgraded cloth upholstery, a sportier instrument nacelle, a driver’s airbag and fully upholstered door panels. Produced in the FIASA factory at Betim (Brazil), the new model comes with a formidable track record, having already been a leader both on the South American light transport market (with over 43,000 units registered in 2005) and in Italy in the small pick-up segment (around 3,000 units sold in 2005). The Fiat Strada Extended Cab goes on sale in South Africa in December – recommended pricing will be announced at launch.

Fiat Multipla 1.9 MultiJet (available now)

The evergreen Fiat Multipla is one of those cars that just keeps getting better and better. The latest incarnation of this beloved Multi Purpose Vehicle is designated the Mulipla 1.9 MultiJet – it replaces the previous JTD range-topper which featured a UniJet engine configuration. Obviously the big attraction of this new model is its engine, but there have also been some cosmetic tweaks. On the outside, the new Multipla Model Year 2007 has a distinctive ‘Chrome-Shadow’ grille which carries through the ‘family feeling’ of recent Fiat models, and the lower part of the headlights is now transparent, a detail that enhances the technological impact of these stylish lights. The colour range for the paintwork has also been greatly extended with the introduction of  eight new shades that help to underline the car’s unmistakable, original design. Moving indoors, the Fiat Multipla MY ‘07 has a refined interior ambience, which sets off the new furnishings – they’re more elegant but remain informal and practical. For example, the hi-tech, modern look of the ‘stainless steel’ fabrics that upholster the seats, door panels and facia (available in light blue and sand); the special chromatic treatment (anthracite) for the facia, the upholstery of the lower part of the door panels, the carpets and plastic elements; and finally, the graphics of the instrument panel are all new.
 

There’s also been some spec adjustment – the 1600cc version now features six airbags like its diesel-engined sibling. All-in-all, the Multipla is pretty well stacked when it comes to the equipment larder. The list of standard kit on both models includes climate control, on-board computer, electric mirrors/windows, front and rear headrests, seat back pockets, split rear seats, power steering (height adjustable), ABS, EBD front and rear fogs, ISOFIX child seat attachments, central locking and a luggage net. The new range-topping 1.9 MultiJet goes even further with such delectables as new 17-inch alloys, PDC and a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel.

It goes without saying, that all the strong points of the existing model have been retained: six comfortable seats and the compactness of a saloon; a strong personality that stands out in today’s motoring scene; flexible use and extraordinary versatility. The Multipla MY ‘07 is a car with a style all of its own, Fiat’s reply to the demand for plenty of interior space in a car that is little more than four metres long; in fact it is the only car in this market bracket that can guarantee a 3+3 seat layout as well as a capacious luggage compartment.

And the model’s particular architecture ensures that it handles like an MPV in every respect, thanks to the extra height compared to segment B and C cars, which modifies the driver’s sitting position with respect to the road, making for easier access and better domination of the road. For this reason, this appealing people-mover provides a unique interpretation of the themes of styling, versatility, interior space and environmental friendliness. And it does so by proposing extremely ‘intelligent’ solutions in the fields of ergonomics, use of space and engineering. On the engine front, the major change to the Multipla’s 1.9-litre turbo-charged diesel mill is the adoption of MultiJet engineering. Power is up from 85kW to 88kW while torque is improved too – from 205Nm/2000rpm to 206Nm/1450rpm (the low rpm being most impressive).

Fiat Sedici 4x4 (due for launch in the second half of 2007)

Undoubtedly set to be the star on the Fiat stand, the all-new Sedici (Italian for ‘16’) is a car that personifies the ‘4x4 4 ALL’ concept that Fiat has brought to the four-wheel drive market with the specific aim of offering customers all the safety and fun that is only available from a four-wheel drive vehicle. The Fiat Sedici’s features make it the ideal alternative to segment C (Stilo-sized) cars and also to all other off-roaders currently on the market since it offers the driving satisfaction and handling of a compact car with the performance figures of an SUV.

Its dimensions are 411 centimetres long, 176 centimetres wide and 162 centimetres wide with a wheelbase of 250 cm. These dimensions and features make the Fiat Sedici one of the most original cars in its segment. More specifically, the new Fiat model is 11 centimetres less than the average length for compact SUVs (as far as customers are concerned, this means the vehicle is easier to handle, particularly around town). The vehicle is also 10 centimetres lower, which is evident in its slender shape. This makes it look more like a compact saloon and makes for better performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

It, therefore, reconciles apparently conflicting qualities: plenty of passenger room despite a compact size; the handling of a saloon with the off-road qualities of an SUV - and original exterior styling with interior design geared for maximum practicality. This means that the Fiat Sedici is the ideal solution for the motorist of today who inhabits a technological world where it is common for objects to serve more than one purpose. The car is now seen as a versatile product that can adapt to different activities: work, relaxation, culture and leisure time. The interior space within the Fiat Sedici can be changed to your own needs, mainly due to the independently reclinable and stackable rear seats. Last but not least, the load compartment can be increased from 270 to 670 litres with the rear seat fully folded.

The Fiat Seidici has therefore been designed for quality without compromise. This concept has been pursued throughout all stages of the car’s development process, from product design and including the innumerable tests that the car has had to undergo until ready for production. The quality of the new model is also evident in the interior materials, selected to ensure everything fits together smoothly and precisely. Expect equipment levels to be high with all the luxury trappings such as on-board computer, remote central locking, power windows/mirrors, stereo system, cruise control and multifunction steering featuring on the standard menu. The Fiat Sedici’s design was developed in conjunction with Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign company as part of the Fiat-Suzuki manufacturing project. The Fiat Sedici marks Fiat’s return to the 4x4 world, with the clear intention of standing out amidst the common herd of off-road cars due partly to certain stylistic features such as innovatively designed tail-lights, a uniquely dynamic mid-line, a well-proportioned rump and the muscular bulk of its side inserts.