ARCHITECTURE

Safe and environmentally-friendly

A new idea that cars should be safer and more respectful of the environment has been taking root for some years now. This more mature approach to the car is shared by customers of all segments. To respond to this increasing awareness, Fiat set out to ensure that the Fiat Idea comes complete with the same specifications and equipment as offered by more recent Group models in the fields of safety (preventive, active and passive) and the environment.

The Fiat Idea represents the very best the automotive industry can offer in terms of environmental issues, beginning with the choice of materials, machining processes and recycling. It is no mere chance that the new compact MPV is built out of clean materials (including Kevlar, organic pigments, aluminium and zinc). These were chosen by means of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) system. This method considers the engineering and industrial properties of the materials and also their overall environmental impact: from raw material extraction to disposal after use, through the stages of processing, machining, packing, shipping, use and recycling.

Right from the design stage, our engineers set themselves the goal of achieving the highest level of recyclability for Fiat Idea components that have served their purpose. The number of polymer materials has been reduced in favour of plastics (that are easier to recycle).

The Fiat Idea is, all told, one of the most environmentally-friendly cars in the world. Similar record-breaking qualities may be claimed for the wide array of safety equipment described below. Apart from anything else, well designed architecture is an essential basis for the highest safety levels. As evidence of this, the car body can boast one of the best torsional rigidity ratings in its segment: 82,200 daNm/rad.

Preventive safety

Excellent visibility at all times is an important preventive safety factor. For this reason, the Fiat Idea offers headlights that come on automatically when you drive into a tunnel, windscreen wipers that come on by themselves when it starts to rain - and proximity sensors that aid parking manoeuvres.

Rain sensor

The system is applied to the upper part of the passenger compartment, behind the central rear view mirror and automatically activates the windscreen wiper and adjusts sweep rate to rain intensity. It is activated by moving the right stalk unit to the first position (intermittence). Its operation is based on the principle of refracting infrared beams through the glass and raindrops. The optical part of the sensor (lens) sends infrared light to the sensor. The lens reflects it and sends it back to the sensor. Because the light energy sent to the windscreen is constant, the value recorded at the time of reception falls in proportion to the increase in the quantity of water and other impurities on the glass. The change in the signal is processed by the electronic part of the sensor that activates the appropriate sweep rate.

Because a wet glass surface disturbs the human eye more by night than by day, the sensor also adjusts windscreen wiper activation on the basis of environmental light. It recognises the water streaks caused by worn blades and compensates for the effects of ageing on the windscreen and the electronic system. In specific situations, it also adopts special sweep cycles: for example, when the windscreen is marked by individual drops or impurities are present on the surface (salt deposits, dirt etc.).

Rain sensor sensitivity may be modified by adjusting a wheel on the right stalk. If the engine is turned off with the system activated, the system is deactivated automatically. To reactivate, when the engine is turned on you can choose to move the stalk to zero and then back to the first position or alter sensor sensitivity.

The system indicates reactivation by controlling one wiper sweep even if the glass is dry. After operating the washer pump, the sensor is activated automatically for the time required to remove the drops that have fallen on the window.

Dusk sensor

The Fiat Idea is equipped with headlights that come on automatically as darkness falls or as you drive into a tunnel. They are controlled by a sensor installed on the front window that works on the principle of infra-red ray refraction. The device measures exterior light intensity and compares it with a value set by the driver to control exterior lighting activation on the Fiat Idea in accordance with the chosen setting. The sensor is able to assess brightness above the car and in the direction of motion to detect the presence of tunnels or main roads.

To activate the Fiat Idea's Automatic Headlights, simply move the right stalk wheel to 'automatic'. This enables simultaneous activation of the side lights and dipped beams on the basis of external brightness.

The user can adjust sensor sensitivity via the control panel by selecting a value from 1 to 3 using keys on the control panel. The setting may also be adjusted with the car in motion.

When the sensor controls automatic light activation, the user can also operate the foglights and rear foglight. The foglights turn off automatically together with the other lights controlled by the sensor: first the dipped beams, then the side lights after 10 seconds.

When the sensor is activated, the driver can only use the light flasher. To activate the fixed beams, a wheel on the left stalk must be set to 'dipped beams' and the main beams must be turned on.

For safety reasons, if the sensor does not work, the side lights and dipped beams are turned on independently of exterior brightness while the instrument panel indicates a fault. Motorists are therefore able to deactivate the automatic device and turn on the lights manually. The Automatic Headlight system does not detect the presence of fog and the motorist must therefore turn on the lights if visibility is poor.

Parking sensor

When parking, some obstacles located behind the car may be outside the driver's field of vision or the driver may simply not be able to calculate the distance to a car parked behind.

This is a job for the parking sensor, which comes into play whenever the ignition is turned on and reverse is engaged. The system consists of an electronic control unit, four ultrasound sensors fitted in the rear bumper and a buzzer. The four detectors specifically cover the rear side areas of the car (from a distance of less than 60 cm) and the middle rear areas (from a distance of less than 150 cm). Let's take a look at how this works. The four detectors are ultrasound transducers that act as smart pulse transmitters and receivers. Pulses are emitted whenever reverse is engaged and are reflected and received as an echo when an obstacle is encountered. The input signal is now converted into a digital signal and sent to the electronic control unit, which activates the buzzer.

The information is then transmitted to the driver in the form of bleeps at intervals. The bleeps are emitted closer and closer together and become a continuous signal when the car reaches a distance of 30 cm from the obstacle.

The sound buzzer is interrupted when the side sensors detect an object approaching for longer than three seconds. This is to prevent the system from continuing to emit a sound when manoeuvring along a wall parallel to the car's centre line.

Active safety

By now the part played by invisible technology in the brand new compact MPV's equipment should be becoming clear. The same sort of technology also plays a starring role in determining dynamic safety. On this front the new model offers a braking system with outstanding performance while also benefiting from the most sophisticated electronic devices for controlling the car's dynamic behaviour: from braking to traction. These include ESP for controlling dynamic stability on corners and ABS complete with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). This outstanding equipment array ensures such consistent, predictable on-road behaviour that the driver can get away with making mistakes and emerge from sticky situations with aplomb.

Braking system

The Fiat Idea boasts an excellent braking system (with two independent crossover hydraulic circuits) that assures prompt, gradual braking and shorter stopping distances. Pedal travel is short to allow the qualities of the 10" brake servo to be exploited to the full. The front discs (ventilated) are 257 mm for versions equipped with 1.2 16v, 1.4 16v and 1.3 16v Multijet units. The Fiat Idea with a 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine comes with 284 mm brakes. The rear drum brakes are 203 mm in diameter (228 mm on the 1.9 Multijet version).

The 10 inch brake servo also facilitates braking and makes it more effective by reducing the effort required on the pedal. The pedals and drive chain have also been thoroughly redesigned for shorter travels and improved modulation of brake action. A special device, developed for the new model, allows the pedal to collapse in the case of impact to minimise intrusion into the passenger compartment.

ABS

The ABS fitted to the new model (Bosch 8) offers four active sensors, four channels and an electronic control unit with twelve solenoids. It is complemented by an EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).

This system ensures that any wheel at the point of locking can brake as effectively as possible. In emergency situations, it also allows full directional control of the car by means of the steering wheel.

The strength of the system lies in the active sensors that process the wheel speeds themselves (without the intervention of the control unit). They can also read values close to zero (passive sensors cannot record speeds lower than 2.5 km/h) and are less sensitive to interference caused by electromagnetic fields. This advanced ABS is complemented by an electronic brakeforce distributor EBD. This divides braking action over all four wheels to prevent the rear wheels from locking and ensures a balanced car response under all conditions.

The system adapts system operation to wheel grip conditions and pad efficiency. It also reduces front brake temperatures and the brake servo thrust requirement.

ESP

To ensure greater mastery of the car, the Fiat Idea offers the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program, a system that cuts in under near-limit conditions when car stability is at risk and helps the driver to control the car.

To achieve this result, the ESP continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to skid (understeer or oversteer).

To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (interior or exterior) individually and reducing engine power (via the throttle). And here lies the specific advantage of the device created for the Fiat Idea. It acts in a modulated fashion on the brakes to ensure the action is as smooth as possible (and the drive is not therefore disturbed). The engine power reduction is contained to ensure outstanding performance and great driving satisfaction at all times. The ESP is permanently engaged.

Hill Holder

The Hill Holder helps drivers on hill starts. It operates when the ESP control unit perceives a change in vehicle gradient by means of a longitudinal acceleration sensor located on the floor under the passenger seat. During hill starts, the control unit is ready to intervene when first gear is engaged and both brake and clutch pedals are pressed. Front calliper pressure is thus maintained for about 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released so that the driver can set off with ease. The Hill Holder function does not operate when setting off downhill with the first speed engaged. The system performs in the same way with reverse engaged: during downhill starts, the system is active but deactivated during hill starts.

Passive safety

Passive safety also benefits from state-of-the-art technology. The credit goes above all to the array of devices available: beginning with six airbags (front with two-stage activation, side and window-bags that protect the rear seats too); adjustable front seat-belts (with pretensioner and load limiter) and three-point rear seat-belts (also fitted to the middle seat); five head-restraints - and a Fire Prevention System. And goes on to include a new chassis designed to absorb impact with maximum efficacy. Lastly, the body and doors also contribute to occupant protection. Not to mention Isofix attachments to carry the smallest occupants in the greatest safety and a Fiat CODE system to protect the car against theft.

Front airbags

Full protection, smart protection. Beginning with two front airbags for driver and front passenger that work in a different way to conventional airbags. Until now, airbags have always expanded simultaneously and to their maximum size after activation and this size was calculated to safeguard occupants during the most severe impacts. The Fiat Idea, however, comes with Multistage front airbags: when the impact is of moderate force, the system opens only to the first of two stages; during more serious collisions, the control units control the activation of both stages. The airbags may, however, be activated in accordance with different sequences determined by the various impact types. In each case, braids inside the bags ensure maximum bag dimension and final shape are as non-invasive as possible for passengers.

The front passenger airbag can be deactivated manually by operating a switch in the right facia compartment using the ignition key. A baby can therefore be carried in a child seat with its back facing the direction of motion (though the pretensioner remains active).

Sidebags

The Fiat Idea comes with two side airbags located inside the seat backrest to protect the pelvis and chest of its passengers even when the car is struck from the side. This positioning affords better protection for passengers regardless of height, sitting position and seat adjustment.

Window-bags

These airbags drop down along the windows to safeguard passengers' heads in the case of side impact. Compared to other solutions, the window-bags adopted on the Fiat Idea are more protective (because they always take up the correct position), faster to inflate and less invasive for passengers. They open from top to bottom and do not involve a risk of secondary damage to occupants' arms.

They also effectively safeguard the heads of front and rear passengers because they extend along the entire width of the window and ensure protection even during rollover.

Two bags (one on the right and the other on the left) are located under the roof rails where they are folded into a closed compartment. At the appropriate moment, the covering bends open to allow the bags to expand and drop downward.

Seat-belts and head-restraints

The Fiat Idea is fitted with height-adjustable front seat-belts (four positions) that come complete with reel, pretensioner and load limiter. In case of impact, an electronically-controlled pyrotechnic pretensioner rewinds the belt within a few milliseconds so that it fits snugly to the body. The front reels contain load limiters that yield in a controlled manner to modulate the force exercised on the shoulders of the belt wearer. Pretensioners and load limiters are also available for the rear passenger seat-belts.

All versions of the new model are fitted as standard with three rear head-restraints that protect the Fiat Idea's occupants against whiplash. The front head-restraints are height-adjustable and fitted with a lock, while the rear restraints take up a single position that protects even the tallest passengers. When lowered, the rear passengers are bound to use them. All five head-restraints are adjusted and shaped to ensure they work as effectively as possible. i.e. when the lateral gap between occupant and head-restraint is minimal and they are aligned vertically.

Control unit and sensors

The Fiat Idea is therefore equipped with all the most advanced passive safety devices currently available. They are governed by a sophisticated new 'nerve system' that is controlled by an electronic control unit located in the front tunnel. This control unit receives signals from the various sensors distributed throughout the car (and others inside) and decides how many devices should be activated and which ones. This is why the system is said to be 'smart'. It does not activate when the occupant is in no danger of striking the car walls regardless of whether an impact has taken place or not. It detects stresses that are not caused by an impact. It will even work if the electrical system stops working.

All this is made possible by particularly sophisticated operating strategies and detection terminals. Namely:

• two-way accelerometers that provide a set of information that complements signals from satellite sensors on the central panels (responsible for activating the sidebags and window-bags);
• a CSA (Crash Severity Algorithm) that identifies crash severity and controls the multistage front airbags;
• a decentralised sensor for detecting frontal impact or ECS (Early Crash Sensor); this extra device is located near the bonnet catch and allows the control unit to activate the front airbags earlier. Unlike conventional systems, this device allows the bag to inflate fully before occupants even start to move in the direction of the steering wheel or facia.

Chassis

During frontal or rear impact, a car protects its occupants effectively if its structure is able to absorb most of the energy generated by impact and transfer as little as possible to the passengers. The Fiat Idea benefits from a new chassis with two load lines that dissipate forces striking the car. A continuous system comprising front struts, rear struts and underfloor rails runs along the car to allow gradual, progressive crumpling proportional to the severity of impact.

This crumpling is made possible by the use of high-strength materials of differential rigidity and thickness that are designed to sustain low-speed impact without damage while also absorbing the energy of high-speed impact and safeguarding the passenger compartment.

Two other, smaller struts located in front of and above the engine line serve the purpose of blocking off stress from the upper part of the car, particularly when the car strikes the rear end of a truck.

Body

The outer body also plays an important role in safeguarding passengers in the case of an accident. It helps support the chassis during front and rear impacts and also plays a key role in side impacts. This achievement is due to the broad cross-section of rails and central pillars and also to the presence of box-section rails in the roof and a beam connecting the central pillars.

The use of panels with two layers of zinc coating on both chassis and body defy corrosion and ensure that structural performance is maintained throughout the car's life.

Doors

To improve safety, the side doors are fitted with hinges and catches that are larger than required by standards and designed to ensure they do not open accidentally during impact but can be easily opened afterwards. Most importantly, they are rigidly reinforced at the waist-line and contain conventional high-strength steel bars that increase protection against side impact.

Bonnet

Even the bonnet has been designed with preset collapse lines that act in conjunction with the retaining hooks to prevent it penetrating the windscreen in the case of accident.

Underfacia beam

A high strength magnesium beam under the facia acts as a sturdy connection between both front pillars and the floor. It helps ensure the non-deformability of the entire front area of the passenger compartment. It also acts as a support to the steering column and prevents the steering wheel from moving forward or moving back toward the driver during impact.

Seats

The structure of the new model's seats has been developed to complement the protective action offered by dedicated safety devices in the event of an accident. For this reason, two sturdy pipes are located under the front seat cushion that support the occupant correctly in the case of frontal impact and minimise seat deformation in the case of side impact. The front pipe and the shape of the base prevent passengers from sliding under the seat-belt (antisubmarining).

An antisubmarining device is also built into the seat base on the rear seats. The rear seat backrest incorporates a sturdy tubular structure able to withstand the forces that develop during frontal impact with limited deformation, even when the luggage compartment contains very heavy loads.

Isofix attachments

The Fiat Idea is fitted with three-point Isofix attachments on the rear side seats to encourage the continuous, correct use of child seats and ensure that the smallest passengers are transported in maximum safety. The attachments take the form of two pairs of brackets (located at the base of the backrest) that allow child seats to be fitted and removed easily and quickly: all you have to do is click the seat into the two fastenings. The bracket sizes and settings are set in accordance with European standards so that the seat can be reused on any other car.

A third Isofix fastening point on the back of the seat backrest (consisting of a strap and spring catch) prevents the seat rolling over.

Facia

The lower part of the facia does not contain rigid parts against which passengers could strike their knees. The area beneath the steering column is rendered harmless by a rounded metal guard, covered in turn by padding and an outer coating. The steering column angle adjustment lever and ignition key dowel are also designed to ensure they do not constitute a possible obstacle to occupants' knees.

Door panels and armrests

The upper part of the door panels are smooth and soft, while the armrests are built to yield during side impact so that they never harm passengers.

Bumpers

These protect passengers against minor impact and feature protruding mouldings to prevent the paintwork from becoming scratched as a result of minor scrapes. The two beams that support the outer shell also allow the Fiat Idea to absorb impact without damage at speeds up to 4 km/h.

Fire Prevention System

The FPS is the most up-to-date and sophisticated solution for protecting a car against possible fire risks. The main system components include an inertia switch that immediately locks the electric pump in petrol-driven cars and the supply solenoid in diesel cars following crashes of a certain entity. This brings about a pressure drop in the fuel ducts to prevent fuel emerging.

 On petrol versions, a cut-off value is also fitted after the tank. This prevents fuel loss in the case of impact, roll-over or damage to the fuel lines. The fuel tank is made out of plastic material resistant to mechanical stress and fire. It is located in a protected position in front of the rear axle.

All electrical equipment power leads are also fitted with maxifuses: devices that cut off the power supply when the temperature becomes too high. Connection leads to the starter motor and alternator are covered with an abrasion-proof coating and located in protected areas.

Special care has also been taken over the arrangement of components and units (engine bay, electrical system, fuel system and brakes) that could become damaged by a fault or accident. The interior trim is also fire resistant (with a flame propagation rate less than 100 mm/min) and meets tough US flame retardant standards.

Protection against break-ins and theft

Fiat CODE immobiliser

The new model is fitted as standard with a Fiat CODE immobiliser that changes the access code each time the car is started. In some countries, the Fiat CODE allows drivers to claim more favourable terms when insuring their cars against theft. The device prevents the engine from being started without the car's original key.

The key grip contains a transponder, i.e. a transmitter containing an electronic code that sends out a secret code to authorise start-up when interrogated by the electronic control unit. The code is not fixed but changes each time the car is started. The code is also transmitted in encrypted form by means of a secret algorithm (offering billions of combinations). The control unit reads the code by means of a coaxial aerial housed around the ignition key.

This system offers a maximum level of security. The secret code never appears in uncoded form to any employee in the factory or at the key manufacturer, and the decrypting algorithm is not resident in any of the components installed on the car (i.e. it cannot be copied). In the case of malfunction, it is designed to operate using an emergency program that uses the accelerator pedal to transmit a special code entered on the CODE Card and known only to the owner.

Custom door lock

This centralised device, available on Dynamic and Emotion versions, is used to lock all the doors on the Fiat Idea. Numerous functions also allow the customer to customise the system by activating different options to suit the way the car is being used at a given time.
More specifically, it is possible to:

• open the driver's door alone at the first turn of the key or at the first press of a remote control key. To unlock all the catches at the same time, all you have to do is turn the key or press the remote control twice in succession. This option is bound to appeal to people who travel alone and often get into and out of their car leaving their briefcase, house keys, mobile phone etc. on the seat;
• decide whether to unlock the tailgate at the same time as the doors (when you need frequent access to the boot) or open only the doors leaving the boot closed - perhaps when the boot contains items that must be protected. In this last situation, the tailgate may be opened only by the owner by pressing the appropriate remote control button;
• activate 'door closure at speed'. Once this option has been selected, you need worry no more about remembering to do it yourself. When the car exceeds 20 km/h, the doors and boot lock automatically. Anyone inside the car can always get out by undoing the handles. But while you are standing at traffic lights, anyone who is up to no good is shut out and cannot open the boot. You can always let your friends on board by pressing the central door unlocking key on the armrest.

The toughest tests for total protection

15,000 thousand hours of mathematical modelling, 60 crash tests, 100 simulations using a HyGe slide, 200 tests on components and subsystems and 6 specialised suppliers involved in codesign. These numbers demonstrate the company's commitment to making the new compact MPV one of the safest cars in its segment.

Engineers from the Fiat Safety Centre subjected the new model to all possible high-speed collision situations to field-test the efficacy of its integrated protection system. They then measured the results against structural and biomechanical requirements laid down by some of the world's toughest standards institutions.

Frontal impact

The Fiat Idea achieved outstanding results in two different types of test: one carried out to US standards, the other to European standards.

• The first was 'offset impact against a deformable barrier at 64 km/h'. This crash test examines the protection that the car offers to different body parts. The new compact MPV fared very well in this type of accident that is dangerous because only one of the front vehicle struts works to absorb impact and the possibility of the steering wheel, facia and pedal unit entering the passenger compartment is very high.
• The second was 'centred impact against a rigid barrier at 56 km/h'. The US federal government uses this equally severe test in car type approval tests (but only at 48 km/h). The procedure subjects the driver and passenger dummies to strong deceleration forces. As in the previous test, the model's passenger compartment did not crumple and the doors could be opened.

Load containment

In the case of head-on impact, the sturdiness of the Fiat Idea seats and the presence of special luggage anchorage points prevent items arranged in the load compartment from striking rear passengers. This was borne out by a test carried out in accordance with German Standard DIN 75410-2 and a very tough Fiat internal test. Following the test, children seated on Isofix child seats and adults seated in the back did not experience any injury even when subject to the stress of a load of no less than 70 kg.

Side impact

Three internationally recognised tests demonstrate the new model's ability to protect front and rear passengers, even in the eventuality of side impact at high speed. These were as follows:

• US Static Standard 214, passed by the Fiat Idea when it countered a 45 centimetre intrusion with a force much higher than twice the car's weight;
• 'impact against a deformable barrier'; the Fiat Idea responded excellently to this test that simulates a 50 km/h collision between two cars at 90°. All credit is due in this case to the pelvic protection offered by the sturdy door structure, to the abdomen and chest protection afforded by the combined action of the sidebags and the door panels and head protection offered by the window-bags;
• 'side impact against a pole' specified by US legislation (Standard 201) and recently also by the Euro NCAP consortium. The curtain bag (optional) brings the Fiat Idea up to the maximum score and sets the model at the top of segment A.

Rear impact

This test was carried out at 50 km/h in accordance with tough Japanese legislation. The result: The Fiat Idea protects the tank against any type of damage, allows all doors to open easily and ensures a small gap between head-restraint and the dummy's neck and between neck and pelvis in all cases. In other words, the car protects the occupants against dangerous pulling forces on the spine.

Roll-over

A structure reinforced by elements made out of high-strength materials, pillar connection beams and window-bags ensures the Fiat Idea's occupants a high level of protection even if the car rolls over.

Pedestrian protection

The front end of the Fiat Idea has been styled to take into account pedestrian safety. The shape is smooth and rounded and no extending parts are present that could threaten pedestrian safety. The most rigid components are positioned in the engine compartment at a sufficient distance from the bonnet so that the bonnet skin can absorb the energy generated by impact with a pedestrian's head during low-power impact.

Insurance Association Test

This is the name given to tests imposed by insurance category Associations that determine car classifications in some countries (and also insurance premiums) on the basis of car repair costs following certain standard crashes. This approach rewards models that experience less damage and cars constructed using a modular system that requires only some parts to be replaced instead of the entire part assembly. According to the criteria applied by German insurers, the Fiat Idea was found to be one of the best cars in its category. This means that the car attracts a low insurance premium in Germany. These glowing results are category-topping even when the UK Association classification system is applied. This system also considers the level of car protection against total and partial theft.

The car has been analysed in detail to reduce repair costs in the case of minor bumps. The Fiat Idea is therefore equipped with sturdy beams inside the bumpers that absorb impact up to 15 km/h without the front rails or body rear becoming deformed and prevent damage to the tailgate. These beams are bolted on and easy to replace to reduce repair costs. The headlights are also designed to ensure they do not break during minor impact. If subject to greater impact, they are designed so that the support brackets alone yield (the brackets are available as spares). Thus the bracket can be replaced alone without replacing the whole headlight for considerable financial saving.

Brand new solutions for a contemporary drive

The Fiat Idea has been designed and built with a view to motorists' desires and new mobility needs. For this reason, we introduced a whole host of smart features to ensure the greatest ease of driving and satisfy a new desire to inhabit a car, i.e. experience the satisfaction of being aboard in the fullest sense.

Firstly, the new compact MPV offers a different driving configuration because the height of the driver's seat level in relation to the road (H point) is higher for greater ease of access, roominess and mastery of the road. This feeling of total dominion is enhanced by oceans of glass that create a well-lit, relaxing atmosphere affording full mastery of everything going on outside the passenger compartment.

The driver also enjoys an outstandingly ergonomic cockpit. For example, the gearbox is located in the middle of the facia and the height-adjustable steering wheel is in a more convenient position. The instruments and controls lie in the centre of the facia for aesthetic and practical reasons because the greater distance from the eye makes them easier to read. The round, analogue dial graphics also allow simple, immediate reading of information aided by large, white characters on a dark background. Night vision is ensured by orange back-lighting. The shade is chosen because it allows the pupil to focus more quickly when changing from dark road to brightly-lit dashboard.

The reconfigurable multifunction display in the centre of the two analogue dials fulfils the twofold function of informing the driver of the main trip parameters (Trip computer) and also indicating any car faults quickly and accurately together with information on the action required. The car can also be customised by choosing different settings on the display, including differential locking of the doors and boot and automatic door locking when the speed exceeds 20 km/h.

The driver's cockpit also includes a courtesy light with two-way lights that may be used as reading spotlights: one is directed to the left for the driver and the other is directed to the right for the passenger. This means that everyone has all the lighting they need without disturbing anyone else. The light beam angle is also excellent for applying make-up, reading or consulting a map. A single courtesy light half way along the ceiling can be used by rear passengers.

The Fiat Idea passenger compartment has thus been outfitted with care and clearheaded practicality to meet specific ergonomic requirements for a more relaxed and comfortable drive. Not to mention all the dynamic qualities that allow the car to embark on long, demanding trips in comfort. For example: the driver will feel as though he or she is at the wheel of a much more compact, agile and nippy car and not a conventional MPV.