RANGE & ACCESSORIES

A car to meet all needs. A compact MPV that offers every imaginable in-car device. Even those that were, until recently, reserved for cars of higher segments. This was the brief for the diverse new model range that aims to offer everyone their ideal Fiat Idea.

All the different packages offer great value for money and each corresponds to a different way of inhabiting and using a car. We will take a look at the new model range that will be available at the launch in Italy, though of course different features will be available in the ranges sold in other countries. This is typical of the Fiat Idea's European spirit and its ability to adapt to more than 50 target markets.

* not available in Italy

Italian customers will be able to choose from 3 engines: the 1.4 16v, 1.3 16v Multijet and the 1.9 Multijet (the 1.2 16v is not available); 4 specifications (Actual, Active, Dynamic and Emotion); 11 body colours - and 3 interior trims, each available in two or three body shades.

In detail, the Actual specification is destined for Fiat Idea cars equipped with the 1.4 16v and 1.3 16v Multijet engines. The standard features are bound to appeal to all, particularly the safety specification: ABS + EBD and two Multistage front airbags; Fiat CODE antitheft system, head-restraints and three-point seat-belts on all seats (the front seats come with pretensioner and load limiter as well). The boot also contains luggage hooks and lighting.

All these valuable items are complemented by: provision for a sound system with aerial and six speakers; central door locking with electric handles and remote control (including tailgate); electrically-controlled front windows and an innovative Dualdrive electric power steering system.

The Fiat Idea Actual is distinguished on the outside by painted bumpers with a protective strip and an embossed black coating to the handles, side moulding and door mirror fairings. The wheels are 195/60 R15 with plastic hub caps.

The interior trim is specific to the version, the gauge features a two-row display and the mirrors are manually adjusted. The front seats can be adjusted for reach and rake or folded flat to form a table. They feature a plastic tray on the back and a seat lift (only for the driver). The central part of the rear seat backrest can be used as an armrest with equipment. The seat can be split 40-60% when the different sections slide and tilt independently.

The padded facia trim, more typical of a higher segment car, offers two side compartments (that enclose two large spaces in the upper part) and a roomy pouch on the passenger side. The central gauge also includes a speedometer, rev counter, coolant temperature gauge and fuel level gauge (all analogue).

The gearlever is mounted in an original yet user-friendly position in a console (in the centre at the top) that forms an integral part of the facia. This is the same solution adopted by the other two Fiat MPVs: the Multipla and the Ulysse. The three-spoke steering wheel is padded and contains a driver airbag while the steering column is adjustable for height and depth. The windscreen wipers offer 4 intermittent settings and two continuous speeds.

The Active version (the second Fiat Idea specification level) offers the same diverse and comprehensive package plus the following extras: 1.9 Multijet engine, manual climate control and body-coloured door mirrors. Moving on to the third specification, the Dynamic. This is available on versions with the 1.4 16v, 1.3 16v Multijet and 1.9 Multijet engines. External traits include foglights and 195/60 R15 wheels with alloy trim. Inside, the Fiat Idea Dynamic offers: special trim; gauge with three-row dot matrix display; outdoor temperature sensor; option of customising the car via the control panel; electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors. And also: window-bags, three-point Isofix attachments for two seats and armrests plus lumbar adjustment on both front seats.

The Emotion is the fourth and final specification available on the Fiat Idea. This exclusive equipment package is available with all three engines and offers the following extras over and above the previous packages: special trim; dual zone automatic climate control system; radio with CD player; parking sensor; electrically-operated rear windows with automatic device and anti-obstruction facility; transverse roof console with two drawers and a rear seat monitoring mirror (for watching children). On the outside, the Emotion specification can be identified by painted handles and mouldings.

These four specifications offer a wealth of standard features that can be enhanced by a wide range of exclusive options (some available during the months following the launch): Skydome sunroof, roof rails, sidebags, ESP, Hill Holder, 'Dualogic' gearbox, dusk and rain sensors, Cruise Control, Hi-Fi, CD-changer and CONNET NAV+ with steering wheel controls. The line-up concludes with 16" alloy rims and 205/50 tyres.

The Fiat Idea interior trim selections offer a different type of cloth for each version in line with the body shades. The chunky cloth chosen for actual and Active specifications is two-tone, grey and orange. The soft cloth trim on the Dynamic version has been chosen to enhance the seat shape while the Emotion offers a top-quality, stylish needle-punched cloth. Both are available in three shades: blue, grey or orange. Lastly, all three seat cloths offer a special colour match: grey on the side panels and a specific shade in the centre.

And so from interiors to exteriors. The choice of car colour is always charged with emotional and aesthetic associations. Like the car shape and interior, the body shade is a great expression of personality, a tangible sign of individual lifestyle and the way one appears in the eyes of others. And more. The body colours highlight the car's shape and volumes. This is particularly true of the original shape of the Fiat Idea, where the body shades emphasise changes in cross section.

For this reason, the Fiat Style Centre specialists took a long look at the most recent trends before choosing colours for the new model. Their research resulted in a palette of 11 colours, including metallic and non-metallic shades. Non-metallic shades are as follows: Titian Red and White. The choice of metallic shades is as follows: Scilla Red, Flash Blue, Black, Steel Grey, Atlantic Grey, Jet Blue, Lagoon Blue and the brand new shades Shanti Green and New Batik Orange.

Accessories

The Fiat Idea accessory range was designed by the Fiat Style Centre and developed in conjunction with the new model. It offers all customers, even the most demanding, a wide choice of solutions that suit the car perfectly and emphasise its attributes. These accessories emphasise the model's practicality and versatility while also meeting the functional and emotional needs of any customer. Here are some of the numerous items you can add to customise your new compact MPV to your own tastes.

Firstly, a model such as the Fiat Idea naturally offers leisure accessories such as stylish transverse roof bars. These aluminium bars hold up to 50 kg and can be used to carry bicycle holders, surfboard holders and ski holders. All versions can also be fitted with a quick-fit towhook with a payload of 50 kg on the ball. This comes complete with an electronic control unit that works effectively in conjunction with the sophisticated in-car electrical system and body computer.

Other items offer a stylish, comfortable complement to the interior specifications. They can be chosen in accordance with personal tastes and needs. The array includes sophisticated mats and seat covers plus practical items that make the most of passenger compartment space. For this purpose, we have created nets in various shapes and sizes to be secured in the boot and under the load compartment parcel rack. One net that divides the luggage compartment from the rest of the passenger compartment, for example, is ideal for carrying your pets in safety. You can also order a convenient tray that protects the load compartment and allows you to load any items or materials with complete peace of mind.

Customers seeking sporty add-ons can choose a kit including bumpers, sideskirts and spoiler (the latter is fitted on the roof between the rails). You can also choose one of two different types of 16" alloy wheels and two 15" wheels combined with 165/65 tyres. Inside, sports aficionados can order aluminium pedals with rubber inserts in addition to a leather steering wheel and gear knob.