Fiat presented two Idea 'Limited Edition Italia' showcars at this month's 29th Bologna Motor Show.

Their stand was split into a series of coloured segments and these two cars were positioned in the 'Limited' area, with its livery of blue and white.

Here visitors were able to admire two original Fiat Idea Italia cars, limited edition versions reminiscent of the Fiat Vintage fleeces and bags: one metallic blue and the other ivory pearl (both called Limited), with a band of cream, blue and red colour that cuts the vehicles in two as a reference to the collar of the fleeces.

The bonnet is emblazoned with the number 04 that uses Fiat Vintage accessory graphic ideas to indicate the year the show car was created. Inside, both cars feature a deep blue upper part of the dashboard while seats and door panels are trimmed with fresh denim combined with Tundra grey Alcantara with the electro-welded wording 'Fiat Vintage'.

The seating side strips also show the word Fiat in Vintage style, while the head-restraints sport an embroidered Italian flag. This is another sign of Fiat's wish to stamp its cars with an Italian flavour and enhance the concepts of design and creativity for which Italian is famous. The Fiat brand has reclaimed the values of its own heritage and reworked them for a modern audience that is not necessarily a conventional target for a motor manufacturer.

The stand walls near the Fiat Idea Italia were decorated with pictures of George Clooney created in the same way as Andy Warhol's famous images. This is a tribute to the great American artist but also to the actor who stars in the new advertising campaign created for the Fiat Idea. In any case, Pop Art famously took references from advertising, films, newspapers and cartoons. We need look no further than Warhol's Coca Cola, Rosenquist's film fliers or Lichtenstein's cartoons.

The two special cars on show in Bologna suited the taste of fashion-loving customers who are also in search of a comfortable car that can gratify their yen for freedom. The innovative, stylish Fiat Idea is the superlative example in the automotive field of technological progress at the service of mankind. The dual concept 'innovation and emotion' has always been one of the most authentic wellsprings of Fiat tradition: to make the most advanced technology available to all and ensure Fiat models offer smart solutions that make life simpler and better.

Firstly, the new model is an intelligent car. Hence its engines are lively performers but decidedly thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption (the results are among the best in the car's category) and represent an effective solution in and out of town.

The engine range includes a petrol-driven 1.4 16v 90 bhp unit and a 1.3 16v 70 bhp Multijet, both combined with a manual or robotised 'Dualogic' gearbox; a 1.9 100 bhp Multijet and 1.2 16v 80 bhp both with manual gearbox. All the engines available on the new model are particularly noiseless due to exhaust systems with optimised layout and configuration.

Sophisticated technology is also the watchword when it comes to the many devices and systems adopted to ensure maximum in-car wellbeing: from a huge, innovative sunroof (skydome) to a sophisticated dual zone climate control system. Not forgetting that the original compact MPV offers state-of-the-art automatic devices to make driving less of a chore: from Cruise Control to Dualdrive electric power steering.

The Fiat Idea's second winning attribute is connected with Design. The innovative, stylish new MPV transcends the current distinctions between cars of different segments: it is more manageable than a segment C car, roomier and more flexible than a segment B car and more compact than an L1 car. Everything is packed into a little under four metres in length, 1.70 metres in width and 1.66 metres in height.

In appearance, the Fiat Idea looks solid and safe yet it is also original and elegant. Its exterior is recognisable for its broad shoulders and generous wheels given extra flair by clean, up-to-date lines of great personality. The smooth shape with no sharp edges conveys an impression of discreet, non-aggressive power and emphasises the welcoming, protective shell-like nature of a passenger compartment that guarantees safety while also promising comfort.

Comfort is also offered inside by a versatile passenger compartment that reveals painstaking attention to the tiniest aesthetic and technical details. For example, the sophisticated, well-proportioned design of the cabinetwork and trim weds ergonomic excellence, acoustic comfort and climate control. The result is an ideal environment for travelling in relaxing comfort at all times.

The upper part of the original facia is soft and yielding as on higher segment cars. An original-looking gauge is set into the centre while the keys and controls are easy to identify and use. The gearshift is in the middle of the facia close to the steering wheel in a user-friendly position.

And there is more: two roomy closed compartments on the facia, large pouches on the panels, a compartment on the ceiling and a roomy console between the front seats. All five seats are comfortable, ergonomic and safe. With a few quick movements, they can assume different configurations including an unusual couchette position. In this case, the front seats are folded forward to form a table while the rear seat backrest is reclined by more than 45 degrees.

The Fiat Idea interior can be changed to meet different requirements due to its folding front seat and two rear seats that slide forward and backward and can be reclined independently.

Intelligent in the solutions it adopts, innovative and elegant in its design. And the Fiat Idea is much more. Because the new model gives you true emotions, a tangible sensation of in-car wellbeing in any situation. Simply climb aboard the new compact MPV to discover a special mental and physical sensation that means finding plenty of space at all times and, most importantly, exactly where you want it. It means being able to get into and out of the car easily and conveniently and, once you are seated, being surrounded by an airy, well-lit environment lit by oceans of glass.

Photos: Carlo Ombello