From this month the Fiat Multipla Family goes on sale, a version of the popular MPV designed for families which wish to travel in refined comfort.

Available with either a 115bhp 1.9-litre JTD diesel engine, or in 1.6-litre 16v 'Natural Power' format, the new Multipla Family is distinguishable by its new 'Family' decals and the addition of roof bars. Inside the most obvious new additions are a DVD player and full Bluetooth compatibility, while in the boot new luggage stowage netting is added, with one of these designed to hold DVDs required for the player which itself is located in this area.

This latest 'special series' from Fiat pitches the innovative Multipla, always a distinctive and flexible contender, as the perfect family transportation: six seats in a four meter long vehicle which redefines the traditional 'sedan'. Recently facelifted, the new Multipla still offers its unique and versatile 3+3 seating format.

The driver's seat is electrically adjustable, and the backrests of all the seats are adjustable and the rear seats may be folded flat like a book and tilted to increase the load space or removed altogether. To increase the luggage compartment load capacity without detracting from the comfort of rear passengers, the rear seats may be secured to the floor in two longitudinal positions 15 cm apart. In the most forward of these positions, the luggage compartment capacity is 540 litres.

The portable DVD player is mounted in the centre of the cabin roof lining and is clearly visible to the passengers behind. The player has a 7-inch TFT-LCD screen, with a visualisation of 16:9, along with Decoder AC3 (dolby digital) and DTS. The sophisticated device comes with a infra-red remote and a 3-hour life re-chargable lithium battery, while 'in situ' the DVD player has an adapter which converts the 12v battery power to 220v. The screen and reader are independent so it can be connected to the television set or connected to the stereo to listen to music.
 

The New Multipla marked the first début on Fiat models of handsfree sets with Bluetooth technology to ensure maximum driving safety under all conditions, and this well-received device is standard on the new Multipla Family. The system, available from the accessory range, allows customers with Bluetooth mobile phones to use their phones even when in their jacket pockets or handbags. This system automatically lowers the radio volume (if turned on) and allows you to hear the person you are speaking to through the stereo speakers.

Fiat decided to make the Bluetooth handsfree system even more useful in ensuring that it is able to operate in the presence of a radio, but also when only the wiring is present, using the speakers present in the car in all cases. This is naturally an attractive benefit for customers because they are free to buy the radio they prefer while still benefiting from this sophisticated system.

In detail, the Bluetooth handsfree set designed for the New Multipla uses an analogue echo-cancellation effect that allows sound quality to be maintained without any deterioration in timbre, thus preventing unpleasant metallic tones. The device is also completely built into the vehicle as far as its control unit and control keys are concerned. The control keys are installed in a panel in the centre of the facia - an excellent position because they are easy to reach - and include a blue warning light that allows you to monitor (under any light conditions) the status of the Bluetooth connection. The system also allows you to manage and store up to three mobile phones at the same time so that more than one passenger in the car can make direct use of the handsfree set. The programming may naturally be modified whenever you want at will.

Multipla Family Italian launch prices are 23.970 euro for the 1.9 JTD variant and 24.590 euro for the version equipped with the 1.6 16v 'Natural Power' system.