For the 61st Frankfurt International Motor Show, Fiat has prepared a stand with strong stylistic and architectural appeal, divided into four areas, where visitors can experience the spirit that is behind the brand's revival. The first regards Energy that is a distinctive feature of the Grande Punto; the second is the versatility of the Fiat Idea MY; the third is Enjoyment, a key word for the Panda 4x4 with the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine; and the fourth zone is dedicated to Substance, the concept around which the new Fiat Croma was created and developed.

The exhibition area clearly could not only 'contain' the cars, but necessarily had to create an emotional experience on a par with the many, important automotive novelties. Innovative, metallescent materials were used to achieve this goal, combining them with attractive graphic and chromatic effects that hark back to a number of key words of the Futurist movement: dynamism, speed, power and energy. A striking kaleidoscope of words, sounds and colours that overwhelmed Eighteenth century art, giving birth to a new cultural season in which, for the first time, technology and scientific progress were exalted by new languages and artistic forms. And it is this creative force that we find today on the Fiat stand. The entire exhibition area is developed around the concept of 'energy', as we can see, for example, from the graphic use of coloured spots which combine with dynamic lighting to create the right framework to set off the concept of 'moving passion' that lies behind the Grande Punto project. All the spotlights are focused on the new model which, on one hand reflects the passions of Fiat and its employees for cars, speed and competition; on the other, it is the spirit of a customer who is attracted by the values of beauty, dynamism, colour, passion and movement. This is why we can say that the area where the Grande Punto is on display, conveys energy and is the fulcrum of the entire stand, from which it spreads out in different directions: versatility, enjoyment and substance.

The energy of the Grande Punto

The stand at Frankfurt hosts six versions of the new model that was presented to the international press last week, at a spectacular, symbolic event held in Turin. First of all, there are two versions equipped with the brilliant 77 bhp 1.4 engine, both in the Dynamic specification: one is a 3-door version 'clothed' in a pearlescent black with orange/black seats and a pearly orange facia; the second is a 5-door, with light blue bodywork and light blue/black seats and pearly light blue facia. There are also two Grande Punto Emotions, the most lavish outfit in the range, powered by the new 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet with a variable geometry turbo: the 3-door has an Electric blue body (with blue/black seats and a facia in sand-coloured brushed PVC) while the 5-door has sand bodywork (the same colour as the refined leather seat upholstery and the brushed PVC facia). Both cars have the large electrical sunroof that is also featured on the fifth Grande Punto, the most assertive version in the range: the Sport version equipped with the 130 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine. The car on display is even more attractive because of its orange bodywork, black leather seats and dark grey facia. And finally, the sixth car is particularly worthy of attention: it is the Grande Punto Rally Super 2000 which will shortly compete in the various national and international Rally Championships. On show with Pearl white three coat paintwork and powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine, this gutsy car has a maximum power output of about 280 bhp, and 4-wheel drive, derived from the standard two-wheel drive model.

The versatility of the Fiat idea MY

The protagonist of the area dedicated to 'versatility' is the Fiat Idea MY, the revamped compact MPV, that confirms Fiat's constant attention to the motorist's needs. This attention has now resulted in updated styling and features for a model which since its launch has catered to the tastes of a clientele that appreciates fashion but also wants a comfortable car that satisfies the desire for freedom. The innovative, elegant Fiat Idea MY is the best example of technological progress at the service of man in the automotive world. The equation "innovation and emotion" has always been at the root of Fiat tradition: making advanced technology available to everyone, and offering 'intelligent' solutions that simplify and improve life on all of its models. The Fiat Idea MY is no exception. The new range is represented by two cars in Frankfurt: the first, in the Dynamic outfit, is equipped with the brilliant 95 bhp 1.4 16v and 'dressed' with a unique pearlescent red; the second Fiat Idea, with Electric blue paintwork, is equipped with the powerful 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine and the most comprehensive outfit (Emotion).
 

The enjoyment of the Panda 4x4 1.3 Multijet

From Versatility to Enjoyment: this is the key word of the 70 bhp Panda 4x4 1.3 Multijet which makes its world debut. The small 'off-roader' equipped with the revolutionary turbodiesel engine is appearing for the first time, a much awaited novelty that now joins the other available engine (the tried and tested 60 bhp) extending the range which offers two outfits (the Panda 4x4 and the Panda 4x4 Climbing), two specific interiors and eleven body colours. A Climbing version is on the stand in Frankfurt with flaming red bodywork and interiors that continue the theme of red, combined with grey in this case. On the outside, the car stands out for the longitudinal rooftop bars (the roof also opens), 14" alloy wheels, colour coded bumpers and side rubbing strips. And inside, the 4-wheel drive city car has a height-adjustable driver's seat, a secret storage compartment under the front passenger seat, and built-in head-restraints on the split rear seat. The equipment on the Panda 4x4 Climbing 1.3 Multijet includes the sophisticated Connect Nav Plus info-telematic system, automatic climate control, foglights, Dualdrive electric power steering, ABS complete with EBD, front and side airbags, electric mirrors, remote control and an active handle to open the rear tailgate.

The substance of the new Croma

The Fiat stand could not be without the new Croma, the car that marks Fiat's return to a segment where it had been a leader in terms of comfort and technological innovation. One fact will suffice: the Croma TDI was launched in 1988, the first direct injection diesel car in the world. Today, the new Croma offers a choice of three turbodiesel engines - the 120 or 150 bhp 1.9 Multijet and the new 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet - once again confirming Fiat Auto's supremacy in the diesel engine field, first with the Unijet system and more recently with the Multijet. Designed by Giugiaro, the new Croma is an evolution of the Station Wagon concept which, like the previous model, aims to become the benchmark for medium-high saloons. This is why it is distinguished by the 'substance' of the concepts expressed: great interior roominess and outstanding comfort; technological innovation in the diesel engine field; and finally, superior quality for a mass produced product. Visitors will be able to admire two versions on the Fiat stand, both equipped with the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine, and the range-topping outfit, with beige leather upholstery and lavish standard equipment.
The many automotive novelties and architectural and graphic elements combine to create a magical atmosphere, conveying creativity and Italian technology. In this emotional setting the public will discover Italian design and the concepts of modernity, creativeness and ease of use that distinguish every product created by Fiat. These same guidelines have always directed its search for new solutions and architectures. It is part of Fiat's heritage to develop models that leave their mark, often anticipating the future with cutting edge engineering solutions. Fiat combines this striking innovation with the unmistakable styling that has always ensured its models are immediately recognisable on our roads.