Fiat presented their revamped compact people carrier - the Idea (Model Year 2006) - on the occasion of the 61st Frankfurt Motor Show, which closes its doors for the last time on Sunday. Two models are present, mounted on their own, overlapping platforms. The new Idea - quickly identifiable by its clear front indicator lenses - goes on sale at the end of this year.

The Fiat Idea MY proposes numerous stylistic novelties and features to satisfy the most discerning customers. For example, the new 90bhp 1.3 Multijet engine will be available, as well as some extremely interesting options, including leather seats, steering wheels and gear lever knobs.

Elegance and Italian styling

To start with, all versions will be available with 4 new body colours (two blues and two greys) and a number of other changes, which make the front even more elegant and 'clean', underlined by the chromatic contrast between the shiny and reflecting parts and the colour of the bodyshell. Or the two body-coloured rubbing strips and the background to the grille that is now painted Chrome Shadow. Stylistic refinements that are highlighted by the transparency of the lower part of the front headlights, underlining the precious technological aspect of these true stylistic features. The rubbing strip of the rear bumper is also colour coded (the lower part is now black) while the central grille of the rear lights becomes chromed. The aesthetic changes to the rear of the car are in perfect harmony with those made at the front, and visually accentuate the shoulders, emphasising what is a stylistic trait typical of an SUV. Changes have also been made to the side view of the Dynamic and Emotion versions; the exterior moulding of the door pillars is now shiny while the external door handles and the side mouldings of the doors are painted to match the bodywork, with the addition of a polished chrome insert.

Harmonious, functional interiors

The stylistic novelties on the outside of the new model do not alter the line that has proved popular with the public, but more changes have been made inside to render the passenger compartment more elegant; with dark shades that underline the quality of the materials better, and the light effects of satin chrome and polished black details. For example, the air vents, drawer releases and instrument controls are all chrome plated, while the frames of the instrument panel and the gear lever are now an elegant shiny black (on the Dynamic and Emotion versions, the transmission knob is personalised with a satin chrome 'Fiat Idea' gem).

The trims and the upper part of the facia are now painted black (which perfectly matches the dark grey of the lower part and the centre console), as well as the steering wheel, steering column, radio, climate control, and the lower parts of the door panels and trims. The carpet is the same shade throughout the passenger compartment, on the rear shelf and in the luggage compartment. The ambience in the Fiat Idea MY is more stylish and more lavish, highlighting the new furnishings which are elegant, but also informal and practical. The lower outfits introduce three new shades for the seats which match the panels. On the other hand, the Dynamic and Emotion specifications adopt a new Stainless steel fabric with a technological modern look to the panels and the seats (which are available in shades of black/light blue, black/bronze and black/steel), highlighted by electro-welded features and with black (Dynamic) or leather (Emotion) side strips.

All the strong points of the Fiat Idea

So far we have mentioned the novelties introduced on the revamped Fiat Idea range. But of course all the model's distinctive strengths remain in place: an elegant car, with a simple line, a generous, functional passenger compartment that can meet their most varied demands for space without forgoing brilliance and dynamism. That is not all. Fiat's compact MPV cancels current distinctions between cars of different segments: it handles better than a segment C car, is roomier and more flexible than a segment B, and more compact than an L1 vehicle. And all these features are concentrated in little less than four metres in length, 1.70 metres in width and a height of 1.66 metres.
 

Original styling

The Fiat Idea is solid and safe, but also original and elegant. It is recognisable on the outside for its wide shoulders and large wheels, 'refined' by a clean, modern line with plenty of personality. The smooth shape communicates a discreet, non-aggressive strength, emphasising the character of the passenger compartment which is a welcoming, protective 'shell', a guarantee of safety as well as a promise of comfort. The latter remains high inside the versatile passenger compartment in which no aesthetic or technical detail has been overlooked. The modern, harmonious design of the cabinetwork and furnishings reflects the excellence levels achieved in the field of ergonomics, acoustic comfort and climate control. The result is an ideal environment in which occupants are always comfortable and relaxed.

The facia is original, with a soft, yielding upper part like that on higher segment models; an original instrument panel is set at the centre and the keys and controls are easy to identify and use. The gearlever is at the centre of the facia, in an ergonomic position close to the steering wheel. There are also two closed storage compartments in the facia, large pockets in the panels, a ceiling-high shelf and a capacious unit between the front seats. All five seats are comfortable, ergonomic and safe. The adaptable rear seats can be adjusted in different positions with a few rapid manoeuvres, and include an unusual, comfortable "bunk" position. In this case, the front seats fold forward into a table while the squab of the rear seats is inclined more than 45°. And the interior space of the Fiat Idea MY can be adapted to the driver's needs, because the front seat folds and the two rear seats slide forward and backward and recline independently.

Elastic engines that respect the environment

Intelligent solutions and innovative, elegant styling. But the Fiat Idea is much more than that. You only have to think of the range of engines on offer, all of which are environment friendly (Euro 4) and perform brilliantly, but are sparing on fuel (among the best in this segment), making for a valid solution in town or out of town. The engines available are a 90 bhp 1.4 16v petrol engine and a 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet (a 90 bhp version will be available at year-end), all combined with a manual or robotised 'Dualogic' transmission; a 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet, and a 77 bhp 1.4 8v or a 80 bhp 1.2 16v petrol engine with a mechanical gearbox. The engines have also been made particularly quiet by optimising the position and configuration of the exhaust system.

A car to be enjoyed

Sophisticated technology that is evident in the many devices and systems adopted to guarantee outstanding wellbeing on board; from the innovative 'Skydome' large double opening sunroof, to the sophisticated automatic climate control unit, which allows two different temperatures and air flows to be set simultaneously. And we must not forget that this original compact MPV is the best available on the market in terms of automatic devices to make driving less tiring: from Cruise Control to 'Dualdrive' electric power steering.

Class-topping comfort and safety

A car to be enjoyed, which imparts real emotions, a tangible sense of well-being in all situations. You only have to get into the Fiat Idea MY to discover a particular psycho-physical sensation which for the customer translates into plenty of space and above all space where you need it. It means being able to get in and out of the car easily, and once you are sitting comfortably, being surrounded by an airy, light-filled ambience, thanks to the generous glazing. To achieve this extraordinary level of comfort, the designers have adopted the most up-to-date ergonomic criteria from the conception of the new model. The end results are the values that the Fiat Idea achieves for essential ergonomic functions: roominess, driving posture, access, visibility and reconfigurable space. Drivers between 1.50 and 2 metres in height can be accommodated easily, a record for this segment. And the shoulder width on the front seats is 1402 mm, while that on the rear seats is 1365 mm (both figures lead this class). The roominess coefficient is 99.5%, one of the best in this market bracket. The luggage compartment is also one of the most capacious in this category (320 litres): if more space is necessary, the rear seat folds down to produce an extraordinary loading capacity of 1420 litres up to the roof.

Last but not least, the Fiat Idea MY is one of the safest cars in its segment. It fits up to 6 airbags (dual stage activation on the front bags, side and window bags to protect rear passengers); adjustable front seat belts (with pretensioners and load limiters), 3-point rear belts (including the centre seat), and Isofix anchorage points. In the field of active safety, ABS complete with EBD is standard on the Fiat Idea, while ESP with a Hill Holder to simplify hill starting, and the HBA electronic emergency braking aid are available on request.