After the highly successful Panda, the new Croma launched yesterday at the Geneva Motor Show represents the latest addition to Fiat’s modern range.

It is the Croma, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, which marks the centre of attention on the brilliantly designed Fiat stand, providing a warm and confident sense that the company is leaving its financial problems behind as it embarks on a bright and exciting future, recently set free from the clasp of General Motors.

Three of the new Croma models are represented on Fiat's upbeat stand at the Swiss motor show, a dazzlingly bright metallic blue focuses the visitors attention, mounted as it is on a huge round turntable that spirals upwards in shining chrome decreased circles. The other two examples flank this centrally mounted Croma, as the model takes pride of place within its own zone.

The new Croma is the perfect model to mark this new future, which is happening now, representing a good-looking and logical alternative to other vehicles in the D-segment, but with class-leading interior space to match.

The ultra-spacious interior is fabulous, especially when combined with the sky window option which generates such an airy feel. The roofline is remarkably high, which makes getting in and out extremely easy – so important for a family car in this class. Here is an MPV, combined with the looks of an Italian luxury car par excellence. It’s quite simply a brilliant piece of automotive architecture that does not pretend to be anything that it isn’t. It’s not a sportscar, as so many D-segment competitors pretend to be, yet it has the looks to make other drivers feel as if they are in the wrong car.
 

The standard equipment level is astonishing, the entry model coming standard with (amongst other things) seven airbags, keyless-go, electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP), air-conditioning, radio and CD player, front and rear electric windows, central locking with remote control, separately hinged rear seats, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, and a cool box in the centre console.

Optional extras such as leather seats and alloy wheels convert this family car straight into an executive saloon, perfect for ferrying adults around with its class-leading rear legroom.

The all-round fit and finish is second-to-none, the interior in particular being exceptionally well-finished and pleasing to the eye.

With the Fiat stand totally bustling with happy and confident faces, it seemed as if people are once again in love with the manufacturer from Turin as a producer of stylish, fun and affordable family cars. This implies that Fiat are once again on the winning track as a winning company.

By James Granger & Edd Ellison in Geneva