The Fiat Croma has just gone on sale in Latin America, however its arrival in the region isn't scheduled for the key markets, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, instead the station wagon is making its showroom debut in the Dominican Republic.

The Fiat Croma has just gone on sale in Latin America, however its arrival in the region isn't scheduled for the key markets, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, instead the estate car is making its showroom debut in the Dominican Republic. Local importer, Empresas Dominicanas, will sell the Croma alongside the Palio, Siena, Uno, Doblò, Fiorino and Ducato.

Whilst the Giorgetto Giugiaro designed 'station wagon' has struggled to win a place in the affections of car buyers in Europe, although the Italian-built car has seen its sales improved after a facelift last November, in Latin America it has been regarded as an interesting case to fill a niche in the market where Fiat Automóveis wants to expand its presence. Particularly in the region's biggest market, where Fiat Automóveis is now aiming to build on its leadership of the lower end of the market and push for acceptance in the premium market segments.

To that end the Croma was presented at the 24th Salão Internacional do Automóvel, in São Paolo, in October 2006. At the time Fiat's South American media and brand Commercial Director Lélio Ramos suggested to journalists that the model could be sold in Brazil in the near future. However did not inform any date set for Croma to be launched onto the national market. Instead Fiat treated the show as an ideal venue to gauge public reaction to the car, in effect a giant surgery. "We will analyse the reaction of the public at the show," said Ramos. However plans to bring the Croma to Brazil stalled as Fiat Automóveis began to focus all its attentions on a huge programme of model renewals, including facelifting the Palio, Siena, Palio Weekend, Stilo and Strada models, as well introducing the Grande Punto and preparing for the production of the Linea, while also plotting the revival of its mothballed factory at Córdoba in Argentina.

Fiat is represented in the Dominican Republic by 'Empresas Dominicanas' and this importer has chosen to bring the Italian built Croma to the Caribbean Island. Just one version will be imported, fitted with the 2.2-litre 16V petrol engine. European market specifications will be available as standard or optional. With its 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, the Croma one of the safest cars in the segment. It also features a host of sophisticated devices: 7 airbags; ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution); ESP (Electronic Stability Program) including ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance); and Hill-holder.

by Claudio Perlini