Taking the concept of "badge engineering" to extreme levels, and straddling continents, the Freemont minivan uses the trim options and specification levels of the Journey's sporty range-topper, the R/T. It replaces the now-discontinued Ulysee in Fiat's European model range. The Freemont has gone on sale in Italy this week and the portents are so far promising with Fiat reporting that 6,300 orders have been taken in its first two weeks on sale.

This Freemont aims to combine flexibility and practicality. Its dimensions (489 cm in length, 188 cm wide and 169 cm high) ensure internal space, thanks to the wheelbase of 289 cm. The Freemont is being marketed in Europe under the tagline of "All the car you want."

Its design includes the front end of the recently facelifted Dodge Journey, choosing the bumpers and trims from the Journey R/T, while at the rear it carries over the LED tail lights that were incorporated into the refreshed American model. The old interior was banished by the Chrysler Group's designers and the interior surfaces are now more modern with soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a new instrument panel, a new center console, and an infotainment system with a 4.3" colour touch-screen. Several vehicle functions can be controlled with just a touch on the screen, including the temperature settings for the three climate-controlled areas and stereo system adjustment. The system offers Radio/CD/MP3, USB port, AUX socket and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Freemont has space, comfort and versatility thanks to its 7 seats fitted as standard, with a genuine, spacious third row which is easily accessible because the rear doors open to 90°, and the vehicle is equipped with a simple and easily operated seat slide system. The seats of the third row can be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely as a load floor, leaving the car with a 5 seat configuration and creating a flat and even load platform. The second row and the front passenger power seat can also be folded down completely, allowing 32 different seating configurations. The second row is mounted slightly higher than the first, and the third slightly higher again, ensuring maximum visibility and comfort for all occupants. The second row is also fitted with an available innovative child booster system to make sure that children on board are seated correctly, optimising the seatbelt geometry and guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort. This feature, which makes the Freemont "perfect for families", allows you to raise the seats by up to 102 mm.

On-board comfort is also ensured by the high driving position and the spacious and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres (equivalent to more than 10 suitcases). There are over 20 storage compartments, offering significant additional capacity, equal to the size of a city-car boot. The front armrest, for example, is very deep and guarantees maximum capacity. It also houses a USB port, an AUX-in socket (which may also be used for an iPod) and a 12 volt power socket. This means you can listen to music or recharge portable devices whilst ensuring they are concealed when you get out of the car. The passenger seat contains a convenient and easily accessible compartment under its cushion, while the floor in the second row contains two spacious compartments under the mats.

The Freemont is powered by state-of-the-art 2.0L MultiJet 2 engines, with variable geometry, available in 140 HP or 170 HP options, with a manual gearbox and front wheel drive. The Freemont will also soon become available in all wheel drive versions with 170 HP 2.0L MultiJet 2 and 276 HP 3.6L petrol V6 engines, both with automatic gearboxes, to ensure driving comfort and safety at the same time. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic gearbox, all power units are produced and developed by Fiat Powertrain.

The diesel engines have been designed to offer the optimum balance of performance, driving pleasure and fuel consumption. The vehicle's drivability is guaranteed by a maximum torque value (350 Nm) which is reached at 1750 rpm and constant up to 2500 for the 170 HP version (up to 2000 rpm for the 140 HP version). For the normal usage range (from starting the engine up to 4000 rpm), the torque never falls below 300 Nm, avoiding uncomfortable "downshifts" and enhancing driving pleasure. This makes the engine very flexible, with optimum acceleration from 0-100 km/h and optimum maximum speeds: 11 seconds and 195 km/h for the 170 HP model, 12.3 seconds and 180 km/h for the 140 HP model. All of this combined makes the Freemont a dynamic and safe drive.

Fiat engineers have also optimised the vehicle's dynamic performance. The steering system was conceived and manufactured using more direct and precise calibration and offers handling which is in line with the expectations of our European clients. The dynamic handling and comfort have been improved thanks to the vehicle's redesigned suspension, which ensures efficient alignment with European roads. Adjustments have been made to various parts of the suspension design, including stiffening the suspension mountings, improving the front suspension geometry to reduce the roll angle and adjusting the suspension and shock absorber calibration for the optimum combination of comfort and handling which is in line with European standards. Acoustic comfort is guaranteed by a reduction in vibrations transmitted from the engine to the passenger compartment and the use of sound insulation materials to reduce onboard noise.

Maximum safety is ensured by the Freemont's 6 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM) fitted as standard on all vehicles. And not forgetting the child boosters and cruise control mentioned earlier, also fitted as standard on all trim levels, to ensure that children are seated correctly and to allow perfect control of cruising speed. The rollover mitigation system (ERM) uses data received from ESP sensors to detect potential roll risks and intervenes by supplying braking power to individual wheels and adjusting the position of the throttle valve.

The Freemont also has an intelligent system which takes care of your trailer, Trailer Sway Control (TSC). Once its sensors detect that a trailer is swaying, the system intervenes, automatically applying the correct braking action to the wheels in order to keep the trailer under control and avoid dangerous oscillations. With this system, drivers can feel safe and confident when transporting their own loads.

To make it easier for the client to choose and purchase their vehicle, in Italy, the Freemont range will be launched with a simple choice of two trim levels, the Freemont and the Urban, each of which meets specific needs, and two types of diesel 2.0L MultiJet 2 16v engines, a 140 HP and a 170 HP version, to satisfy different performance requirements. The Freemont trim level has a high level of content as standard: 7 seats, automatic triple-zone climate control, radio/CD/MP3 with 4.3" touch-screen, Trip Computer and steering wheel audio controls, 17" alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), keyless entry/go, child boosters and an anti-theft alarm. The Urban trim level offers even more, particularly in terms of comfort and urban practicality, with added Bluetooth, lighting sensor, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, roof bars, electrically adjustable driver's seat (6 directions + 4 lumbar adjustment options), folding electric rear-view mirrors, tinted rear windows and electrochromic mirror.

Fiat has come up with important new sales and after-sales proposals to cater to the desires, needs, tastes and aspirations of many different customers. An example? The extended warranty devised by FGA Capital, a finance company specialising in the automotive sector. What's exciting about this solution is the extended duration up to 96 months, the unlimited mileage and the contents: complete "protection" for the components of the car. What's more, you will even receive the same level of coverage for the entire duration of your loan, a distinctive feature on the market.

DESIGN

This vehicle is equipped with everything you could need to be able to go where you want, with the people you want, no compromises required, ensuring that you feel completely free. The Fiat Freemont has been designed to meet the diverse needs of families and clients seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater to the frenetic pace of everyday life or to transport them safely and comfortably during their weekend leisure time. This vehicle combines flexibility and practicality with its own distinctive and original style. Its dimensions (489 cm in length, 188 cm wide and 169 cm high) ensure optimum internal space, thanks to the generous wheelbase of 289 cm.

With its unique and original design, perfectly in line with the brand's identity, the Fiat Freemont offers a positive driving experience and maximum versatility. The front end is characterised by muscular and decisive lines which exemplify the model's strong personality. The honeycomb grille with chrome trim, adorned with a badge which proudly bears the Fiat logo, gives the Freemont audacity and power, while the modern halogen headlights ensure the road ahead is well lit. The bumpers are equipped with integrated fog lights which ensure maximum visibility even in adverse weather conditions. The body-coloured bumpers create an elegant frame around the headlights and covers. From the side, the horizontal lines of the bonnet and the opaque black weatherstrip covers on the posts create the illusion of a single window while the sculpted wheel arches enhance the car's "athletic" character.
 
The Fiat Freemont's personality continues into the rear of the vehicle, where the tailgate includes an integrated spoiler to ensure increased aerodynamic performance. The innovative LED light clusters spread along the lower edge of the liftgate and the body give the car even more style and personality. The bottom of the tailgate window is bordered by a line of tail lights which improves rear visibility. At launch, the following body colours will be available: Avantgard Metal Grey, Progressive Grey,  Symphonic Blue, Bossa Nova white.  Unplugged Black, Country Brown and Calyspo Green will soon be added to the collection.

The "toned" lines of the vehicle house a refined interior, conceived by Fiat designers to welcome occupants into a homogenous and relaxing environment, offering enhanced on-board pleasure. The interiors of the Fiat Freemont range offer modern style and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a striking center console and an innovative infotainment system with a 4.3" colour touch-screen. Several vehicle functions can be controlled with just a light touch on the screen, including the temperature settings for the three climate-controlled areas, stereo system adjustment and the use of your mobile telephone via Bluetooth connection.

You can also choose between fabric and leather upholstery to personalise the interior of your Freemont. With the leather option, elegance and style are guaranteed thanks to luxury finishings and contrasting stitching. Even the door panels have leather detailing, with contrasting chrome trim, which is also included with the fabric upholstery option, for even more polished and refined interiors. The foam padding in the seats is designed to offer comfortable seating and a comfortable backrest, thanks to lateral support built into the cushions, with softer inserts and an additional maximum thickness cushion cover. Double density foam is used in selected zones to offer maximum support while the cushions of the seats are also supported by spring suspension.

SPACE, VERSATILITY AND COMFORT

The Fiat Freemont boasts top class interior capacity and comfort, as well as offering innovative seating configurations to facilitate the transporting of both passengers and loads. To meet a wide range of passenger requirements, the Fiat Freemont is available with 7 seats fitted as standard, positioned as in a theatre: the second row is mounted slightly higher than the first, and the third is higher again, allowing maximum comfort and visibility for all occupants. A 5 seat configuration is available on request. The seats of the third row can be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely as a load floor, leaving the car with a 5 seat configuration and creating a flat and even load platform. The 2nd row and the passenger seat can also be fully folded down. Welcoming and practical, the Fiat Freemont is a car for relaxing moments and comfortable journeys, whose passengers will benefit from a firm sense of on-board comfort. To achieve this objective, the designers worked according to the most modern ergonomic standards, in order to fulfil the criteria which measure a vehicle's capacity to meet the requirements for on-board comfort and wellbeing. The final results are excellent in all key ergonomic areas: comfort, driving position, accessibility, visibility and space reconfigurability.

90°-opening rear doors

The Fiat Freemont's rear doors open out to 90 degrees to make it easier for second row passengers to get in and out of the vehicle, and improve access to the third row of seats. A new, three-stage "90 degree" hinge was designed specifically for this purpose. When fully open, the rotation angle is 87 degrees, offering ample space to load a child sear into the second row or to provide comfortable access to the third row. The first stage of closing keeps the door open at 26 degrees, allowing passengers to exit the vehicle without the door striking other vehicles parked in adjacent spaces. The intermediate 58 degree position is wide enough to allow comfortable access for passengers entering and exiting the vehicle.

"Theatre"-style seating

The availability theatre-style seating improves visibility for the occupants of the second and third rows and creates a sense of increased space inside the vehicle. The second and third rows are mounted at different heights to create a similar effect to a seat in a theatre. This configuration ensures that all occupants benefit from maximum visibility. The "H point" (the height of the hips relative to the road surface) of the second row is 44 mm higher than that of the first row, while the third row is 17 mm higher again compared to the second row, and 61 mm higher than the first row. The seats on the second row are equipped with the "Tip ‘N Slide" system, which allows easy access to the third row with one simple movement.

Front seats

The front seats are supportive, with thicker padding on the cushions and the backrest to ensure that the occupant feels secure. The 4-way adjustable headrests are designed to ensure maximum protection against whiplash. Available in fabric or leather, the seats on the Freemont trim level include manual longitudinal adjustment and tilt adjustment to improve passenger comfort. On the Urban trim level, the seats can be adjusted electrically in 6 directions with 4 lumbar adjustment options available on the driver's seat. For maximum comfort, the leather upholstery option includes heated front seats, easily activated using the colour touch-screen display on the dashboard.

The "Flip 'N Stow" System

The front passenger seat is equipped with the "Flip ‘N Stow" system, a practical and secure storage compartment integrated into the cushion. The cushion can be moved forward to reveal an ample compartment (29 x 23.6 cm) which can be used to store personal belongings up to a maximum volume of 5 litres. The back of the "Flip N' Stow" passenger seat folds forward to increase load capacity, making it possible to transport particularly long objects, and offering a child sitting in the seat behind an improved view.

The seats of the second row can be separated and folded 60/40

Similar to the front seats, but with less pronounced padding to ensure a flat load surface when the seats are folded, the rear seats on the second row offer a versatile system of cushions which can be separated and folded 60/40. The backs of these seats fold away completely to create a flat and continuous load platform. To increase convenience and safety, the section of the seating which can be folded to 60% is located on the passenger side to facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle. The central reclining section of the back of the second row folds forward, transforming into a flat surface which has two cup holders and a compartment for the temporary storage of small objects. The seat guides can be adjusted forwards and backwards by up to 10 centimetres to provide more legroom for adults, or bring children closer to the front seats, or to create more load space at the rear.

The "Child Presenter" System

The Fiat Freemont's "child presenter" system is a combination of different configurations of the front seats and the second row which allow easy access to a child sitting in the second row. The seats of the second row slide forward by up to 10 cm from their rear most position, bringing children closer to the front of the passenger compartment. In addition to this, the front passenger power seat can be folded (this allows the driver to reach behind to assist children), and child seats can be installed in any of the three seats on the second row, including in the centre. Seating a child in the central position and folding down the passenger seat allows the child to benefit from an improved view of the outside and front of the vehicle, ensuring maximum travelling comfort.

Seats with integrated "child boosters"

The Fiat Freemont offers the "child booster" system as standard, for children over the age where child seats are obligatory. These are two boosters positioned in the cushions of the left and right seats on the second row. The centre of the seat cushion raises and moves back to lift the child by 10 centimetres. This ensures that children are seated correctly, optimising seatbelt geometry and safety and ensuring protection, practicality and comfort. The "child booster" system is available with both the fabric and leather upholstery options.

"Tip 'N Slide" Seats

The second row of seats is equipped with the "Tip N' Slide" system, which allows easier access to the third row with one simple movement. Using a lever located on the side of the backrest, the cushions of the seats can be tilted upwards and the seats will slide forward. Minimum effort is required to tilt and slide the seats. To make entering and exiting the vehicle even easier for passengers on the third row, there are moulded handles integrated into the internal side panels. 

The third row of seats

The third row of seats can be separated 50/50 and offers space to seat two passengers. The backrest can be reclined by 6 degrees for maximum comfort or the seats can be folded to increase load capacity. Thanks to the "Tilt N' Slide" system on the second row, the seats of the third row can be accessed easily. By pulling the lever located on the side of the backrest, the seat can be folded and the seats slide forward. Behind the third row of seats you will find a series of storage compartments hidden in the floor.

Storage and baggage compartments

The Fiat Freemont is extremely practical, with over 20 storage compartments to ensure that occupants have access to a significant amount of additional storage, equal to the capacity of the boot of a city-car. The front armrest, for example, is very deep and guarantees maximum capacity. It also houses a USB port (which may also be used for an iPod) and a 12 volt power socket. This means you can listen to music or recharge portable devices whilst ensuring they are concealed when you get out of the car. The front passenger seat also has a convenient storage compartment which is easily accessible underneath the cushion, while the mini console in the roof panel has a handy glasses compartment with a two position cover and a safety mirror for observing children sitting in the rear seats. The floor of the second row houses two closable compartments offering over 12 litres of storage, with removable bins which can be easily washed. The central section of the backrest of the second row can be folded down and used as an armrest, and includes two cup holders and a compartment for storing small objects. The spacious boot is equipped with a double storage compartment. When the second and third row are folded down, the load platform is flat and even, with a total capacity of up to 1461 litres (equivalent to more than 10 suitcases).

ENGINES

On its launch, the Fiat Freemont is offered with front wheel drive and two diesel engines: the 2.0 MultiJet 2 16v 140 HP and the 2.0 MultiJet 2 16v 170 HP. A true concentration of technology, this engine ensures the optimum balance between performance, fuel consumption and driving pleasure. The Freemont will also soon become available in all wheel drive versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic 6-speed gearboxes, to ensure driving comfort and safety at the same time. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family, all power units are produced and developed by Fiat Powertrain.

140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2

The 2.0 MultiJet 2 is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and a new variable displacement oil pump, as well as benefitting from all the power of its state-of-the-art second-generation MultiJet technology. MultiJet 2 engines ensure economy, eco-friendliness and performance levels unparalleled on the market. In contrast to the first generation of MultiJet engines, the fuel supply system is now equipped with faster injectors able to execute multiple injections in rapid succession. Specifically, the system can now perform a main modulated injection of fuel in several distinct phases and anticipate the ones that follow. The MultiJet 2 system's servo valve with balanced plunger is able to manage up to 8 injections per cycle, offering greater speed, flexibility and precision in the various phases of operation. This makes for a significantly less complex system with 40% fewer components, thus increasing economy and reliability.

With the MultiJet 2, thanks to the new type of injector, now strategies focused on optimising the increasingly advanced combustion can be achieved, such as the Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) system which involves two consecutive injections so close together in time as to generate a continuous and modulated fuel supply into the cylinders. With this method, the combustion process is improved, all to the benefit of particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Today the MultiJet 2 engines totally satisfy the Euro 5 standard and at the same time mark a decisive step toward stricter regulatory levels in the future.

Enhanced with new technology, the MultiJet 2 is equipped with a reliable and modern 6-speed gearbox. The Fiat Freemont's 2.0 litre engine is at the top of its class for performance and responsiveness. Proof of this comes in the fact that the maximum torque value (350 Nm) is achieved at just 1750 rpm and is constant up to 2500 rpm in the 170 HP version (up to 2000 rpm in the 140 HP version). For the normal usage range (from starting the engine up to 3000 rpm), the torque never falls below 300 Nm, avoiding uncomfortable "downshifts" and enhancing driving pleasure. This makes the engine very flexible, with optimum acceleration from 0-100 km/h and optimum maximum speeds: 11 seconds and 195 km/h for the 170 HP model, 12.3 seconds and 180 km/h for the 140 HP model. All of this translates into dynamic and safe driving: for both power versions, in a combined cycle, values are 6.4 l/100km and 169 g/km of CO2. Compliance with the Euro 5 emission values is ensured by using a close-coupled DPF (CCDPF) and an advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in which all subcomponents are grouped into a single, compact element (EGR module).

TECHNOLOGY

The Fiat Freemont surrounds both driver and passengers with technology which ensures them the highest level of comfort on board, as demonstrated by the automatic triple-zone climate control, the innovative infotainment system and the keyless entry/go. In the same way, driving pleasure is ensured both by the specifically designed suspension and tyres and the padded interior environment, which is comfortable and vibration-free thanks to the car's super-efficient sound insulation.

Triple-zone automatic climate control system

The climate inside the passenger compartment is one of the principal factors for comfort when travelling and is also important for preventative safety, because comfort, humidity and ventilation all influence the wellbeing of the driver and therefore his/her level of attention. Not forgetting that the heating and ventilation system is also responsible for the defrosting of the windscreen and side windows. This is why the Fiat Freemont is equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, which allows three different temperatures and levels of air distribution to be programmed simultaneously, at the right of the passenger compartment, at the left and in the rear zone. The system operates by automatically controlling temperature, air capacity, air distribution, the use of the compressor and air recirculation. The vent output positions and speed are automatically adjusted according to input conditions such as exterior temperature, interior temperature, the solar radiation and the coolant temperature. If required, the direction and speed of the air flow can be selected manually and fixed.

Multimedia infotainment system

The first trim level comes with an innovative infotainment system as standard, along with a wide colour touch-screen (4.3") which allows you to control several of the vehicle's functions, including setting the temperature of the three climate controlled zones and adjusting the stereo system. The system offers unrivalled technology, with its Radio/CD/MP3, USB port, AUX socket and Bluetooth connectivity. Following the launch, a rear camera will also be available, which will allow the driver to see an image of the area behind the vehicle on the touch-screen display when reverse gear is selected.

Keyless entry/go

The Fiat Freemont offers the "keyless entry/go" system as standard, making entering your car and starting the engine simple and comfortable. You no longer need to search for your key, put it in the lock, turn it, and once in the driver's seat, put it into the ignition to start the engine. All you need is your personalised remote control key and everything changes. When you approach the car and pull the door handle, the keyless entry/go system's electronic control unit checks whether the key is in the vicinity. When the key is located and the secret code transmitted via radio frequency is confirmed as correct, the door automatically opens. At this point, all you need to do is get behind the wheel and start the engine by pressing the button on the dashboard. Once you reach your destination, the same procedure is carried out in reverse. Switch off the engine by pressing the same button, and once out of the car, push the door handle. For the control unit, this is the signal that you intend to leave the car, so the keyless entry/go system locks the doors. Simple, convenient and intelligent, the system is also equipped with a series of measures to ensure that it is completely safe and secure. For example, in order to avoid accidental movement of the vehicle which could prove dangerous (by a child, for example), when you press the engine start button, the brake pedal must also be pressed to communicate a genuine intention to depart. After closing the doors, the person holding the key is able to access the boot. The system not only locks the liftgate, but all locks can also be relocked by pressing the handle of the liftgate itself. This avoids the need to walk round the car and use a door handle to control the central locking.

Front and rear suspension

The Fiat Freemont ensures maximum driving pleasure, thanks to its suspension, which offers optimal handling and "independence" from the road. The dynamic handling and comfort have been improved thanks to the vehicle's redesigned suspension, to ensure an overall configuration in line with European roads. Adjustments have been made to various parts of the suspension design, including stiffening the suspension mountings, improving the front suspension geometry to reduce the roll angle and adjusting the suspension and shock absorber calibration for the optimum combination of comfort and handling which is in line with European standards. The Fiat Freemont has MacPherson type front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. The advantages of MacPherson suspension are reduced size and the option to calibrate the suspension geometry when carrying loads. At the rear, the vehicle is equipped with a Multilink suspension system with coil springs, gas shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar which reduces chassis rolling on bends for improved driving comfort and handling.

Tyres

The Fiat Freemont's tyres use tread materials and designs created to optimise traction both on wet and dry roads, for efficient handling with minimal noise. These features have been set up for each suspension tuning package and developed in conjunction with tyre suppliers. With its 19" alloys, the vehicle is equipped with "M + S" type tyres, which can be used in all seasons without the need for winter tyres in the cold months.

SAFETY

The Fiat Freemont surrounds both driver and passengers with technology which ensures them the highest level of comfort on board, as demonstrated by the automatic triple-zone climate control, the innovative infotainment system and the keyless entry/go. In the same way, driving pleasure is ensured both by the specifically designed suspension and tyres and the padded interior environment, which is comfortable and vibration-free thanks to the car's super-efficient sound insulation.

Triple-zone automatic climate control system

The climate inside the passenger compartment is one of the principal factors for comfort when travelling and is also important for preventative safety, because comfort, humidity and ventilation all influence the wellbeing of the driver and therefore his/her level of attention. Not forgetting that the heating and ventilation system is also responsible for the defrosting of the windscreen and side windows. This is why the Fiat Freemont is equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, which allows three different temperatures and levels of air distribution to be programmed simultaneously, at the right of the passenger compartment, at the left and in the rear zone. The system operates by automatically controlling temperature, air capacity, air distribution, the use of the compressor and air recirculation. The vent output positions and speed are automatically adjusted according to input conditions such as exterior temperature, interior temperature, the solar radiation and the coolant temperature. If required, the direction and speed of the air flow can be selected manually and fixed.

Multimedia infotainment system

The first trim level comes with an innovative infotainment system as standard, along with a wide colour touch-screen (4.3") which allows you to control several of the vehicle's functions, including setting the temperature of the three climate controlled zones and adjusting the stereo system. The system offers unrivalled technology, with its Radio/CD/MP3, USB port, AUX socket and Bluetooth connectivity. Following the launch, a rear camera will also be available, which will allow the driver to see an image of the area behind the vehicle on the touch-screen display when reverse gear is selected.

Keyless entry/go

The Fiat Freemont offers the "keyless entry/go" system as standard, making entering your car and starting the engine simple and comfortable. You no longer need to search for your key, put it in the lock, turn it, and once in the driver's seat, put it into the ignition to start the engine. All you need is your personalised remote control key and everything changes. When you approach the car and pull the door handle, the keyless entry/go system's electronic control unit checks whether the key is in the vicinity. When the key is located and the secret code transmitted via radio frequency is confirmed as correct, the door automatically opens. At this point, all you need to do is get behind the wheel and start the engine by pressing the button on the dashboard. Once you reach your destination, the same procedure is carried out in reverse. Switch off the engine by pressing the same button, and once out of the car, push the door handle. For the control unit, this is the signal that you intend to leave the car, so the keyless entry/go system locks the doors. Simple, convenient and intelligent, the system is also equipped with a series of measures to ensure that it is completely safe and secure. For example, in order to avoid accidental movement of the vehicle which could prove dangerous (by a child, for example), when you press the engine start button, the brake pedal must also be pressed to communicate a genuine intention to depart. After closing the doors, the person holding the key is able to access the boot. The system not only locks the liftgate, but all locks can also be relocked by pressing the handle of the liftgate itself. This avoids the need to walk round the car and use a door handle to control the central locking.

Front and rear suspension

The Fiat Freemont ensures maximum driving pleasure, thanks to its suspension, which offers optimal handling and "independence" from the road. The dynamic handling and comfort have been improved thanks to the vehicle's redesigned suspension, to ensure an overall configuration in line with European roads. Adjustments have been made to various parts of the suspension design, including stiffening the suspension mountings, improving the front suspension geometry to reduce the roll angle and adjusting the suspension and shock absorber calibration for the optimum combination of comfort and handling which is in line with European standards. The Fiat Freemont has MacPherson type front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. The advantages of MacPherson suspension are reduced size and the option to calibrate the suspension geometry when carrying loads. At the rear, the vehicle is equipped with a Multilink suspension system with coil springs, gas shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar which reduces chassis rolling on bends for improved driving comfort and handling.

Tyres

The Fiat Freemont's tyres use tread materials and designs created to optimise traction both on wet and dry roads, for efficient handling with minimal noise. These features have been set up for each suspension tuning package and developed in conjunction with tyre suppliers. With its 19" alloys, the vehicle is equipped with "M + S" type tyres, which can be used in all seasons without the need for winter tyres in the cold months.

RANGE (ITALIAN MARKET)

In Italy, the Freemont range will be launched with a simple choice of two trim levels, the Freemont and the Urban, each of which meets specific needs, with two types of engine, the diesel 2.0 MultiJet 2 16v 140 HP and the diesel 2.0 MultiJet 2 16v 170 HP to satisfy different performance requirements. The Freemont trim level offers as standard: 7 seats, automatic triple-zone climate control, radio/CD/MP3 with 4.3" touch-screen, Trip Computer and audio controls on the steering wheel, 17" alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), keyless entry/go, child boosters and anti-theft alarm. The Urban trim level offers even more, particularly in terms of comfort and urban practicality, with added Bluetooth, lighting sensor, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, roof bars, electrically adjustable driver's seat (6 directions + 4 lumbar adjustment options), folding electric rear-view mirrors, tinted rear windows and electrochromic mirror.

Financial solutions and extended warranty

FGA Capital - a finance company specialising in the automotive sector - is offering financial solutions for the commercial launch of the car that make its purchase accessible for all customer groups by adopting a cross-market strategy. For example there's the "Fiat Più", package, the finance option which that allows you to have a new vehicle and pay only for what you actually use; the "installment plan" which allows you to defer the payment of all or part of your Fiat Freemont; "leasing" which means you can use the car without tying up your capital; and, in some markets, "long term hire" which frees the client of all of the hassle of bureaucracy and administration. All of Fiat's financial products have been enhanced with an innovative service dedicated to car coverage: the new Extended Warranty which replaces the products currently on offer and has been recently put together in collaboration with the Fiat Group Automobiles brands and a prominent international partner, the Warranty Group. Available first in Italy, Spain and Portugal, but to be rolled out rapidly in all European markets afterwards, this new service will be a distinguishing element for the launch of the Freemont as well as for the rest of the Fiat range. What's exciting about the new extended warranty is its duration of up to 96 months, its unlimited mileage and its contents: a practically complete "protection" package for the components of the car. And an even more innovative feature on the market is that this package offers the same level of coverage for the entire duration chosen for the loan. In addition, customers can always combine the finance solutions offered with the usual car insurance services, such as GAP, Fire&Theft and Comprehensive and so on for credit protection, all absolutely integral with the finance plan chosen and offered at a discounted rate with respect to the current market conditions.

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