This is the setting in which Fiat has chosen to exhibit its broad range, starting from the latest arrivals, of course: the New Panda and Fiat Idea. The first is the new supermini that was recently presented in Lisbon, and the second is the new compact Multi Purpose Vehicle which will debut next month. 

Two significant models, which represent Fiat's determination on one hand to confirm its role as leader of the city car segment, and on the other to play a leading role in the constantly evolving new sub-segment: that of the compact MPV. 

The spirit of the 'New Fiat' that has produced the two cars is quite unique. The goal is to allow the brand to confirm its traditional strong points, albeit in a modern key. These include its great design engineering skills in the compact segment, which are represented here by the New Panda and Fiat Idea, but also by the new 1.3 16v Multijet engine and the New Fiat Punto, the heir to a successful model that has passed the milestone of 5 million customers. But this is Fiat's traditional mission, an Italian brand that aims to produce cars with beautiful styling, that are practical and accessible to everyone. Cars that embody creative, intelligent proposals, which are therefore able to raise the quality of our everyday life. 

We can start with the New Panda, five versions of which are on display for the public to admire, all decked out in young, brilliant colours: four are powered by the 60 bhp 1.2 8v engine, and one by the new 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet. This is the most advanced proposal in the city car segment, a compact car that is nonetheless comfortable and roomy, perfect in town traffic, but equally enjoyable on longer trips. Also on display at the Show is a new sporty off-roader that represents one of the upcoming developments of the Panda family. 

The Frankfurt stand would not be complete without the Fiat Idea. Five versions of this original model are on display, representing a new approach to the car. It combines two very different concepts: the handling and dimensions of a compact (it is little less than four metres long, 1.7 metres wide and 1.66 metres high), and the modularity and versatility of a real MPV. 

A New Panda and an Idea are displayed in two large cylinders, both coated with mirrors on the inside to produce a curious kaleidoscope effect. The areas of the stand dedicated to these two 'stars' of the show are separated by a space reserved for the New Punto. This car has a strong personality, innovative equipment, and unique engines and gearboxes. The cars on show are two three-door versions powered by the 1.4 16v engine, with the Sporting and Emotion specifications, and a five-door Dynamic with the revolutionary 1.3 16v Multijet engine. The engine is itself the star of a striking set that simulates the work done by the 4 cylinders in action. It is a state-of-the-art second generation Common Rail engine, enclosed in a monobloc less than 50 centimetres long and 65 centimetres high. It is the smallest four cylinder 'Common Rail' diesel engine on the market, and the only one capable of incorporating six normal sized components (four valves, one injector and a glow plug) in a cylinder less than 70 mm in diameter. Finally, the Natural Power version of the New Fiat Punto, which offers dual methane and petrol drive, the fruit of ongoing Fiat research into alternative fuels, is displayed on a stand dedicated to environmental compatibility. 

Another highlight of the Fiat stand is the area dedicated to its sports cars, featuring: 

- the New Fiat Barchetta, in a special 'Prima Classe' outfit by Alviero Martini, a designer famous for leather goods and cases. A blend of the great Italian sports car tradition and the suggestions of the future, today this original model epitomises Italian design and fashion; 
- the Punto Abarth Rally, winner of the Italian Super 1600 Rally championship with Paolo Andreucci; 
- the 170 bhp Stilo Abarth 2.4 20v, with a manual five-speed gearbox (an alternative to the same version equipped with a Selespeed gearbox until now) and a distinctive outfit. This car 'runs' along a 'road' of illuminated LEDs on the side wall of the stand. 

From the world of the sports car to the world of the Fiat Stilo. The area dedicated to Fiat's mid-range compact and its Multi Wagon version has a fresh, dynamic ambience, just like the spirit of the model itself. There are three cars under the spotlight, all with the Dynamic specification: a 5-door, with the 1.8 16v engine, a 3-door with the 1.6 16v and a Multi Wagon with the 115 bhp 1.9 JTD. 

The brand's other current output is displayed in the area between the sports cars and the Fiat Stilo. There is a Multipla 1.9 JTD ELX, a Fiat Doblò 1.9 JTD Malibù and a Fiat Seicento Sporting. Not far off is a Fiat Ulysse, the people carrier for the motorist who wants an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) that is comfortable, spacious and versatile, with a large number of seats and enormous practicality. Two versions are on display: one is fitted with the 2.2 JTD in the Emotion outfit, the other is a 'mobile office' prototype constructed in association with 3Com and the Spanish company Awa. This latter version adopts wireless Internet access technology (Wi-Fi) which enables passengers to surf the net at high speed and connect to Wi-Fi access hot spots that are becoming more and more common at motorway service stations. 

The system employs 3Com's wireless networking solution and AwAutoPc hardware which includes a Tft screen (installed before the rear seats) and a keyboard for controlling Web surfing activities, and managing emails and other functions. It is thus possible to access all infotelematic services currently available: from IP telephony to videoconferencing. 

Furthermore, the Wi-Fi technology installed on the Fiat Ulysse 'mobile office' allows you to set up a small Lan inside the vehicle through which passengers can watch multimedia content, exchange files and consult electronic maps or traffic information. 

The Frankfurt stand also focuses on the Autonomy Programme, the initiative that the Fiat Group launched in 1995 to provide cars for people with impaired motor abilities. A Stilo Abarth 2.4 automatic is on show, with an electronic ring accelerator, a device that transforms the pedal accelerator into a control on the steering-wheel, and a horizontal thrust brake, which allows braking to be controlled manually next to the steering wheel. It is also fitted with a transversally opening rear door with remote control, which makes it easy to load a wheelchair between the car's front and rear seats. 

The approximately 2700 sq m of the Fiat stand therefore propose a fresh, youthful environment, decorated with bright colours, modern furnishings and shiny metal. 
Refreshment points have been set up in cooperation with Lavazza and Bacardi, in line with the sparkling atmosphere and Italian design that characterise the display area. There are also large LED screens projecting videos that underline the dynamic spirit of the various models, and a number of Internet stations where visitors can link up to the buy@fiat and fiat.com sites, and discover the models in the Fiat range, experiencing a new approach to the world of the car.