Fiat Multipla car review

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 75%

Introduced in 2000, the Fiat Multipla MPV won a host of awards for its practicality – comfortably seating six adults.

The problem with the Multipla was its controversial looks, but its 2004 facelift saw the Fiat go full circle, offering a more conservative design, but still maintaining the innovative six-seating profile.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks
The first generation Fiat Multipla model was one of the oddest-looking cars to hit British shores in the past ten years. But the new Multipla has played it safe – losing some of its distinctiveness. It retains the height of an MPV, but has a front similar to the discontinued Fiat Stilo hatchback. The rear is flat, making it good for reverse parking, while the 15-inch alloys we had on our model added a little bit of sexiness. The functional Fiat Multipla could do with some of the style injected into the funky Fiat 500, Grande Punto and Bravo models. 
7/10

2. Looks inside
Inside, the Fiat Multipla is a place of purpose. From the gear stick which is placed to the left of the steering wheel to the handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat, everything has been set out to accommodate the front row’s middle seat. And it works. Often, in high-roofed MPVs the gap between the two front seats is an Achilles heel dominated by a high-rise hand brake and gear stick. The Multipla sees the gearshift mounted to the right of the driver’s seat. The dials – placed in the middle of the dash – can be a little overcomplicated at first, but you soon get used to it. And we like the mesh-styled trim, which is a bit different to the norm.
8/10

3. Practicality
At four metres in length, the Fiat Multipla is shorter than a Ford Focus and is only 20cm wider – yet it can comfortably seat six. The boot provides 430-litres of luggage space which increases to 1,900-litres with the rear seats folded. Only using four seats? The middle seat can be folded to provide a bench for using as a picnic table. The middle front seat can be replaced with an 18-litre refrigerated / heated storage compartment which turns the car into a five seater. Thanks to the flat rear and light steering, the Multipla is remarkably easy to park. We had mixed views on the Multipla’s all-round vision. One of our road testers who likes to sit high in a car found vision restricted while our other tester who often slouches found the car to have good all-round vision.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
For a car with such a high roofline, the Fiat Multipla handles quite well. There is roll on corners but not as much as you might expect. The suspension is quite plush so when you encounter some of Britain’s infamous pothole-filled B-roads you won’t feel the sudden urgency to visit your dentist.
7/10

5. Performance
Our range-topping model featured the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine producing 120bhp and 150lb/ft of pulling power. Accelerating from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds, the Multipla has a top speed of 111mph. Not quick by any means, but it sits on the motorway at 70mph comfortably with limited road noise. 
7/10

6. Running Costs
With prices starting from £13,370 the Fiat Multipla is cheap for a competent six-seat MPV. At this price you get the 1.6-litre model which will average a not-to-special 32.8mpg, while carbon emissions of 204g/km place it in tax band F meaning an annual bill of £210. But if you do a lot of miles, it’s worth opting for the more expensive diesel, which on top of being quicker is also more frugal – boasting a more impressive 43.5mpg and a tax bill of £170.
7/10

7. Reliability
Fiat’s new models fair better than ever in the reliability stakes. The 1.9-litre diesel engine is proven while the inside felt well built. A three year / 60,000 mile warranty should ensure hassle-free motoring.
8/10

8. Safety
All models get driver and passenger airbags as standard, while Dynamic Plus and Eleganza trims get additional front side ‘bags. All models also get anti-lock brakes, halogen headlights and ISOFIX seatbelt attachments in the rear. The Fiat Multipla hasn’t undergone EuroNCAP crash testing, but Fiat has a good name with many of its models boasting the full five stars.
7/10

9. Equipment
It’s not an overly well specced car and is available in three trim levels – Dynamic Family, Dynamic Plus and Eleganza. All models get remote central locking, electric front windows, CD player and immobiliser. Our top spec Eleganza model added 15-inch alloys and reverse parking sensors.
7/10

10. X-Factor
The Fiat Multipla is a competent MPV which should be complimented on its innovative six-seat layout. But it’s a well priced budget people carrier which should be considered strongly if you’re looking for something different.
8/10