Fiat Idea

Infobox Automobile


name = Fiat Idea
manufacturer = Fiat
production = 2003—present
class = Mini MPV
layout = FF layout
platform = "Project 188"
body_style = 5-door MPV
engine = Petrol engines:
1.2 16v Auto PS|80
1.4 Auto PS|77
1.4 16v Auto PS|95
1.8 8v "(Brazil only)"
Diesel engines:
1.3 16v Auto PS|70
1.3 16v Auto PS|90
1.9 8v Auto PS|100
transmission =
wheelbase = 2510 mm (98 in)
length = 3930 mm (154 in)
width = 1700 mm (66 in)
height = 1660 mm (65 in)
weight = Auto kg|1275|0
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity =
related = Fiat Punto (188)
Lancia Musa
Lancia Ypsilon
similar = Renault Modus
Opel Meriva
designer = Giorgetto Giugiaro

The Fiat Idea is a mini MPV built by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 2003. The car is based on the "Project 188" platform, originally used for the second-generation Fiat Punto. The Idea is noted for its versatile interior, which includes sliding and folding rear seats.

Engines

The Fiat Idea engines are all Euro 4 compliant. The petrol engine is the 1.4-litre 16 valve 95 bhp (67 kW), available with in five- and six-speed gearboxes, and the diesel 1.3-litre 16 valve MultiJet units, with 70 (52 kW) bhp or 90 bhp. All of these engines can be matched with the Dualogic robotised manual gearbox.

Brazilian Idea

The Brazilian version of the Idea was launched in South America in late 2005. The engines available are the new 1.4-litre 8-valve 80 hp Fire engine (the same as in the Grande Punto) and the latest version of the GM-sourced Powertrain 1.8-litre 8-valve 110 hp engine. Both have flexible fuel technology, which lets the driver use either gasoline or ethanol.

This version has differences specially designed for the South American market. The floorpan is a modified version of the Grande Punto's platformFact|date=September 2008. It has a longer wheelbase, height and width compared to the European versionFact|date=September 2008. The interior design is taken from the Fiat Palio Mk. III, and adapted to the South American tasteFact|date=September 2008. It also has a panoramic glass roof as an option, known as the SkyDome.

The Idea is exported in two different trim levels (the ELX with the 1.4-litre engine and the HLX with the 1.8 engine) and it has four airbags, anti-lock braking system with EBD; parking, rain and lights sensor, security laminated glass, the SkyDome, 15" alloys, bluetooth phone system, and leather seats among other features.

Over 51.000 Ideas have been sold in Brazil since its launch (2005).

Idea Adventure

The Idea Adventure is a mini XUV version that was launched in September 2006 in São Paulo, Brazil. It features a revised suspension, tires are Pirelli Scorpion 205-70-R15, a protective body kit, specially designed 15" alloys, interior mods like the white instruments, the specially designed seats with leather, and a standard safety equipment which features double front and side airbags, ABS brakes with EBD.

The future of the Idea in America will be the new engine for 2007; a 1.9 with 8 or 16 valve with 121-134 hp developed from the Torque and the DFN/Dualogic transmission.

External links

* [http://www.new-fiat-cars.co.uk/Fiat-Idea-Multipla/ The Fiat Idea Multipla]
* [http://www.new-fiat-cars.co.uk/fiat-idea/ The Fiat Idea]
* [http://www.planetaidea.com.ar/ Fiat Idea Argentinean Club]