Published on August 17th, 2010 | by Daniel Sherman Fernandez

Used 2001 Fiat Multipla review

The opticians must have been on general strike the week this car was signed off by the design team boss at FIAT. With extreme looks that you either hate or loathe at first glance, the Multipla however has some very interesting plus points that start becoming rather attractive once you get inside and drive it. One might wonder how to classify this vehicle. Simple, it is big car in my books. For the manufacturer and local dealer Torino Motors they chose to classify it as a MPV. Possible because there is seat for six and maybe because it is rather high and wide in size. Two versions were offered to the Malaysian market, a 103bhp 1.6 16v petrol and a frugal 105bhp turbo diesel 1.9-litre unit. Of the two the diesel was the better selling version in Malaysia. Where mostly all MPV manufacturers sell a seven-seater layout, Fiat reasoned that six usable seats were more practical than seven seats that you had to climb and squeeze yourself into. For example the popular Toyota Wish with two doors on each side and three rows of seats. Will the average thirty something adult be able to get in the back row? No. Since six people can therefore be accommodated in only two rows of seats, the overall length of the car can be kept short. Yet try to picture three full-sized adults sitting alongside each other and you’ll find yourself picturing a very wide car indeed. Sure enough the only car you can buy that’s wider than this Fiat is a Stavic or Vanio.

The Multipla could well be the most unusual car you will ever have seen. But then, you will have learned to ignore all the stares and probably begun to rather enjoy those futuristic looks. And with that out of the way, there really aren’t too many other reasons to dislike this little Fiat. With the Multipla getting in and out is easy, courtesy of high, wide doors and seats that are comfortably but not excessively high.

All six seats are identical and equally comfortable, all have three-point seatbelts and all are light (16kg) and easily removable. The middle seat up front can be folded flat (to give three extra cupholders. Rear seat leg and headroom is outstanding for such a small car – almost limousine-like. The Multipla has proved a reliable model especially the diesel, and Torino Motors have done very little to keep the brand alive, so owners have opted to seek maintenance with specialists who have mushroomed around Klang Valley.

When inspecting a used Multipla look for parking damage, including kerbed wheels, as some will find the Multipla’s width slightly difficult to park and drive in the city center. As with any other MPV, inspect the load bay and the fixtures and fittings inside, including seat trims and carpeting. Any vehicle that routinely transports children around has to be tough.

Although the mechanicals come from the Brava family hatchback, the wide stance, the long wheelbase and the more rigid body mean that if anything, the Multipla handles better. Most customers looking for a used unit will opt for the 2002 105bhp 1.9-litre turbo diesel, and understandably so since it sells today for anywhere under RM35,000.We advice you to look very carefully at your decision to purchase and if you do decide to go ahead then better look for the diesel and make sure you already have a reliable mechanic who can maintain it for you otherwise think again.

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Used 2001 Fiat Multipla review

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