A big Idea from Fiat

18 February 2004: Fiat Auto Ireland have launched their latest small car, the five-seat Idea, designed to compete in the expanding small MPV sector of the car market.

It is the first car the company has launched since the New Panda, current European Car of the Year.

Idea completes Fiat’s range of small cars here. It is competing with the Opel Meriva, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Matrix, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris Verso and VW Polo.

The Fiat Idea comes in a choice of six versions with two engine options. Prices start at €16,995 for the 1.4- 16v Active specification and climb to €22,495 for the Multijet ‘Emotion’ version.

It is wider, taller and longer than a Fiat Punto.

A style feature which is also very practical is the grouping of the instruments in a binnacle over the centre of the dashboard. As with the Fiat Multipla, the gearshift is placed in an extension on the centre dashboard area.

Standard equipment on the Active entry-level version include ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, ABS, immobiliser, 3 rear headrests, remote central locking, radio CD, trip computer and sliding, split rear seat.

In addition, Dynamic versions offer electric door mirrors with demisters, armrest and lumbar-support on driver’s seat, remote audio controls and external temperature sensor/ice warning and fog lights.

The top Emotion specification adds dual-zone automatic climate control, window airbags, electric rear windows, parking sensor, child-minder mini-mirror, and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Customers can chose one of three Fiat For You customer programmes. Options include a five years warranty, or a 0% finance programme when the buyer has a trade-in, or a special trade-in bonus of €600.

©2004 irishcar.com