Fiat 350 compact Multi Purpose Vehicle

Feb 26, 2003 - The Geneva Motor Show will be the setting for the world premiere of Fiat's compact Multi Purpose Vehicle, to be marketed in major European countries between this autumn and the beginning of 2004.

Known in-house as the 'Project 350', the originality of this new model lies in its marriage of two conflicting motoring concepts. Handling and compact size on the one hand (it measures a little under four metres in length, 1.70 metres in width and 1.66 metres in height) - and all the modularity and versatility of a true MPV on the other.

Through the ability to meet diverse needs, Fiat is aiming to make this model the new benchmark in the compact Multipurpose Vehicle market band: a fast-changing sub-segment that the most prestigious manufacturers are queuing to enter and where Fiat is hoping to play a starring role.

The new car is designed for all but is bound to appeal, in particular, to 'early adopters', i.e. the sort of customer who is more curious about new products, more open to brand new solutions and more willing to accept them.

The vehicle offers exclusive equipment: automatic dual zone climate control system, six airbags and an advanced robotics gearbox that can work in sequential and automatic mode. The distinctive instrument panel with centre-mounted displays offers two roomy closed glove compartments and a double DIN compartment in the centre. The seat arrangements include a novel position designed for optimum relaxation, where the front seats fold forward to form a table while the rear seat backrest tilts back by more than 45 degrees.

The engine range at launch will include a petrol-driven 1.4 16 valve unit and a 1.3 Multijet 16v, both combined with a manual or robotised 'Dualogic' gearbox, followed later by a 1.2 16v and a 1.9 JTD Multijet.

	Fiat 350 concept to debut at the Geneva Motor Show
	Click for larger image	Feb 26, 2003 - The Geneva Motor Show will be the setting for the world premiere of Fiat's compact Multi Purpose Vehicle, to be marketed in major European countries between this autumn and the beginning of 2004. Known in-house as the 'Project 350', the originality of this new model lies in its marriage of two conflicting motoring concepts. Handling and compact size on the one hand (it measures a little under four metres in length, 1.70 metres in width and 1.66 metres in height) - and all the modularity and versatility of a true MPV on the other. Through the ability to meet diverse needs, Fiat is aiming to make this model the new benchmark in the compact Multipurpose Vehicle market band: a fast-changing sub-segment that the most prestigious manufacturers are queuing to enter and where Fiat is hoping to play a starring role. The new car is designed for all but is bound to appeal, in particular, to 'early adopters', i.e. the sort of customer who is more curious about new products, more open to brand new solutions and more willing to accept them. The vehicle offers exclusive equipment: automatic dual zone climate control system, six airbags and an advanced robotics gearbox that can work in sequential and automatic mode. The distinctive instrument panel with centre-mounted displays offers two roomy closed glove compartments and a double DIN compartment in the centre. The seat arrangements include a novel position designed for optimum relaxation, where the front seats fold forward to form a table while the rear seat backrest tilts back by more than 45 degrees. The engine range at launch will include a petrol-driven 1.4 16 valve unit and a 1.3 Multijet 16v, both combined with a manual or robotised 'Dualogic' gearbox, followed later by a 1.2 16v and a 1.9 JTD Multijet.