New Car Review Areas


General Car Topics

Fiat at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show


February 2006
 Filed under: FIAT Car News | FIAT Headlines

Fiat, dancing to a new tune

This is the advertising slogan that sums up the new atmosphere at Fiat, which is determined to become a protagonist in all segments. It is an ambitious goal, and to achieve it, the company has committed its best resources, human, professional and technological. The results are the numerous important novelties that have been presented in recent months, from the Croma to the Grande Punto, the Panda Cross and the Fiat Sedici.
They are all original, successful cars that join the numerous stylistic and technological updates to models already in production.

On the strength of one of the widest, most comprehensive ranges on the world automotive market, and of an extraordinary human and technological heritage, in Geneva Fiat presents a unique, spectacular display on a stand of more than 1,200 square metres, decorated in shades of white, grey and blue, and built with different materials. That is not all. Around the Fiat building are three large spheres made of superimposed blades of lacquered wood, which are rendered even more original by the changing light effects inside them. And there is sure to be great curiosity about the circular bubble, in which the ‘Oltre Fiat’ show-car is displayed behind a plexiglass porthole.

Immersed in this spectacular scenario, the general public can see for itself that Fiat really is dancing to a new tune and that today its products embody the most sophisticated technology, the best Italian design and maximum respect for the environment. For this reason, the Geneva stand focuses on three main areas: ‘QUATTROXQUATTROXTUTTI’ (4x4 for everyone), the ‘Blue&Me’ infotelematic system and the environment-friendly models. And around these three areas are other areas dedicated to the concepts of sportiness, prestige and versatility, as interpreted by the Grande Punto, Croma and Idea MY models.
The many production novelties combine with the architectural and graphic elements to create an extraordinary atmosphere which does not hesitate to communicate the brand’s determination to look to the future, developing innovative models with unmistakable styling.

‘QUATTROXQUATTROXTUTTI’

A large area is dedicated to the concept of ‘QUATTROXQUATTROXTUTTI’, marking Fiat’s return to the ‘4x4’ world, with the clear goal of making the entertainment and safety that only four-wheel drive can guarantee available to everyone. The absolute stars of the show are the brand-new Fiat Sedici and Panda Cross (the latter is also on display in the ‘Monster’ special series), as well as the Panda 4x4, the original four-wheel drive version that can tackle any situation without being fazed by anything.

The Fiat Sedici is exhibited in four Emotion versions, all with four-wheel drive, and fitted with chromed bars, 16” alloys and chromed exhaust terminals. Two are equipped with the 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine, while the other two are powered by the 107 bhp 1.6 16v unit. The Panda Cross is present with a 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet, the same engine that equips the Panda Monster – the Special Series which obviously harks back to the famous Ducati motorcycle - and a Panda 4x4 that evokes the desire to travel in complete freedom, without forgoing any of the entertainment of driving this car through narrow city streets. And finally, visitors can take a close look at the extraordinary ‘Oltre Fiat’ show-car that aroused so much curiosity at the Bologna Motor Show in December.

Sophisticated technology and absolute sportiness

The second spotlight on the stand is focused on the Grande Punto which interprets three different concepts from an original viewpoint: sportiness, playfulness and ultra-sophisticated technology in the field of entertainment and telephones.

Geneva marks the debut of ‘Blue&Me’, a sophisticated infotelematic system developed jointly by Fiat Auto and Microsoft. This system, which is based on Windows Mobile technology, allows you to make/receive telephone calls and to listen to music simply and safely as you drive. And thanks to Bluetooth® technology, you can also communicate with the outside world from the car using your own personal mobile phone or HDA. The device offered on the Grande Punto incorporates a sophisticated hands-free system with voice recognition and a USB port that allows you to listen to your favourite music when it is recorded on a mobile phone, or one of the new smart phones, on an MP3 player or on a USB pen drive.

The display is completed by the Grande Punto Rally Super 2000 and the Grande Punto ‘Need For Speed’. Standing on two circular platforms paved with steel sheeting, the two cars embody ‘absolute sportiness’, whether that of the real race circuit or that of the ‘virtual’ race tracks of the most famous car racing videogame. And next to these special versions, visitors will be able to admire the most powerful Grande Punto in the range: the 130 bhp Sport 1.9 Multijet.

The ‘environment-friendly’ versions

Two cars with a minimal environmental impact are on display in Geneva: the Multipla MY Emotion-’Natural Power’ and the Panda ‘MultiEco’. The latter is an innovative concept car that represents the vanguard of Fiat’s commitment to the environment, and anticipates the launch of the Panda ‘Natural Power’ due to take place at the end of 2006.

And the Multipla MY 2006 makes its appearance on the stand for the first time. With revamped styling, Fiat’s original people-mover responds to the latest market trends with a new Emotion version, with more refined exteriors and interiors. The version on display is a Multipla MY Emotion, made even more interesting by its dual methane and petrol fuel system.

The present and the future of Fiat’s environment-friendly cars are the best proof of the importance that the company attributes to the environment. A constant commitment that has produced a complete range of products, which meet the demands of professional operators and private individuals: from the Doblò to the Punto, the Multipla, the Panda and the Ducato. The result is a broad range that puts Fiat Auto firmly in the lead in Europe for cars with methane systems as original equipment: over 24,000 were sold in 2005 (more than twice the number sold in 2004).

Prestige and versatility

The display is concluded by the new Croma and the Idea MY, two models that were launched last year and which are enjoying huge success with the experts and the public.

The Croma is equipped with the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine and ‘dressed’ in new ‘Ink Blue’ paintwork. The top-of-the-range version is on show, with luxurious hide coloured leather upholstery, combined with a monochrome facia and burnished trims. The car also features the large SkyDome sunroof, the Connect NAV+ satellite navigator and 10-spoke 18” alloys. It is the ideal car for anyone looking for excellent performance combined with outstanding value for money in terms of standard equipment, all at an unbeatable price. And finally, a special place is reserved for the versatile Fiat Idea MY. The version on show is equipped with the sparkling 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine; a compact, comfortable people-mover that satisfies our desire for liberty.The display is concluded by the new Croma and the Idea MY, two models that were launched last year and which are enjoying huge success with the experts and the public.

The Croma is equipped with the powerful 200 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine and ‘dressed’ in new ‘Ink Blue’ paintwork. The top-of-the-range version is on show, with luxurious hide coloured leather upholstery, combined with a monochrome facia and burnished trims. The car also features the large SkyDome sunroof, the Connect NAV+ satellite navigator and 10-spoke 18” alloys. It is the ideal car for anyone looking for excellent performance combined with outstanding value for money in terms of standard equipment, all at an unbeatable price. And finally, a special place is reserved for the versatile Fiat Idea MY. The version on show is equipped with the sparkling 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine; a compact, comfortable people-mover that satisfies our desire for liberty.

Source: Fiat

Latest FIAT Headlines

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.