Manufacturer Fiat Class Mini MPV (M) | Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro Body style 5-door MPV | |
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Production 2003–2012 (Italy)
2005–2016 (Brazil) Assembly Turin, Italy (Mirafiori plant)
Betim, Brazil (Fiat Automóveis) | ||
The Fiat Idea (Type 350) is a mini MPV built by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 2003. The car is based on the B (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. In 2006 the Idea had a facelift with the main changes being a darker interior, chrome grill and clear front indicators.
Contents
Engines
The Fiat Idea engines are all Euro 4 compliant. The petrol engine is the 1.4-litre 16 valve 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp), available with five- and six-speed gearboxes, and the diesel 1.3-litre 16 valve MultiJet units, with 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) or 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp). All of these engines can be matched with the Dualogic robotised manual gearbox.
Brazil
The Brazilian version of the Idea was launched in late 2005. The engines available are the new 1.4-litre 8-valve 86 hp (64 kW) Fire engine (the same as in the Grande Punto) and the latest version of the GM-sourced Powertrain 1.8-litre 8-valve 114 hp (85 kW) engine. Both have flexible fuel technology, which lets the driver use either gasoline or ethanol.
This version has a longer wheelbase and height compared to the European version. The interior design is taken from the Fiat Palio Mk. III, and adapted to the South American market. 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 170,000 Ideas have been sold in Brazil since its launch (2005). In 2010 the Idea received another facelift with new front, rear and door handles.
Idea Adventure
The Idea Adventure is a mini crossover 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. In 2009, the whole Adventure line (Idea, Doblò, Strada and Palio Weekend) was equipped with a locking differential. The line was rebadged as Adventure Locker. Idea Brazilian Facelift
During his visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in July 2013, Pope Francis chose to ride in a Fiat Idea for his public appearances, instead of the expensive and secure vehicles usually used by dignitaries and popes.