FIAT Idea MPV (2004 - ) Wrexham

Good: Clever rear seat design increases its versatility. Good looks.
Bad: Strong competition from Mitsubishi Colt 5-dr and Renault Modus.

Read Honest Johns full review of what's good, what's bad and what to watch out for below...

Local Companies

Evans Halshaw
+44 (0) 1244 660681
Chester Road
Chester
James Edwards
+44 (0) 1244 651000
Sealand Road
Chester
T & R Car & Commercial Sales
+44 (0) 1244 315556
Kitchen Street
Chester
Evans Halshaw Ford
+44 (0) 1244 320444
Sealand Road
Chester
Lexus
+44 (0) 845 130 9259
Stanney Mill Lane
Chester
Evans Halshaw Ford
+44 (0) 1978 368489
Wrexham Road
Wrexham
Dane
+44 (0) 1244 390033
Sealand Road
Chester
Paradise Autos
+44 (0) 1244 371668
Sealand Road
Chester
Loves
+44 (0) 1244 346955
Garden Lane
Chester
webuyanycar.com
+44 (0) 1244 389305
Minerva Avenue
Chester
Data Provided by:
 

Provided By: Realty Times

What's Good

Attractive Punto based mini-MPV, on sale in UK from 21-2-2004. 3,930mm long x 1,658mm wide x 1,660mm high rising to 1,690 high with roof bars.

Five versions with three trim levels (Active, Dynamic and Eleganza), along with two engine options: a 95bhp 1.4 16v petrol, or FIAT's 70bhp 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel. Dash has centre instruments. Unique rear seat offers 40:20:40 split, 60 degree reclining backrests and a 60:40 split folding and sliding seat base. Offers 1,420 litre of loggags space loaded to the ceiling, which is 10 litres more than the Vauxhall/Opel Meriva. Also no less than 27 separate storage compartments.

1.4 16v petrol FIRE engine offers 95bhp at 5,800rpm, 94 lb ft torque at 4,500rpm, top speed 109mph, 0-60 in 11.2 seconds, 42.8mpg combined and 157g/km CO2 which puts it in Band B (£125pa) VED.

1.3 16v Multijet turbodiesel has 70bhp at 4,000rpm, 133 lb ft torque at 1,750rpm, top speed 99mph, 0-60 15.1 seconds, 55.4mpg combined and 135g/km CO2 which puts it in Band A diesel (£115pa) VED.

Active 1.4 16v £9,995.00
Active 1.3 16v MultiJet £10,895.00
Dynamic 1.4 16v £11,245.00
Dynamic 1.3 16v MultiJet £12,145.00
Eleganza 1.4 16v £12,495.00

Revised for 2006. Five versions, priced from £10,295 – £13,195, three trim levels: Active, Dynamic and Eleganza, and choice of three engines: more refined version of FIRE 1.4 litre 16 valve 95 bhp petrol and 70 bhp and 90 bhp versions of 1.3 litre 16 valve MultiJet diesel.

Owner feedback (1.3 Multijet): great on the motorway (cruising easily at 70 - 75 mph), it will take 5 large adults comfortably (inc my 6'5'' nephew!) and all with loads of 'goodies' and a fuel consumption of never less than 58 mpg whatever the circumstances.

Road test at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=152

More at www.fiat.co.uk

Last updated 14-4-2008

What's Bad

Many of the 27 storage compartments are too small to be of much use.

More conventional than original concept.

The Mitsubishi Colt and Renault Modus do it better.

Not a big seller in UK.

Owner feedback: hard, cheap plastics, an interior that cannot stand up to vigorous wear and tear, a bonnet that chips far too easily, quite a few squeaks and rattles and a choppy ride at low speeds.

What to Watch Out For

Owner/driver feedback welcome.

One owner reported the earth lead rusting through.

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