OK, here is an official Fiat press release dated March 4th 2003.
PRESENTED IN GENEVA THE FIAT GINGO AND FIAT IDEA Fiat Gingo and Fiat Idea. Those are the names of the two new Fiat models being given their world preview at the 73rd Geneva International Motor Show. This information came from Gianni Coda, President of the Fiat Lancia and Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at an international press conference on the Fiat stand this morning.
Known until now as the 169 Project, the Fiat Gingo is a super compact car that goes on sale in September. This new Fiat represents the most advanced city car on the market today. It is endowed with all the comforts much bigger models have accustomed us to; designed for fuel economy without detriment to performance and as adept in our crowded cities as it is on longer journeys out of town.
In line with Fiat's history and mission, this new model is ultra-compact yet surprisingly roomy. Only 354 cm long, 158 cm wide and 153 cm high, the Fiat Gingo can nevertheless seat five people. It also boasts one of the most capacious boots in its segment (over 200 litres) and the roomiest interior bar none.
And that's not all. The Fiat Gingo takes its segment a decisive stride forward in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and equipment. It is also unmatched in its class for flexibility, handling and visibility. In addition, it offers a gear lever placed in the ergonomically ideal position at the centre of the facia (a major innovation for this segment), Dualdrive electric power steering (as standard on the mid-to-upper range versions) and a driver's seat set higher off the ground than usual.
The Fiat Gingo comes with a choice of three decidedly thrifty engines. One of them is making its own debut on the Fiat Gingo. That's the new 1.3 Multijet 16v that develops 70 bhp which will only become available a few months after the launch of the Fiat Gingo. The other two power units have already proved their worth: the trusty 1108 cc 55 bhp and the reliable 1.2 8v that develops a maximum power of 60 bhp. And there is a choice of two transmission systems: a manual 5-speed and the new Dualogic sequential automatic gearbox.
Up-to-the-minute and ultra-reliable the mechanicals on the new model incorporate several facilities not all super compacts can boast. Like the big transparent Skydome roof, the choice of manual or automatic climate control, the parking sensor, the Hi-Fi Sound System complete with CD player, sub-woofer and steering wheel radio controls. Nor has the safety of the model's occupants been neglected, standard or optional depending on trim level: up to 6 airbags, ESP and ABS complete with EBD. The end product is a car that is good looking and comfortable. The Fiat Gingo is a little charmer that represents stunning value for money thanks to its excellent combination of content, running costs and residual value.
The 350 Project, which is now revealed as the Fiat Idea, is the second model to get a world preview today. The Fiat Idea will go on sale in all the main European countries at some time between this autumn and early 2004.
This original model represents a whole new way of 'being a car' because it combines two very different automotive concepts: the handling and dimensions of a compact (it's just under 4 m long, 1.7 m wide and 1.66 m high) combined with the modularity and versatility of a true MPV.
Inside, the Fiat Idea is generously equipped, warm and welcoming, its interior flexibly adaptable to its occupants' changing needs. A real home-from-home that offers every comfort: an artful selection of colours and fabrics; space you can really use; and an air of casual refinement. In addition, the new model comes with a vast array of exclusive fittings and fitments: from the bi-zone automatic climate control to the Cruise Control, from the six airbags to the advanced robotised transmission system that operates in either sequential or automatic mode.
All that plus the fact that the Fiat Idea is one of the most comfortable cars in its segment. Examples of that comfort include: easy access; adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat; 2510 mm wheelbase; big modular boot assisted by a sliding rear seat plus the highest roof in Segment B or C which means that the driver's seat could be raised higher above the ground with obvious advantages in terms of both easy access and mastery of the road.
On the safety front, this new MPV compact is one of the best in its segment. In fact the Fiat Idea offers up to 6 airbags (two-stage activation at front plus side and window bags to protect back seat passengers as well); seat-belts (adjustable at front with pre-tensioners and load limiter) and three-point at rear (also on the centre seat). And just to make sure that even the tiniest passenger travels in total safety, the Fiat 350 is equipped with ISOFIX attachments. As for active safety, the Fiat Idea comes with standard ABS plus EBD and Brake Assistant, as well as optional ESP complete with Hill Holder for easier uphill starts.
Brilliant performers that are positively stingy with fuel. Those are the primary virtues of the engines that come with the new model which are also unusually quiet thanks to the optimum layout and configuration of their exhaust systems. The Fiat Idea will be launched with a choice of a 1.4 16v petrol and a 1.3 Multijet 16v engine both combined with a manual or robotised Dualogic gearbox with a 1.2 16v and a 1.9 JTD Multijet scheduled to appear a few months after the launch.
In other words, the Fiat Idea is the ideal vehicle for a young family's energetic life style, both a loyal companion in the urban traffic through the working week and an oasis of relaxation and tranquility at the weekend or on long journeys. Clearly then this new model is aimed at motorists whose needs, tastes and life styles may differ but who have one thing in common: the desire to own a car that looks and feels good and has what it takes to satisfy their desire for freedom.
Apart from these two world previews, the Fiat stand at Geneva also offers visitors a chance to admire a couple of original concept cars based on the Fiat Gingo. One is the Fiat Simba, Europe's first compact off-roader that can handle the African savannah or the urban jungle with equal aplomb. The second is the Fiat Marrakech, a fun buggy that would make an ideal holiday companion.
Also on the Fiat stand a glass showcase containing the new 1.3 Multijet 16v engine that has been created for the compact models in the Fiat and Lancia ranges. This second generation Common Rail power unit packs some refined technology into a crankcase that is under 50 cm long and 65 cm high. This is the smallest Common Rail diesel four cylinder on the market today. It is certainly the only one you can buy that crams six standard size components (namely four valves, one injector and one glow plug) into a cylinder less than 70 mm in diameter.
Turin, March 4, 2003
