Hi all. It's good to be back after going over to the 500L forum.
Myrtle (the Mutlipla) was traded in to enable me to acquire Elsie the 500L. I loved Myrtle with all my heart and even though she was a Nosejob, she was genuinely a better car than Bella, my old Uglybug.
All of which got me thinking.......
The main problem with her, as with most Multis, was the suspension. Creaking, groaning, knocking, thumping and rattling. To name but a few. And of course the old diesel. I found the old 120 multijet a lovely, friendly, driveable lump, with reasonable economy and plenty of umph when necessary, but the vehicle excise duty (tax, to you and me) was pretty high due to emmission levels. Not huge, but if only it could have been better.
And the demise of such a practicle and lets face it, loveable , old beast as the Multi saddens me. It was virtually unique.
So come on Fiat, work with me here.
Ok. Elsie, the 500L, isn't that much smaller in size than Myrtle. A bit lighter, yes. And she is powered by the wizard of engineering genius that is the 105 Twin-Air. And what an engine it is. Now then, let's remember that petrol Multiplas in the past had a 100 bhp engine, and the early diesels had a 105 bhp too. They were dragging around their own weight and that of the Multipla as well. And they went at least adequately.
So, just imagine if Fiat sorted out the suspension and stuck the lightweight 105 Twin-Air in a new Multipla. Same layout, three by three seating, don't change too much. Stuck in U-connect audio, sat-nav etc. just to freshen it up. Don't go too luxury, just bring it up to date a little. And keep with the same practicality, maybe a few more cubby holes, lengthen it by a foot if you must, but lose some weight if you can.
Having driven a Twin-Air 105 - I'm sure it would be up to the task. It ain't gonna happen of course, but if they could even squeeze another 15 bhp out of the Twin-air, I'm sure it would be viable. I'm sure I'd love to drive one, anyway.
Then I guess I just want them to bring the Multi back........
Myrtle (the Mutlipla) was traded in to enable me to acquire Elsie the 500L. I loved Myrtle with all my heart and even though she was a Nosejob, she was genuinely a better car than Bella, my old Uglybug.
All of which got me thinking.......
The main problem with her, as with most Multis, was the suspension. Creaking, groaning, knocking, thumping and rattling. To name but a few. And of course the old diesel. I found the old 120 multijet a lovely, friendly, driveable lump, with reasonable economy and plenty of umph when necessary, but the vehicle excise duty (tax, to you and me) was pretty high due to emmission levels. Not huge, but if only it could have been better.
And the demise of such a practicle and lets face it, loveable , old beast as the Multi saddens me. It was virtually unique.
So come on Fiat, work with me here.
Ok. Elsie, the 500L, isn't that much smaller in size than Myrtle. A bit lighter, yes. And she is powered by the wizard of engineering genius that is the 105 Twin-Air. And what an engine it is. Now then, let's remember that petrol Multiplas in the past had a 100 bhp engine, and the early diesels had a 105 bhp too. They were dragging around their own weight and that of the Multipla as well. And they went at least adequately.
So, just imagine if Fiat sorted out the suspension and stuck the lightweight 105 Twin-Air in a new Multipla. Same layout, three by three seating, don't change too much. Stuck in U-connect audio, sat-nav etc. just to freshen it up. Don't go too luxury, just bring it up to date a little. And keep with the same practicality, maybe a few more cubby holes, lengthen it by a foot if you must, but lose some weight if you can.
Having driven a Twin-Air 105 - I'm sure it would be up to the task. It ain't gonna happen of course, but if they could even squeeze another 15 bhp out of the Twin-air, I'm sure it would be viable. I'm sure I'd love to drive one, anyway.
Then I guess I just want them to bring the Multi back........