Fiat’s next major new model will be a compact MPV targeted at the Vauxhall Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Ford B-Max. Called Fiat Ellezero, and set to be revealed at the Geneva motor show next spring ahead of a 2013 launch, its six-window styling bears a clear resemblance to the new Panda, while the nose treatment will share similarities to the Fiat 500.
It also has a windscreen featuring considerable wraparound, allowing the base of the A pillars to sit further back to improve visibility.
The Ellezero replaces Fiat B segment Idea MPV, which lead a short life in the UK but survives on the continent. Engines are likely to include the 84bhp Twinair turbo, the 75bhp and 94bhp 1.3 Multijet diesels and the 99bhp 1.4 petrol.
Ellezero is the car’s codename, but may become its actual nameplate. As previously, the Fiat will be joined by a reskinned, Lancia version, today’s Musa mini-MPV a big seller in Italy.
The UK will get this model as a Chrysler. Both cars will be assembled at Fiat’s Serbian factory, a former Zastava plant, and both will also be exported to the US.
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Re: Fiat Ellezero MPV for Geneva
According to Italian press and to Fiat Group's product plan, a Lancia version is not planned. What is planned is a stretched 7-seated version, much like the Ford and Citroën offering; however being based on a B-segment (Punto) rather than C-segment platform the ElleZero should offer better packaging. This should be good news for Italian drivers who have to negotiate hellish traffic and don't like the fact that cars keep getting bigger and bigger.
Re: Fiat Ellezero MPV for Geneva
The you tube pics make it look like a '50 s tin toy car with a current model Fiat 500 front transfered onto it. ( transfers for those not old enough were a kind of film which could be slid from it's paper backing once wet enough, and onto some surface to decorate it).
Re: Fiat Ellezero MPV for Geneva
The front looks great.
It seems we have a hit!