Fiat Multipla Estate 2000 - Present

That the Fiat Multipla's unusual appearance has had a detrimental effect on it's sales which is a crying shame because it's a really good car. It sits in the same bracket as the Citroen Xsara Picasso, Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira which all sell in huge volumes, but the Multipla remains something of a niche. The Multipla has always bristled with innovation and was the first to have two rows of three seats, which has since been copied by Honda in their FR-V. The big Fiat is roomy and will carry six people plus luggage, without fuss.

On the road the Multipla is a very assured drive. This is in part owing to it's wide stance and low centre of gravity. It corners with confidence and it's wide body negates the height of the car and virtually eliminates bodyroll. The steering is reasonably light but still offers good feedback. The suspension offers good insulation from the imperfections of the road, while retaining good poise on it. The Multipla is surprisingly short, making parking relatively easy.

The Multipla comes with either a 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine. Since the original launch model the diesel has steadily evolved from 105bhp when it was launched to 110bhp in late 2000, 115bhp in 2002, and 120bhp in 2006. The petrol is a steady performer and is unchanged. In it's current form diesel would be the preferred choice. Whatever the power out put the diesel offers a better delivery of power in the mid range and revs out in a more effortless fashion. The petrol model can make hard work of accelerating - performance is more effortless in the diesel. The gearlever is mounted on the dashboard which won't be everyone's choice but it works well and offers slick changes.

The cabin is where the Multipla really shines. There is ample room for six adults, with the middle seat in the front set back slightly from the two outer seats. This makes it easier for the driver to reach the controls on the dashboard, which includes the gearsitck (avoiding any embarrassing situations when changing gear). It also affords the middle seat occupant a little more leg-room. . The outer sides benefit from the near vertical sides and offer good shoulder and elbow room for passengers in the outer seats. All of the seats feel well thought out and mean a comfortable ride is ensured for all occupants. Luggage room in the rear is a healthy 430 litres and is complimented with good storage space throughout the cabin.

All round the Multipla offers something different to it's competitors and is good enough to have the best worried. They're not because the Multipla is something of an unknown star.

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