Fiat Multipla Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

Although it's not quite as much of a character as its predecessor, a good swathe of the population will thank Fiat for that. Perhaps the old version was a trifle too wacky for some, more conservative customers viewing it as being akin to getting trapped in a lift with Joe Pasquale. The latest car benefits from a long development cycle where many of the originals teething troubles have been well and truly ironed out. If you thought all mini-MPVs were an antidote to insomnia, the Multipla is worth a second look.

Overall:

Models Covered: 5dr mini MPV 1.6 petrol, 1.9 Multijet diesel [Dynamic, Dynamic, Eleganza]

TONED DOWN, SPRUCED UP

All too often, those who pioneer an idea never receive the financial rewards. The usual pattern is for the originators to take the big risks and if the market looks to be coming round to their way of thinking, copycats will launch an improved version. It's good to know that once in a while, that trend gets bucked, and we take our hats off to Fiat who ploughed their own furrow with the six-seater Multipla mini-MPV back in 2000. In 2004, the car was given a very comprehensive restyle and it's the latter models that we concern ourselves with here.
Used Fiat Multipla for sale

History of the Multipla

The key behind the Multipla was Fiat's top brass biting the bullet and allowing an entirely new platform to be built; one that would be used by no other Fiat model. It's hard to think of that happening today in this age of platform and cost sharing but that was then and the result was jaw-dropping. Love it or hate it, the original Multipla could not be overlooked, it was just so bizarre in appearance. Sales were never too hot in this country despite the car picking up award after award, but it did a lot better in Europe. In 2004, the car was facelifted to appear more conventional. While fans of the original would claim the car's exciting looks had been emasculated, sales went up, helped by a revision of the original's trim levels. Buyers chose between Dynamic, Dynamic Plus and Eleganza variants and a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.9-litre Multijet diesel engine comprised the powerplant choices.
Used Fiat Multipla for sale

Fiat Multipla Road Test

Although the mechanicals come from the rather aged Brava family hatchback, the wide stance, the long wheelbase and the more rigid body mean that the Multipla remains a decent fun steer. Certainly, the direct, beautifully-weighted steering helps, as does a slick, snappy gearchange manipulated via a stick protruding from the fascia. Most customers opted for the 118bhp 1.9-litre Multijet turbodiesel - and understandably so. It's faster than the alternative 1.6-litre petrol unit (0-60mph in 12.1s on the way to 111mph), much torquier and considerably more frugal (43.5mpg on the urban cycle). Although acceleration is unlikely to render the family insensible, the Multipla's foursquare stance means that due to a low centre of gravity, it can corner with far less body roll than many of its rivals. The downside of this is that the Fiat can be a bit of a handful in tight urban situations. Those huge mirrors don't help either, acting as an invitation for every demented motorcycle despatch rider in the city to test the durability of their body armour.
Used Fiat Multipla for sale

Buying a Fiat Multipla

The Multipla has proved a reliable model, and whilst Fiat have taken great strides in recent years to improve reliability, there still remains a question mark about some areas of trim and finish.When inspecting a used Multipla look for parking damage, including kerbed wheels, as some will find the Multipla's width slightly disconcerting in town. As with any other MPV, inspect the load bay and the fixtures and fittings inside, including seat trims and carpeting. Any vehicle that routinely transports children around has to be tough. Initial impressions indicate the Multipla is well up to the task.
Used Fiat Multipla for sale

Fiat Multipla Typical Pricing

Prices for the 1.6-litre petrol version of the facelifted Multipla start at £7,300 for an 04-plated example showing around 35,000 miles on the clock. That will get you a Dynamic model although trading up to the Dynamic Plus is worthwhile as used valuations are only about £50 pricier, worthwhile for the provision of climate control, side airbags, an alarm and front fog lights. The top model is the Eleganza which starts at £7,750, again on the 04 plate.Opt, as most did, for the excellent 1.9-litre diesel engine and you'll need from £8,200 for the Dynamic, £8,300 for the Dynamic Plus and £8,600 for an Eleganza. Insurance is reasonably priced, the 1.6-litre cars kicking off at Group 8 while the 1.9 Eleganza wears a Group 10 rating.
Used Fiat Multipla for sale

Fiat Multipla Parts

(Estimated prices, based on an '05 Multipla JTD) It's good to know you won't have to pay too much here. Spares prices for the Multipla are right there in the lower end of the class. A clutch assembly will cost in the region of £115, whilst front brake pads are a trifling £40 and rear brake shoes are £52 a set. A new oil filter is around £7, an air filter approximately £8 and spark plugs are £4.
Used Fiat Multipla for sale