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Fiat S.p.A. issued the following press release:
Fiat will give the world a foretaste of two new models at the Geneva Show: the ‘Project 169’ and the ‘Project 350’ (B-MPV).
The numbers are in-house identification codes for our new supermini and our new compact Multi Purpose Vehicle. The two new arrivals mark Fiat’s drive to lead the city car segment and its determination to play a starring role in the fast-growing new subsegment of compact MPVs.
The unique mood of revival that has encouraged the creation of both these New Fiat models will gain new momentum at Geneva.
The aim is for the Brand to reaffirm its traditional strengths – and update them for a new audience. For example, our great flair for compact cars has come to the fore again with ‘Project 169 and Project 350’. We will also showcase our new 1.3 Multijet 16v engine and the evergreen Fiat Punto, now at the incredible sales total of 5 million. — Fiat 500 Car of the Year 2008.
Fiat has always seen itself as an intrinsically Italian brand with a mission to make cars that are stylish, practical and accessible to all. Cars packed with creative, clever solutions for a better quality of everyday life.
The area devoted to the two new arrivals is marked by orange flooring and two parallel platforms made to look like theatre seating. The platforms that house the vehicles are in metal with a glass surface.
Here the public can admire two versions of the ‘Project 169’, our cutting-edge take on the city car. The new model may be a compact car but it is still comfortable, roomy, ideal for city traffic but still able to undertake longer trips. — Car of the Year 2004 Fiat Panda.
The show also gives us two versions of the ‘Project 350’, a model that is original in combining two different motoring concepts: the handling and the size of a compact car plus the modularity and versatility of a true MPV.
The final impression is that of a youthful, dynamic area in a brightly coloured set with up-to-date furnishings and shiny metals. The message is reinforced by a backdrop depicting the Fiat building, where a large led screen projects film clips that highlight the youthful, alert image of the new city car.
The new 1.3 Multijet 16v engine is located in a glass case in the centre of the stand. This high-tech second-generation Common Rail engine is enclosed in a one-piece block measuring less than 50 cm in length and 65 cm in height. It is in fact the smallest four-cylinder Common Rail diesel engine available on the market. The only unit able to enclose no fewer than six normal-sized components in a cylinder with a bore of under 70 mm. In other words, four valves, one injector and a glow plug. — 74th Geneva Motor Show.
Another focus of the stand is the area devoted to the original concept cars built on the ‘Project 169’ base. One is the Fiat Simba, the first European example of a small off-roader that is just as at home beating a path through the African savannah as it is driving through the asphalt jungle. The second is the Fiat Marrakech, an engaging companion for holidays and relaxing quests for fun and entertainment. Both prototypes stand on two metal platforms with a glass surface, one of which revolves.
Fiat’s current production models are exhibited on the side of the stand that overlooks the Lancia area. Prominent among these is the Fiat Stilo Abarth with 170 bhp 2.4 20v power unit and five speed manual gearbox (so far this version has been equipped with a Selespeed gearbox) and outfitted with a highly distinctive kit.
Not far away is the Fiat Ulysse, the people-carrier for customers who want a comfortable, roomy, versatile MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with plenty of seats that offers great practicality. Two versions are on show: one equipped with a 2.2 JTD engine and the other with a 2.0 16v, both with the Emotion specification. — compact van segment.
And so from the Ulysse to the Fiat Stilo. The area set aside for Fiat’s medium-sized compact car and its Multi Wagon version features a fresh, dynamic setting in the Stilo’s own inimitable spirit. Three cars sit under the spotlights, all in the Dynamic specification: a five door version equipped with a 115 bhp 1.9 JTD and two Stilo Multi Wagons with 1.9 JTD and 1.8 16v engines.
Visitors to Geneva can also see the Fiat Punto HGT 1.8 16v and ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Sound’, both equipped with the 1.2 16v power unit. The array continues with the Multipla 1.9 JTD ELX and the Fiat Dobl’ 1.9 JTD Malib’.
Overall, the Fiat stand is therefore packed with new treats and offers a fresh and youthful setting with a host of colours and materials. The stand also offers multimedia entertainment. Several Internet stations allow you to log on to our buy@fiat and fiat.com sites. Here you can browse through new models and experience a new approach to the car world.
