AA Zone

Fiat Multipla 1.9JTD (2001 X)

Fiat Multipla 1.9JTD (2001 X)

Original Post

I tend to agree with points made in the AA review though that was about one of the newer, more boring looking (!?) models.

I've had mine for eight years and one of the reasons I've still got it is that everything I consider as a replacement involves a compromise.

Multipla's very practical and adaptable - with six up there's still room for a sensible amount of luggage/shopping while with only four up and two of the rear seats left in the garage there's room enough for camping gear for a fortnight and the driver can still see out of the back window!

Yes the seats are a little heavy to lift but they latch in/out easily enough so it's worth doing even for a trip to the local tip with gardening rubbish - fewer journeys than the neighbours too because of its capacity.

Anyone who rides in it comments on how bright and airy it feels - oh and that it looks better from the inside too.

The width has never been a problem and it's a very easy car to drive - visibility is great and parking's easy.

As far as fuel consumption is concerned we've been getting high 30s to low 40s out of it overall though most of our use has been short, suburban journeys.

Touch wood (or failing that cloth covered dashboard) it's never actually broken down but has cost a fair bit in repair/maintenance bills - high pressure diesel pipes (just as the warranty expired), brake discs and drums, clutch & flywheel (after 70k miles), EGR valve. Seems to go through front tyres pretty quickly too and the front sunroof leaked badly in the early days but this was fixed under warranty.

It may not appeal to everyone but there's a sense of being in a club of some sort too - pass another Multipla on the road and the chances are they'll flash their lights by way of greeting. I've never been one for flashing back - but you might.