The latest bit of badge engineering to appear from the Chrysler/Fiat merger is the Fiat Freemont. (Fiat.co.uk) Aimed to replace the gap left by the Croma, Ulysee, and Multipla. But anyone expecting innovative new design might be a bit suprised. Fiat have taken the Dodge Journery from the Chrysler group, changed a few badges, plonked in a 2 litre engine from the Bravo, and there you have it a new Fiat model.
Not too sure how this big Fiat will be received. The UK market has an aversion to large Fiats, Citroens & Renaults, so it will be good to see how a badge engineered Dodge works out. But it will face stiff competition from the other 7 seat MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra, Renault Espace etc. With prices being just under the £30,000 mark
The Fiat group have also taken an interesting look at the Test Drive. We all know what a pain it an be to arrange appointments, travel all the way to the dealership, when all you want to do is drive a car. Lancia in Europe have something called Ypsilon at home. Where you can set up the test drive online, an hour later the salesman and car turn up at you door. You go for a drive, are left with a brochure and a phone number. Easy and straightforward. All we need to do is wait to see if Chrysler (Chrysler.co.uk) take the initiative when it launches its version of the Ypsillon in a few months time.
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