Fiat Revives Multipla for 2027 Dacia Bigster Rival
▼ Summary
– Fiat’s upcoming Dacia Bigster rival, launching in 2027, may draw inspiration from the iconic Multipla MPV.
– The new SUV is part of two C-segment models Fiat plans to release, alongside a raised hatchback, previewed by Panda-inspired concepts.
– Both models will be under 4.5 meters long and use Stellantis’ Smart Car platform, supporting electric and hybrid powertrains.
– Fiat hints the SUV may not carry the Panda name, despite being part of its design family, and acknowledges challenges in expanding beyond city cars.
– The Multipla, though commercially unsuccessful, was praised for innovation, and the new SUV may echo its space efficiency in a traditional SUV form.
Fiat is preparing to challenge Dacia’s Bigster with a bold new SUV that draws inspiration from its iconic Multipla MPV, set to debut by 2027. This upcoming model will join another C-segment vehicle in Fiat’s lineup, a sleek, elevated hatchback, both previewed by concept cars last year. Built on Stellantis’s budget-friendly Smart Car platform, these vehicles will measure under 4.5 meters and offer hybrid and electric powertrains, mirroring the approach seen in the compact Grande Panda.
Though the SUV will align with Fiat’s Panda design language rather than the retro 500 series, executives have hinted it may not carry the Panda name. Gaetano Thorel, Fiat’s European chief, acknowledged the challenge of expanding beyond city cars but emphasized the brand’s historical connection to family vehicles, citing the Multipla as proof. He highlighted Stellantis’s role in enabling Fiat to cover a broader market, from compact urban models to larger passenger cars.
Originally launched in 1998, the Multipla stood out with its unconventional design, featuring three-abreast seating and clever packaging. Despite mixed commercial success, it earned acclaim for innovation, with critics praising its forward-thinking approach. The new SUV will adopt a more conventional SUV silhouette but could retain the Multipla’s focus on maximizing interior space within a compact footprint. The Citroën C3 Aircross, sharing the same platform, already demonstrates this capability with its seven-seat configuration, suggesting Fiat’s model could follow suit.
This revival signals Fiat’s ambition to blend practicality with modern styling, leveraging its heritage while competing in the growing C-segment SUV market.
(Source: AUTOCAR)
