Test report – technical data – price
-Conclusion

GAVI (Italy), June 21, 2011- Three things at once: That not were now really, the Kinder advertising admonished us earlier. The latest Fiat product, the thing from the perspective of the public relations Department looks very different. The Freemont is to combine the characteristics of an SUV, a vans and a station wagon in itself. Can this be done?A good friendFriends large Fiat models have since 2010 losing battle, as the Italians set the Ulysse and the Croma. But now comes in the form of Freemont replacement – he is the first Fiat, resulting from the participation of the Italian in Chrysler. Since early June 2011, Fiat holds the majority on the US carmaker. At first glance the Freemont as old acquaintance is already identify, because is a slightly retouched Dodge journey ahead of us. Fiat while speaks of “an independent design”, but the changes are restricted to a new grille and LED tail lights. But that’s quite good, because the remaining lines awarded a standalone note already the journey. Unlike about a VW Sharan acts as the Freemont rather like a kindergarten Express, although the dimensions of both competitors are similar. 4.89 M, the Fiat is four inches longer than the VW while he remains with 1.69 metres just below the level of German.

Place for sevenAbout design, you can always argue, therefore, we first take the inner life of Italo AMIS under the microscope. The Freemont is offered exclusively as seven. However good the third range due to a lack of legroom and headroom only for children, especially as annoying project the wheel wells. Therefore it is better, to sink the seats, which easily succeed by train on a loop. So, we create a trunk volume of 472 liters. In the second row, the rider sit higher as in series one. Enjoy a generous legroom, also the temperature of the standard climate control of knobs in the headliner can be fix. Freemont owners have to forgo rear sliding doors, open the Fund portals in a 90 degree angle to the consolation. The fold out from the seat booster chairs for children are practical. The Bank itself can move in length, but the folded proves something strange. This includes also the control lever a cheap plastic contribute where you dare to draw little more. Maximum fit 1.461 litres luggage in the hold of Freemont. This is acceptable, but models such as the VW Sharan and the Volkswagen Passat variant offer significantly more.Schick madeThe most striking change to the Fiat Freemont awaits us in the cockpit. The dashboard has been completely redesigned, only the gear shift reminiscent more of Dodge times. Functionally, there are no weaknesses, all important controls are within easy reach, including a radio with touch screen. The entire ensemble has a significantly higher quality than even US times. Interior of the convex mirror integrated in the glasses, you can use to watch the next generation in the rear is a nice idea. The storage compartment, which is located below the seat of the passenger is clever. Apropos seats: you like with comfort grade of long-haul. A constraint affects the legroom of the co pilot, here the wheel arch protruding into annoying far.Self ignitedSince the Freemont Fiat for the European market is intended, first two diesel engines to choose from are available for him. Both units have the same displacement of 1956 cubic centimeters and it get 140 or 170 HP. Interesting: The maximum torque is always 350 nm, in the more powerful diesel, it is located on only over a longer period. The power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual, end of 2011 a version with four-wheel and six-speed automatic adds to the program.Less is moreA direct comparison of both variant, turned out to be the weaker unit as the better choice. The 140 HP strong diesel draws the good 1.9 ton Freemont elastic in sixth gear speed 60 on Highway speed. The noise is not completely satisfactory: people over at cold start outsiders there a clear nailing, while from about 120 km/h a ripple frequency blends with the wind. Falls off but much decent than in the large aggregate for small diesel engines. The latter is also unelastischer, which is noticeable in particular in Überholvorgängen. The exact circuit Garners positive reactions, however, the clutch pedal is specifically for delicate feet to press just stiff. In the context of the transformation of journey to the Fremont, Fiat eliminated the chassis itself and tailored to European taste. Indeed, the Steering has become more precise, while the suspension is firmer. Rough bumps are passed inside but clearly audibly, here have been exaggerated by the Italians with the firmness.Here is the priceDuring his short stay in Europe, the Dodge journey scored with a low price. Also the Fiat Freemont beats in the same hack: according to manufacturer around 90% of customers from 10 September 2011 will opt for the higher-quality “urban”-Ausstattung. You euros 140 HP diesel on the 27.290 and leaves nothing to be desired, unless we do without modern assistance systems. Also a start stop system is not to have money and good words. Instead, there is comfort tired: includes among others a three zone climate control, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a cruise control, a folding front passenger’s backrest and parking sensors are back. A navigation device is not available at the moment. Some parts of the device which currently – like many others from a supplier from Japan, also come – has difficulties. The Navi to be available according to Fiat from the end of the year, only then there is the appropriate price. In terms of tools, the seat heating front for 300 euro is recommended, if you are traveling with children, should order the video screens for the second series to 890 euros. The Freemont must however provide status as bargains-van to the Chevrolet Orlando. There it with 163 HP diesel and very good facilities for 24.790 euro. Compared to the popular VW Sharan Freemont customers but a stake save money: for the Sharan 2.0 TDI trendline with 140 HP are due whopping 31.350 euro. Fiat wants to sell in the future 5,000 Freemont per year in Germany.