The Return Of A Legend And How The New Electric Fiat Multipla Might Look

The automotive world often looks back at the original Fiat Multipla with a mix of amusement and respect. It was widely considered one of the most unattractive cars ever produced. Despite the controversy surrounding its unconventional appearance, the vehicle was undeniably practical and offered incredible space. Fiat is now preparing to revive this iconic nameplate for a modern audience.

The Italian manufacturer has been revisiting its rich heritage frequently in recent years. They have successfully launched updated versions of the ‘Topolino’ and the ‘600’ to great acclaim. The upcoming ‘Grande Panda’ is another prime example of this retro-futuristic strategy. Reports suggest the new Multipla will arrive next year as a larger sibling to the Panda.

Independent artist Kleber Silva of KDesign AG has produced some compelling renders of this anticipated vehicle. His digital creation envisions exactly what this new model could look like. The design borrows heavily from the blocky and robust aesthetic of the ‘Grande Panda’. It features a vertical front end and distinctive pixelated lighting signatures.

This new vehicle represents a significant shift away from the original MPV body style. It transforms the nameplate into a C-segment crossover to meet current market demands. The strange curves and distinctively bug-eyed headlights of the past are completely gone. We instead see a muscular and angular SUV that fits perfectly into the modern Fiat lineup.

The design language specifically mimics the concept of a giant Panda. This means it takes the charming proportions of the smaller car and stretches them out significantly. The render shows the Fiat lettering proudly displayed on the grille. Plastic cladding around the wheels emphasizes its rugged nature.

Fiat plans to build this car on the versatile Stellantis Smart Car platform. This architecture is a cost-effective solution designed for global markets. The vehicle will share many components with the new ‘Citroen C3 Aircross’. It is also technically related to the recently revealed ‘Opel Frontera’.

Fans of the original six-seater layout might be disappointed by the expected interior changes. The unique three-seat front row will almost certainly not make a comeback in this iteration. The new model will likely adopt a more conventional seven-seat configuration. This allows it to serve as a practical replacement for the aging Fiat Tipo.

Powertrain options will likely mirror its platform siblings to keep costs down. We expect a mild hybrid version with a standard gasoline engine. This setup usually offers either 100 or 136 horsepower depending on the specific trim level. A fully electric version is also part of the plan for the launch.

The electric variant should come equipped with a 113 horsepower motor. It will initially feature a 44 kilowatt-hour battery pack suitable for urban driving. A larger battery option offering a range of 400 kilometers might arrive later to boost appeal. This strategy aims to keep the entry price affordable for families.

The transformation of the Multipla from an ugly duckling to a stylish SUV is fascinating. It demonstrates how automakers adapt classic names to sell modern electric technology. The render by Kleber Silva gives us a hopeful preview of this evolution. We will have to wait until next year to see the final production model.

Please let us know if you prefer this modern SUV style over the original MPV design in the comments.