Fiat Multipla (00-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 11 December 2008
The original Multipla's odd appearance meant that most people were put off - which is a shame as the Italian people carrier comes with a hugely practical and spacious interior, complete with three full-sized rear seats. A redesign smartened up the looks in mid-2004, but the Multipla remains an oddball choice among family cars, where vehicles like the Ford C-MAX, Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira sell in huge numbers. There are strong points though - the 1.9-litre diesel engine is very good and the Multipla is capable of carrying six people plus luggage - a feat seven-seat alternatives often struggle to achieve.
3 out of 5

Other Fiat reviews

2.5 out of 5

Safety

The Multipla was only awarded a three-star rating for adult safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. This is well below more modern people carriers like the Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira which both achieved the maximum five stars. Twin front airbags and ABS are standard and every passenger gets a three-point seatbelt.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    3 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
2.5 out of 5

Reliability

The Multipla is mechanically sound but it's not without its fault elsewhere. Most problems seem to be niggles rather than anything serious, but it's not uncommon for cars to have to return to dealerships repeatedly to get issues resolved. Loose trim and electrical faults seem to be the most common and Fiat dealers aren't always the best around. Some owners report a few minor niggles with code immobilisers and electrical systems.

Car check problem points

Body

Check for loose trim inside and creaking doors.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.