1 Apr 2013
THE Fiat Chrysler Group’s expansion in Australia saw Italian brand Fiat grow its line-up in 2013 and the first new cab off the rank was the Freemont.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Dodge Journey the new Fiat had even more space than the American model and more fuel efficient engines to suit a European market.
A 125kW/220Nm 2.4 litre petrol (9.8L/100km) was a little lackluster and the excellent 125kW/350Nmdiesel (6.3L/100km) was let down by only being available with a manual gearbox.
However the Freemont excelled in value and with a base price of just $28,500 it offered a little European charm for less money than all but one seven-seat rival - the Kia Rondo.
The Base specification model offered 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless start, heated/folding door mirrors, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth audio.
Mid-spec Urban came with roofbars, tinted rear windows, dual-zone climate control, a folding passenger seat with storage compartment, electric driver’s seat, reversing camera and an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Top-spec Lounge spec added leather seats, chrome roofbars and doorhandles, 19-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and more potent 368-watt Alpine sound systemThird row seating (achieving seven seats in total) was a $1500 option as was a nine-inch screen for rear passengers.
