April 1, 2004. Copyright, 2004, Graphic News. All rights reserved Fiat Idea: flexible, utilitarian little MPV faces tough competition By Neil Winton LONDON, April 1, Graphic News: Just because a car has a daft name, it doesnÕt mean that sales will suffer. Just think of the ubiquitous little Ford Ka. Hundreds of thousands of little Kas are buzzing around European cities with little sign of embarrassment from their owners. I even drove up behind someone the other day driving a Skoda Superb. But the Fiat Idea? My dictionary defines an idea as Òa notion, a fancy; a thought or conception that potentially or actually exists in the mind as a product of mental activityÓ. That doesnÕt sound like the kind of qualities you might seek in a new car. The Fiat Idea, despite its name, is clearly all about practicality and flexibility. The Idea is in the vanguard of new mini Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPV), also known as People Movers, which seek to offer big car features in a small car space. Already in the market are the Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, the Honda Jazz, and the Toyota Yaris Verso. Cheaper variations on the theme include the Renault Kangoo and the Citroen Berlingo. According to Fiat, the Idea is more than the sum of its parts. ÒIts inspired design means that although its exterior dimensions are only marginally bigger than the average supermini, its interior space is enormous, whilst its clever seating arrangements and well thought out storage facilities will prove to be a boon to all those confronted with the problems of family life on the move,Ó says Fiat. But it doesnÕt compare well with the more expensive Honda Jazz, which allows the rear seats to fold down into the floor and give a flat, van-like rear load carrying area. With the Idea, the seats only fold back up against the front seats. The Idea uses parts mainly from the current Fiat Punto, although with a slightly longer wheel base and extra height. The body is designed by ItaldesignÕs Fabrizio Giugiaro. Fiat has recently been confounding its critics with new designs like the smaller Fiat Panda city car, current European Car of the Year. But inside, the Idea doesnÕt match the PandaÕs great leap forward in quality. The interior is workmanlike and practical, but the materials seem inferior to the PandaÕs, and it doesnÕt seem so well screwed together. It doesnÕt come close to the quality of the Jazz. The carÕs handling on the rural roads around Olbia in northern Sardinia was adequate. The version powered by the 1.3 Multijet turbo diesel was a disappointment, after working terrifically well for the Punto and Panda. The Idea weighs 220 kilograms more than the Punto, and this seriously weakens the performance. The petrol version was the best to drive, and under hard acceleration the 1.4 litre motor gave off a pleasing rasp, rather than the wheezy struggling noises emanating from the underpowered diesel. The IdeaÕs standard specification is impressive, including ABS, remote central locking, driver and front passenger airbags, electric front windows, and electric power steering. The Idea is available in three trim levels, Active, Dynamic and Eleganza, with a current choice of two engines Ð the 1.4 litre petrol and 1.3 litre Multijet diesel. If car buyers public figure out that the Idea is a great car priced to go, not even a barmy name will put them off. /ENDS