Fiat’s next major new model will be a compact MPV targeted at the Vauxhall Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Ford B-Max. Called Fiat Ellezero, and set to be revealed at the Geneva motor show next spring ahead of a 2013 launch, its six-window styling bears a clear resemblance to the new Panda, while the nose treatment will share similarities to the Fiat 500.
It also has a windscreen featuring considerable wraparound, allowing the base of the A pillars to sit further back to improve visibility.
The Ellezero replaces Fiat B segment Idea MPV, which lead a short life in the UK but survives on the continent. Engines are likely to include the 84bhp Twinair turbo, the 75bhp and 94bhp 1.3 Multijet diesels and the 99bhp 1.4 petrol.
Ellezero is the car’s codename, but may become its actual nameplate. As previously, the Fiat will be joined by a reskinned, Lancia version, today’s Musa mini-MPV a big seller in Italy.
The UK will get this model as a Chrysler. Both cars will be assembled at Fiat’s Serbian factory, a former Zastava plant, and both will also be exported to the US.
