Priced to compete directly with conventional saloons and hatchbacks, the new Fiat Croma (incidentally, not spelt Fiat Chroma), which goes on sale in the UK on Saturday 20 August, is Fiat Auto’s unique entry into D segment, an area of the market from which one in every five cars sold in the UK, belongs.Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the new Fiat Croma blends together the benefits of a saloon car, an estate and an MPV. It sets high segment standards for build quality, interior finish, comfort, equipment levels and state-of-the-art technology, within an innovative 'crossover' design. The latter represents an evolution of the hatchback concept into a well weighted combination of company car and family car – with size, spaciousness and comfort at the top of the priorities list.Fiat Auto's distinctive new executive car thus combines the loadspace and versatility of an estate with the commanding driving position and spacious passenger accommodation of an MPV, whilst offering the superior driving dynamics of a conventional saloon. On board, the new Fiat's singular design parameters have created an interior of high quality which offers class-leading passenger space in several areas, with particular attention paid to rear passenger accommodation, where its interior dimensions are class-leading.Seven versions of the new Croma, priced from £15,745 – £19,345 on-the-road, will become available from launch, embracing three trim levels – Dynamic, Eleganza and Prestigio – and a choice of three Euro 4-compliant engines: an all-aluminium, twin balancer shaft, twin overhead camshaft, 2.2 litre, 147 bhp, 16-valve petrol unit, and 120 and 150 bhp versions of Fiat Auto's widely acclaimed 1.9 litre MultiJet turbodiesel. Later this year, a new, 200 bhp, 5-cylinder, 20-valve, 2.4 litre MultiJet turbodiesel version, the most powerful engine in Fiat Auto's common rail turbodiesel family, will join the range, and at the beginning of next year, a 140 bhp 1.8 litre petrol engine option will become available.Petrol engines are mated to 5-speed manual transmissions, with a 5-speed, sequential shift automatic gearbox available for the 2.2 litre unit. Both 120 and 150 bhp versions of the 1.9 litre MultiJet turbodiesel are fitted with 6-speed manual transmissions, with a 6-speed sequential shift automatic gearbox available for the 16 valve unit. The powerful, 2.4 litre MultiJet engine is exclusively mated to a 6-speed, sequential shift automatic gearbox.The new Fiat Croma's equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, with ABS, seven airbags, (two more are optional), remote central locking and tailgate release, electric windows throughout, air conditioning, a 6-speaker CD player, and alloy wheels fitted as standard across the entire range.This comprehensive equipment package is further boosted by a range of innovative, safety and comfort-enhancing options, such as an electrically operated SkyDome sunroof which covers a remarkable 1.5m2, increasing the Croma's total glazed area above the waistline to some 75%, rain and dusk sensors, cruise control, xenon headlamps, rear passenger side airbags, a CD system that can play MP3 files, Fiat's unique Connect NAV+ satellite navigation and infotelematics, dual zone climate control, privacy curtains and darkened rear windows.Allied to an outstanding Cd figure of just 0.28, which not only contributes to noise reduction but also to reduced fuel consumption, particular emphasis has been placed on eliminating the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness to the cabin of thenew Fiat Croma, further enhancing on-board comfort with the quietest possible, vibration-free interior. The extensive deployment of sound absorbing materials and sound-deadening partitions within the box sections of the Croma's monocoque structure prevent noise propagation and isolate the passenger compartment from the outside world.Wind and road noise are also greatly reduced by the adoption of an innovative, double glazed laminated windscreen, consisting of two thick layers of glass separated by a thin film of PVB, which absorbs sound waves at 200 kHz, the prime frequency at which wind noise becomes particularly irritating. Specific attention has also been paid to the vibration-free mounting of all mechanical elements including engine, suspension and steering column, within a particularly rigid bodyshell structure – a factor which also contributes to the surefooted handling of the vehicle.Fiat Auto has equipped the new Croma with the highest levels of both passive and active safety. Assisted by a chassis designed to provide exceptional torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency, the Croma may be fitted with up to nine airbags, whilst height adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter, anti-whiplash front seat head restraints, three-point rear seatbelts, anti-submarining front seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments to outer rear seats and an FPS Fire Prevention System are all fitted as standard.The new Fiat Croma also offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available today: ABS anti-lock brakes complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration, MSR to modulate engine torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability during sudden changes in direction. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.THE MARKETBecause of its size, price, and design, the new Croma will be competing in the medium range 'D' segment of the marketplace, a sector traditionally dominated by the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. These models have sold in their millions over the years, but have recently declined in popularity due to the advent of the MPV. The 'D' segment nevertheless remains massive, accounting for some 500,000 units a year, or one in every five cars sold in the UK. Fiat has not had a model competing in this segment for some time now, so the new Croma represents an opportunity in terms of additional volume opportunities.The new Croma, however, represents something new in the segment quite unlike the Mondeo or Vectra. It's unique in delivering large quantities of space, comfort and practicality, plus a rewarding driving experience – all at highly competitive prices.The new Croma offers the business driver:The style and drivability of a saloon car, with the practicality of an estate A large volume of space for equipment or luggage Exceptional comfort Refined, powerful, Euro 4 compliant engines with good fuel economy High levels of specification and safety Then, when the family is involved, it provides: Space for everyone to relax in Luggage room for all the family's gear Handy oddment compartments A tall roof that makes it easy to settle children in the back High-mounted seats for superior all-round visibility An analysis of D-segment today shows that, in UK, it is in slow decline as customers in search of space and comfort, 'migrate' to the MPV (L1) segment. D-segment, however, remains very competitive, with some 35 competitors, many of which are vigorously marketing their products in this sector. Croma, with its class-leading internal space, compact MPV driving position and D-segment driving pleasure, meets these new customers' expectations of superior comfort, visibility, spaciousness and accessibility. But it is not only designed to appeal to compact MPV and estate car owners, offering a sportier appearance and driving properties, combined with ease of access and roominess, as it will also appeal to company hatchback drivers who will not need to make sacrifices (in terms of driving pleasure, style, or monthly payments) in going for a bigger, more practical car that's ideal for the family.Thus, Croma's target market is on-the-road professionals with a family who want a harmony of D-segment sophistication and L1 (compact MPV) segment practicality from their company car.DESIGNWhen Giorgetto Giugiaro began designing the new Croma, his brief from Fiat was to create not just another, 'me-too', medium-range saloon, but to produce a car that would really appeal to business people with families. As a result, he had to address two seemingly conflicting attitudes.Most business people like the smooth, sleek styling of a modern saloon, but often find the cramped interior uncomfortable and totally unrealistic for their families – the spaciousness of an MPV is much more practical.By contrast, most MPV drivers acknowledge the comfort and practical benefits of their people carrier, but still have a hankering for the handling, drivability, and feel-good factor of a modern saloon.With these criteria in mind, the new Croma was created – a car that addresses both issues. It's considerably taller than its main saloon rivals, giving it a large volume of versatile interior space, and making it particularly comfortable and easy to get in and out of.Meanwhile its saloon underpinnings and strong engines make it a satisfying car to drive.Right from the start, Giorgetto Giugiaro had a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve: "I sought to make the Croma what it should be: extraordinarily spacious, highly innovative, and stunning in looks and quality. In this type of car, interior roominess takes top priority, so I looked back on the experience I gained from the design of the Maserati Buran concept car in 2000 – a high-performance, luxury car that was also extremely spacious and functional. In fact I used the same roominess and access co-efficients. All the while I was thinking about the importance of easy access, onboard space, and a comfortable interior."Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of the new Croma is its height – it stands some 10 cm taller than the average medium-range saloon car, providing easy access, superior all-round vision, and loads of space. You don't have to bend down or step up to get into a Croma.Style-wise, it features deep flanks, a steep sloping bonnet with a dramatic V-shape in it, and flamboyant sweeps that lead into the front wheelarches and out of the rear ones. The nose benefits from the new Fiat family look and, at the rear, the Croma's flared wheel arches give it a decidedly muscular and powerful appearance."In the last 20 years, technological progress and marketing expectations have evolved rapidly," considers Giugiaro. "We just have to think of safety and the work involved in inserting airbags in the most effective positions, the services offered by electronics in terms of individual comfort, active and passive safety, and of information. I would say that, compared to the three-box Croma of 1985, the new Croma has taken on board the lessons learned from people movers – tall cars in which the space can be interpreted freely according to circumstances – whilst maintaining the image of a very comfortable saloon."StylingThe front of the new car features elegant, distinctive styling combining streamlined headlamp clusters, a large grille instantly identifying the Croma as the latest addition to the Fiat range, a seamless, body-coloured bumper which integrates the strong, deep 'V' coachwork lines locating the front grille and reinforcing the bonnet, and a deep front airdam complete with integral foglamps.Aided by flush, frameless junctions between the windscreen and both roof and A pillars, as well as carefully considered wing mirror and roof rail detailing, the new Fiat's powerfully aerodynamic front profile rewards the car with an outstanding Cd figure of just 0.28, affording the Croma an exceptionally quiet interior at motorway cruising speeds.From the side, muscular wheel arches linked by a strong door sill line reinforce the Croma's purposeful, dynamic stance, whilst integral, full length, satin-finished aluminium roof rails, blacked out B and C pillars and a sloping, panoramic rear windscreen emphasise the clean, cohesive homogeny of the design. An enlarged quarterlight maximises visibility to the rear and contributes to a particularly generous glazed area.At the rear, prominent, wrap-around LED light clusters and a sloping upper tailgate section articulate the design of the new Croma in the manner of a sporting estate rather than an abruptly truncated MPV, whilst the top of the integral, colour-coded rear bumper is sharply rebated to offer flush, low level access to the loadspace via a top hinged, full width tailgate.Life on BoardThe new Fiat Croma is 4756 mm long, 1775 mm wide and 1597 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm, making it some 100 mm higher than comparable estate cars within the segment. This allows for both raised seating positions and generous glazing, providing a light, spacious interior offering greater all-round visibility and comfort.As Giorgetto Giugiaro explains: "Fiat is very much in favour of the philosophy of offering as much space as possible for passengers. I would not underestimate the aesthetic impact of the new Croma, it is elegant and prestigious both inside and out; a vehicle that contains quality features that will certainly be appreciated in such a competitive market."The new Fiat's unique design parameters have created an interior which offers class-leading passenger space in several areas. Combining with lowered door sills and a flat cabin floor, the raised front and rear seating positions provide the optimum seat base height for comfortable access, whilst still affording headroom on a par with taller, MPV styled competitors.The seats, produced in accordance with principles developed by Professor Dal Monte, head of the Biometrics Department at the CONI Sport Medicine Institute, are particularly comfortable, devoting attention to passenger posture and lateral containment, whilst offering segment-leading shoulder width of 1425 mm at the front and 1450 mm at the rear. Moreover, a best-in-class 900 mm between front and rear seat H points guarantees a generous rear footwell and ample legroom for even the tallest rear passenger. In fact, 99% of people can sit comfortably in the rear seats, versus the D segment average of just 70% – a significant advantage for the new Croma.The combination of a raised driving position, height-adjustable seat, rake and reach- adjustable steering wheel and generous glazing afford the Fiat Croma driver a comfortable, ergonomically adaptable driving position allied to excellent all-round visibility.Complementing a clear, functional driver's instrument binnacle, the prominent, high quality centre console raises the gear lever to within the closest practical proximity of the steering wheel, allowing for quick, accurate gearchanges with minimal physical effort. Careful consideration has gone into the placement of all other console-based functions, offering ease of access with minimal driver distraction, and the ignition key has been located adjacent to the handbrake at the base of the centre console for ease of operation and added security.Extensive cabin storage includes an enclosed, 11 litre glove box, a centre console arm rest incorporating a 3 litre cold-box linked to the climate control system, generous door pockets, cup holders, an optional rear seat centre armrest which includes two retractable cup holders, and a front passenger seat which folds down to facilitate the carrying of loads up to 2.7 metres long or act as a work surface.The Croma also benefits from a flat floored, 500 litre luggage compartment – one of the largest in its class – which may be expanded to a total loadspace capacity of 1610 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats fully folded. A modular, two-position loadspace floor is also available which, positioned at the bottom of the well, exploits the Croma's loading capacity in full or, when raised to the level of the tailgate sill, offers a concealed, 160mm deep storage space beneath the luggage compartment floor, providing the ideal place in which to conceal valuable items like cameras, etc. While in this position the boot floor is flush with the rear bumper, meaning that heavy objects can be easily slid straight into the boot. The modular boot – which essentially provides two boots in one – is standard on Prestigio versions and an option on others.Available in a choice of nine body colours and three trim levels, the Fiat Croma sets high standards for interior quality, finish and comfort. Dark grey, high quality slush moulding to the upper section of both the two-tone fascia and door panels ensures an even, soft-touch surface finish throughout, and, allied to the identical treatment of both front and rear door panels, unifies the cabin volume and reinforces the attention paid to the new Croma's rear passenger environment.Each trim level is available with a choice of two interior colours – light (Ghibli) or dark (London) grey – which encompass the lower section of dashboard and door panels, the seats, and carpeting to both passenger compartment and loadspace. A selection of high quality leather finishes is also available for seats and door panel trim, whilst a choice of meticulously finished, metallic grey or lacquered Bordeaux insert panels to the fascia, centre console and door panels adds further visual continuity to the Croma's elegant, luxurious interior.NVHParticular emphasis has been placed on eliminating the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness to the cabin of the new Fiat Croma, further enhancing on-board comfort with the quietest possible, vibration-free interior. The quietness of a car is expressed by a 'conversability index' – the ease with which a conversation may take place at high speeds – the Croma recording an excellent 65% at 87 mph.The extensive deployment of sound absorbing materials has been enhanced by the introduction of no less than 18 expandable, sound-deadening partitions located within the box sections of the Croma's monocoque structure, preventing noise propagation and isolating the passenger compartment from the outside world.Wind and road noise are greatly reduced by the adoption of an innovative, laminated windscreen in which two thick sheets of glass are separated by a film of multi-ply PVB plastic. This results in optimal damping of sound waves, particularly in the 200 kHz range, the frequency at which the most intrusive road noises occur.Vibration is limited by a particularly rigid bodyshell structure – enhanced by the large cross-section of main box section elements, and the introduction of a 'torsion box' connecting the rear wheel arches – which records a flexural rigidity of 960 daN/mm and torsional rigidity of 100,600 daN/mm – outstanding in a car with a full height tailgate. Particular attention has also been paid to the vibration-free mounting of all mechanical elements including engine, suspension and steering column.SAFETYThe Fiat Croma benefits from some 18,000 hours of computer aided design, 120 crash tests, 100 HyGe slide simulations, 200 tests on components and subsystems, 10 new performance specification and test procedures, and eight co-design suppliers of specific passive safety structures, placing the new car at the top of its category in terms of passive, active and preventive safety.It meets preventive safety needs with an adjustable cockpit that adapts perfectly to drivers of any size. The combination of a raised driving position and an extensive glazed area allows the best possible view of the road ahead. User-friendly ergonomics allow drivers to operate all instruments and controls without taking their eyes off the road. And the new Croma's excellent all-round visibility is further enhanced by the availability of optional rain, dusk and parking sensors.PASSIVE SAFETYAllied to a chassis designed to provide exceptional torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency, the new Fiat Croma may be fitted with up to nine airbags, seven of which are standard equipment, whilst height adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter, anti-whiplash front seat head restraints, three-point rear seatbelts, anti-submarining front seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments to outer rear seats and an FPS Fire Prevention System are all fitted as standard.Anti-whiplash systemThe front seat backs incorporate an anti-whiplash system which allows the backrest to pivot horizontally in the case of a nose-to-tail crash, thus reducing head 'bouncing' which can cause whiplash. The actuating device is kept in the rest position by a spring that will automatically restore the normal backrest position, so the mechanism requires no adjustment for resumption of normal operation.AirbagsThe new Croma may be equipped with no less than nine airbags, although seven are standard: driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags, a driver's knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, as well as two side curtain airbags providing head protection in the case of side impacts. Their operation is controlled by an electronic control unit that evaluates crash severity via a number of sensors located throughout the car.The front passenger airbag may be deactivated manually via an ignition key switch on the fascia. A dashboard warning light indicates this condition. The seatbelt pretensioner remains active, so a rear facing baby seat can be safely fitted.ISOFIX AttachmentsThe new Fiat Croma is fitted with ISOFIX mountings to ensure the easy and safe installation of child seats. The attachments take the form of two pairs of brackets located at the base of the two outer rear seat squabs. The bracket sizes and settings are in accordance with European standards so that the seat can be re-used on any other vehicle.Fire Prevention SystemThe FPS includes a cut-off valve and an inertia switch which immediately locks the electric petrol pump. This prevents fuel loss in the case of impact, roll-over or damage to the fuel lines. The fuel tank is formed in a plastic resistant to mechanical stress and fire. Special care has been taken over the location of key components within the engine bay, electrical system, fuel system and brakes to minimise the risk of damage. The new Croma's interior trim is also flame resistant.ACTIVE SAFETYThe servo assisted braking system features two independent crossover hydraulic circuits to ensure prompt, linear braking and shorter stopping distances. Croma versions powered by the 1.9 litre MultiJet 8v turbodiesel, and the two petrol engines, feature 285mm ventilated discs at the front and 278mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 1.9 litre 16v and 2.4 litre 20v MultiJet turbodiesel units feature uprated brake callipers and larger, 305 mm ventilated discs at the front, with 292mm ventilated discs at the rear.The new Fiat Croma offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems on the market today: ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability during sudden directional changes. The incorporation of ESP also means that Croma benefits from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.ABSA new generation TRW – EBC430 ABS system, featuring four active sensors, four channels and an electronic control unit with 12 solenoids, is fitted as standard across the entire Fiat Croma range.The system is complemented by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) that governs the braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking, and ensures full control of the car in all situations. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating and the brake servo thrust requirement.ASR and MSRThe new Croma is also equipped with a sophisticated Anti Slip Regulation system (ASR) to restrict loss of traction in cases of reduced grip. ASR traction control works at any speed, and prevents the driven wheels from slipping by adjusting torque according to available levels of grip.The MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) cuts in when a gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. The system restores torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up.ESPThe new Fiat Croma also offers a permanently engaged Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which is activated to help control the car when stability is at risk.Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, lateral acceleration and steering wheel input, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide. The system restores stability by applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, and simultaneously reducing engine power. Engine power reduction is also carefully modulated to ensure a minimum of performance loss and, hence, continued driver satisfaction.Hill HolderFiat's Hill Holder system, which is integrated into the ABS software, helps drivers pull smoothly away from an upwards-facing hill start. Operating via the ESP longitudinal acceleration sensor when first gear is engaged and both clutch and brake pedals are pressed, the control unit maintains front calliper pressure for about 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released to eliminate the risk of rolling backwards and ensure a smooth pull away. Hill Holder does not operate when setting off downhill in first gear, but does so when reverse is engaged and the driver wishes to back uphill.Three generous specification levels are offered. The price 'jump' between Dynamic and Eleganza is £1000, which represents some 80% customer value. The 'jump' between Eleganza and Prestigio is £1350, representing 55% customer value. Specifications include the following: Dynamic Seven airbags Isofix fastenings on rear seat Remote central locking with tailgate release and alarm Front and rear electric windows Electric, heated door mirrors in body colour ABS anti-lock braking with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) Electro-hydraulic power assisted steering Axial and height adjustable steering wheel RDS stereo radio with CD player, 6 speakers and steering wheel controls Air conditioning Centre console cool box Height adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment Split (60/40) fold-down rear seat 16" alloy wheels Remote tailgate opening Trip computer ESP (+ ASR + MSR + Hill Holder + HBA). Optional on 1.9 8v MultiJet, standard on other engines Centre console with cool storage compartment Eleganza In addition to the Dynamic specification, Eleganza adds: Automatic, dual-zone climate control 17" alloy wheels Leather steering wheel and gear knob Foglights Cruise control Parking sensor Velour interior Ceiling-mounted spectacles holder Prestigio In addition to the Eleganza specification, Prestigio adds: 18" alloy wheels Tinted rear windows Rear side window blinds Tilting front seats Double luggage compartment SkyDome sunroof In-dash CD changer 'Castiglio' interior OPTIONAL EQUIPMENTThe new Fiat Croma's comprehensive standard equipment package is further enhanced by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options such as a SkyDome sunroof, electric heated front seats with memory, rain and dusk sensors, xenon headlamps, rear passenger side airbags, a tyre pressure sensor, a CD system that can play MP3 files, satellite navigation, and Fiat's unique Connect NAV+.SkyDome sunroofSkyDome is a large, crystal-glass sunroof, consisting of two glazed panels – one fixed and one mobile – and two sunblinds that may be independently retracted towards the rear of the car, increasing the Croma's overall glazed area to 5 square metres; 75% of the entire surface area above the waistline.Via a button adjacent to the central courtesy light, the retractable glass panel becomes a raised spoiler/wind deflector in the first position, thereafter sliding on aluminium guides to the fully opened position. Releasing the control button stops the movement at any required position. Both glass front panel and sunblind may be fully opened in just seven seconds.SkyDome also comes with an anti-obstruction system that reverses the motion of the glass panel when it encounters an obstruction.Dual-zone climate controlThe Dual-zone system makes it possible for driver and passenger to select (up to 7 degrees C) different ambient temperatures. The system has solar sensors that monitor solar gain within the two zones and adjust the temperature accordingly, and also operates a bi-level environment whereby warmer air can be directed to the floor vents and cooler air to the dashboard vents.Parking sensorsThe parking sensor, which is activated whenever the ignition is switched on and reverse gear engaged, consists of four ultrasound sensors fitted in the rear bumper linked to an electronic control unit and a buz
