Redefined
One cool aspect of the automotive industry is when companies release concept cars. These concepts are brain exercises for the brand, bringing together all car-making departments to brainstorm what a revolutionary product could be. Most of the time, these concepts are mere showcases of the brand’s current and future thinking, nothing more than a model that won’t be made.
Fiat’s latest concept just made its public debut, and it represents how Fiat sees the future of family mobility.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
Multiplay
The Paris Motor Show is one of the year’s biggest automotive events, and all participants are geared up to impress. Stellantis brings a slew of new concepts; one is the Fiat Multiplay, a family concept car that shows how Fiat envisions MPVs evolving. During the Stellantis “Night Before” event, the Multiplay was showcased to the world; the car is a massive 4.45 meters long and is meant to blend different vehicle types (hence the Multiplay name). It combines the space of an MPV, the characteristics of an SUV, and the functionality of a pickup truck. As a concept, the design is out of this world; it looks like a truly futuristic rugged MPV.
At the core of the Multiplay is the C-Pillar ‘Metamorfosi ’, a feature that integrates pickup functionality. The rear module can slide open, turning the closed-off trunk into an open pickup bed. In pickup mode, only four passenger seats are available, but Fiat says the back space is big enough for bicycles and other bulky equipment.
In full family MPV mode, there are 6 seats, plus the Petsenger Mode, an adaptable 7th seat designed to secure a child car seat, a pet, or modular storage accessories. The rear spoiler is also functional and can be rotated to become an integrated bike rack.
Fiat really made an effort when it comes to the space in the Multiplay, the often neglected 3rd-row was given importance. The automaker says the Multiplay’s last passenger row can comfortably fit children plus an adult, with enough space to give kids their own ‘zone’ in the car. The front passenger seat can also transform into the Sunseat; when facing the back seat, it uses the dashboard as a backrest to create a chaise longue beneath the panoramic roof.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
An Homage
If you’re a car person, you’ll notice that the Multiplay name sounds familiar, and you’re not wrong. The Multiplay is somehow related to the Fiat Multipla, using its spirit as inspiration for this project. Originally introduced in 1956, the Multipla could seat 6 people in around 3.5 meters, while the 1998 version offered a 6-passenger configuration with just 2 rows of seating.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
