Freemont: the First 'Chrysler' Fiat - VIDEO ENHANCED

• Freemont to be built on the base of the Dodge Journey

• To be produced in the Toluca Mexico plant

Fiat Fremont

AUBURN HILLS, MI - April 29, 2011: Freemont combines flexibility and practicality with its own distinctive and original style. The dimensions (length 489 cm, width 188 cm and height 172 cm) guarantee outstanding interior roominess, also aided by the best wheelbase in its category (289 cm).

The Fiat Freemont guarantees maximum roominess, comfort and versatility thanks to its 7 standard seats with a genuine third row of roomy seats that is easily accessible because the doors open to 90° and a simple and easily operated seat slide system. The seats of the third row may be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely below the floor and create a regular load platform. The seats of the second row are fitted higher than those at the front while the third row is raised in relation to the second allowing all occupants maximum visibility. The second row can also be fitted with the innovative child booster system: booster seats are used to make sure that children on board are sitting correctly, optimising the seatbelt geometry as well as guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort. On-board comfort is also assured by a high driving position, new roomy and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres.

Click PLAY to watch the Fremont promo video

The storage compartments guarantee passengers a total of approximately 140 litres of additional capacity, (comparable to the luggage capacity of a city-car). The front armrest, for example, is very deep and guarantees maximum capacity, also containing a USB port (which may be used for an iPodŽ) and a 12 volt PowerPoint. This makes it possible to listen to music or recharge portable devices while ensuring they are concealed when you get out of the car. The passenger seats contain a convenient and easily accessible compartment under the cushion while the floor in the second row contains two compartments under the mats.

The Fiat Freemont's very individual design includes muscular, decisive lines that are expressed in a front end with brand new bumpers in a softer shape and grille with the Fiat logo. The rear end has been redesigned with the adoption of a new bumper and LED tail lights. The all-new passenger compartment features an up-to-date design more in keeping with the needs of European consumers, and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a striking central console and an innovative infotainment system with a large colour touchscreen. Many vehicle functions can be controlled with a light touch on the touchscreen, including temperature settings for the three climate-controlled areas and audio system adjustment.

Fiat Fremont

To simplify the selection and purchase process, only two trim levels will be provided that are aimed at different customer types. The equipment level for both trim levels is extremely comprehensive and all the main content items comply with the 'Fiat fair price' strategy. Both trim levels will offer 7 seats, 17" alloys, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The more metropolitan version will include touchscreen radio with 8.4" screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, folding door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, tinted rear windows and roof bars.The Freemont will have front wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4x4 versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic gearboxes. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic gearbox, all power units are produced and developed by FPT - Fiat PowerTrain.

The vehicle's dynamic performances have also been improved with the aid of Fiat engineering, which has developed and introduced a special suspension and steering configuration for greater accuracy and directness. Driving comfort is further guaranteed by significant improvements to passenger compartment soundproofing.

Safety is top level with 7 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) as standard on all vehicles.