Fiat Croma

Fiat Croma
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1985–1996 2005–2011
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat Argenta
Successor	Fiat Freemont

The Fiat Croma is a nameplate used for two automobiles produced by Italian automaker Fiat, one a large family car built from 1985 to 1996 and the other a cross-over wagon built from 2005 to 2011.

First generation (1985–1996)

First generation
Overview
Production	1985–1996
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Body style	5-door liftback
Platform	Type 4
Related	Saab 9000 Lancia Thema Alfa Romeo 164
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,660 mm (104.7 in)
Length	4,495 mm (177.0 in)
Width	1,755 mm (69.1 in)
Height	1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Curb weight	1,095 kg (2,414 lb) approx
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat Argenta

The "Type Four" Fiat Croma

Fiat Croma (after 1991 facelift)

The original Croma was a five-door notchback liftback penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design and built on the Type Four platform, which was designed in cooperation between several companies and was also used for the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema and Alfa Romeo 164. Although the other models were executive cars, the Croma was marketed in the large family car segment, replacing the Fiat Argenta in the Fiat lineup.

The Croma was the first large car produced by Fiat to feature a transverse-mounted engine and front wheel drive.

The Croma was 1987 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland.

Facelift

The Croma received a significant facelift in 1991 with new front design including changes to the lights, bumpers grille and sheet-metal changes to wings and bonnet. Also in 1991 the direct injected diesel engine was equipped with variable geometry turbocharger.

Production ceased in 1996, and Fiat abandoned the large family car segment. The Bravo/Brava-based Fiat Marea small family car replaced the Croma and Tempra as the largest saloon and estate in Fiat's model range.

Engines

The Croma was available with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, the former from the Fiat DOHC engine family. Base models had the 1585 cc, 83 PS (61 kW) and 1995 cc, 90 PS (66 kW) "Controlled High Turbulence" powerplants, followed by two fuel injected 2.0 L units, one with 120 PS (88 kW) and the other a turbocharged and intercooled version giving 153 PS (113 kW). The 2.5 L petrol V6 unit was from Alfa Romeo, but as with the 1.6 L engine, was not available in all markets.

The Fiat Croma was the first passenger car in the world to have a direct injection Diesel (Turbo D i.d.) engine in (1986). Diesel engines were the Fiat's 1.9 L fitted with a turbocharger with direct injection, giving 92 PS (68 kW), and the 2499 cc unit supplied by Iveco, with a normally aspirated version giving 75 PS (55 kW) and a turbocharged one with 115 PS (85 kW). This one replaced the previous 2446 cc with 100 PS (74 kW). Diesel engined variants of this car were not marketed in the UK.

Petrol Model Engine Displacement Power 1600 I4 SOHC 8V 1585 cc 83 PS (61 kW; 82 hp) 2000 CHT I4 DOHC 8V 1995 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) 2000 CHT I4 DOHC 8V 1995 cc 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) 2000 i.e. I4 DOHC 8V 1995 cc 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) 2000 i.e. I4 DOHC 8V 1995 cc 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) 2000 i.e. I4 DOHC 8V 1995 cc 120 PS (88 kW; 120 hp) 2000 i.e. 16V I4 DOHC 16V 1995 cc 137 PS (101 kW; 135 hp) 2000 i.e. Turbo I4 DOHC 8V 1995 cc 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) 2500 V6 DOHC 12V 2492 cc 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp)

Diesel Model Engine Displacement Power 2000 Turbo D i.d. I4 SOHC 8V 1929 cc 94 PS (69 kW; 93 hp) 2500 D I4 SOHC 8V 2499 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) 2500 TD I4 SOHC 8V 2499 cc 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) 2500 TD I4 SOHC 8V 2499 cc 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) 2500 TDE I4 SOHC 8V 2499 cc 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp)

Second generation (2005–2011)

Second generation
Overview
Production	2005–2011
Assembly	Cassino – Piedimonte S. Germano (Frosinone), Italy
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car / Large MPV
Body style	5-door estate / MPV
Platform	GM Epsilon platform
Related	Cadillac BLS Opel Signum Opel Vectra Saab 9-3
Powertrain
Transmission	5 and 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (110 in)
Length	4,755 mm (187.2 in) 4,783 mm (188.3 in) (facelift)
Width	1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height	1,600 mm (63 in)
Chronology
Successor	Fiat Freemont

Rear view of the second generation Fiat Croma

The 2007 facelifted Fiat Croma

In 2005, Fiat announced a large cross-over wagon with an upright tailgate, reminiscent of that of the Fiat Stilo, resurrecting the Croma nameplate. Again, Giugiaro styled the exterior, while the chassis was provided via the short-lived link with General Motors. The new Croma is therefore based on the extended variant of the GM Epsilon platform sharing components with the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. It went on sale in Italy in June 2005.

Unlike the previous model, and aware of its lack of image in the upper market segments, Fiat opted for not developing a standard large family car but developing a "Comfort Wagon", an automobile with design elements of both estates and large MPVs. Its height of 1,600 mm (63.0 in) falls between the Mitsubishi Grandis and Ford S-MAX large MPVs (1,655 mm (65.2 in) and 1,660 mm (65.4 in) respectively) and Toyota Avensis Wagon (1,525 mm (60.0 in)).

In February 2007, Fiat UK announced that the Croma would no longer be generally available in the UK, after less than 900 were sold in the whole of 2005. The car is still for sale in some countries, but the production stopped early 2011. Despite not being a showroom hit the Croma managed to sell in quite reasonable numbers with 65,000 sold in one year alone.

Safety

The Croma is manufactured with seven airbags as standard including knee bag for the driver. As standard the Croma is equipped with anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution. It has a five-star EuroNCAP crash rating for adult occupant protection:

Euro NCAP test results
Fiat Croma (2008)

Test	Score	Rating
Adult occupant:	34
Child occupant:	39
Pedestrian:	6

Facelift

The Croma got a minor facelift at the end of 2007 and was termed the Nuova Croma. A new grille (Bravo look) and rear bumper, as well as some material changes inside are the main differences. Fiat now designates the revised model as "Station Wagon" instead of the previously used term "Comfort Wagon". The Nuova Croma is only sold in mainland Europe.

Engines

The Croma, built at Fiat's Cassino factory, has three trim levels and five engine options. Like the chassis, petrol engines were supplied by Opel, beginning with the brand new evolution of the Ecotec 1.8 L with 140 PS (103 kW), followed by the torquier 2.2 L with 147 PS (108 kW). However, the bulk of the sales is represented by Fiat's own Multijet engine, available in three variants 1.9 L with 8 valves and 120 PS (88 kW), 1.9 L with 16 valves and 150 PS (110 kW), and the range topper five-cylinder 2.4 L, with 200 PS (147 kW). The Diesel engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed automatic is also available.

Petrol

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque
1,8 MPI 16V	I4 DOHC 16V	1796 cc	140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @6300 rpm	175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) @3800 rpm
2,2 MPI 16V	I4 DOHC 16V	2198 cc	147 PS (108 kW; 145 hp) @5800 rpm	203 N⋅m (150 lb⋅ft) @4000 rpm

Diesel

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque
1,9 MultiJet 8V	I4 DOHC 8V	1910 cc	120 PS (88 kW; 120 hp) @4000 rpm	280 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft) @2000 rpm
1,9 MultiJet 16V	I4 DOHC 16V	1910 cc	150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) @4000 rpm	320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) @2000 rpm
2,4 MultiJet 20V	I5 DOHC 20V	2387 cc	200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) @4000 rpm	400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @2000 rpm

External links

• Fiat Croma EuroNCAP results