Fiat Croma
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Fiat Croma | |
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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 | |
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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 |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Fiat_Croma_front_20080118.jpg/220px-Fiat_Croma_front_20080118.jpg)
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.[1] 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.[2]
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.[3]
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).[4] 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
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Diesel
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Second generation (2005–2011)
Second generation | |
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Overview | |
Production | 2005–2011[5] |
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 |
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",[6] 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.[7]
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:
Test | Score | Rating |
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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".[8] 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
References
- ^ Octane Model Specs
- ^ Autocar Test Update 19 August 1987
- ^ "Turbo Evolution Timeline". honeywell.com. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ "News and events". fiat.com. Retrieved 20 June 2007.
- ^ "Fiat Croma uit productie; het einde van een tijdperk". autoedizione.nl. Retrieved 6 April 2011. Template:Nl icon
- ^ Car Reviews: First Drives: Fiat Croma - Autoexpress
- ^ "Fiat Croma". eurocarblog.com. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
- ^ "NUOVA FIAT CROMA". italiaspeed.com/new_models/2007. Retrieved 13 November 2007.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)