Fiat Frimont 2015 review

Meet the Fiat Freemont Crossroad. Chances are you have no idea what Freemont is, let alone the Crossroad version.

It would be useful to add that it is closely related (almost identical, in fact) to the Dodge Journey, another virtual unknown.

Try this: The Freemont Crossroad is a seven-seat wagon that looks like an SUV and is packed with features, with a V6 engine driving to the front wheels.

It's not new - the Journey it's based on was introduced in 2008 - but the Freemont Crossroad is so good it's worth checking out.

Design

The Freemont isn't going to draw a crowd, but its design is smart and muscular with clean lines. It certainly looks good for a seven-seater. Small touches, like a silver stripe on the front bumper and spoiler, as well as glossy gray 19-inch wheels and tinted windows, help make the Crossroad look more expensive than it really is.

The interior is nothing fancy, but the design is modern and the controls are easily accessible.

In the middle of the dashboard is an 8.4-inch touchscreen displaying satellite navigation (standard).

Legroom in the second and third rows is ample, with a bit of legroom under the second row that can slide forward or backward. The third row folds to the floor.

Two must-have items for families - a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors - also come standard.

There is enough space for shopping or a stroller with all seats. There are separate air vents in the third row, as well as lights and cup holders in the back.

About the city

Standard keyless entry and start setup make it easy to access and progress.

Two must-have items for families - a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors - also come standard.

The seats are partially leather and the fabric can get dirty when the kids do what they are doing. Two second-row seats have built-in amplifiers.

On the way to

Don't expect harsh handling because the Crossroad is something like a bus. The suspension is soft, so it will wallow when pressed, and you tend to slide off unsupported seats.

The ride is good, the car absorbs bumps well. The steering is vague but also light, so getting in and out of tight spaces is easy.

The six-speed automatic transmission can shift slowly and the shifts aren't all that smooth.

Performance

What sets the Crossroad apart from other Freemont models, apart from all the extras, is the powerful V6 engine (206kW/342Nm). Smaller versions get a four-cylinder engine, turbodiesel or petrol.

The Crossroad's towing limit is 1100kg, which isn't much.

The six is ​​on par with the competition's strongest petrol sixes, but it's sometimes a bit too strong considering all the power goes only through the front wheels. Under heavy acceleration, the tires may chirp and the steering wheel may jerk slightly (torque steer).

The official fuel economy figure is a reasonable 10.4L/100km, but it was a little greedier in testing.

Despite the V6's power, the Crossroad's towing limit is 1100kg, which isn't much.

It's not the sharpest or newest knife in the drawer, but the Crossroad has seven slots, plenty of gear, and a powerful engine for a good price. Some might be put off by the Fiat's four-star crash rating and low profile.

That he has

Keyless entry and start, reversing camera, satellite navigation, three-zone climate control, built-in child seats.

What is not

Five-star safety — it only gets four — or high-tech options like blind spot assist. The all-wheel drive option is also enough.

Own

No fixed prices for service, which is rare these days. Warranty 100,000 53 km or three years. The secondary sale is XNUMX percent.

Choice from assortment 

The appropriately named base model at $27,000, with limited gearing and a four-cylinder petrol engine, is a lot for the money.

Also take into account

Dodge Journey 3.6 RT - $36,500 - Pretty much the same gear in slightly different packaging. Worth a look.

Ford Territory TX 2WD – $39,990 – Better handling and performance, but fewer gears. Third row seats are an additional charge.

Kia Sorento Si 2WD – $38,990 – Lots of cars for the money, although not as much equipment as standard as the Crossroad. I'm thirsty too.