Test: Fiat Freemont 2.0 MultiJet

As you probably know, if you read Auto Magazine regularly, Journey had to go through extensive processing to get the Fiat badge and satisfy customers in this continent. The appearance, yes, is very light, but above all the internal noise and vibration isolation, the settings of the mechanics (chassis, steering wheel) and drive. The latter, of course, is wholly owned by Fiat, which (as it turns out) is a very good decision.

But as a student would say in the introduction to Butnskale: "Who am I anyway?" Or better (because it's just a car): who am I? Croma SW? Ulysses? Or a bland SUV, an SUV that Fiat has never (yet) owned?

Technical thinking here turns into philosophical: Fremont can be anything, which to some extent is definitely its advantage.

Technically and numbers aside at first, the Freemont is a spacious and useful seven-seater, well-driven and well-equipped, offering it all for a very decent price at the advertised price. Many of them do not care for him, but anyone who looks at him, even by chance, is immediately impressed.

It will almost certainly be looked at first by Fiat owners (or fans), who won't be happy at first because they won't feel at home in it; If you subtract the badges, there is nothing about this car that we are used to at Fiat.

So what is it about this Fiat that is not a purebred Fiat that it probably wouldn't have otherwise?

For example, a cruise control cancel button, a smart key (for entering, starting the engine and locking the car), a huge number of large and useful boxes (also under the passenger seat cushion and under the feet of other passengers) and storage space. places, 10 cans of half-liter bottles, very good sound of the audio system (according to the old Chrysler habit), compass (also a typical Chrysler habit), two very useful bag hooks on the back of the driver's seat (for example, a simple and cheap solution, but so rare ...) , three-zone air conditioning with adjustable vents in the ceiling, child seats built into the rear bench, and completely unnecessary and annoying pink pink immediately after starting the engine, if the driver has not previously fastened his seat belt. With the exception of the last one, everything here is on the side that, without a doubt, suits the driver and other users.

And what is missing in this Fiat, which is not a purebred Fiat, but which would like to have, like a real Fiat?

For example, right-hand levers on the steering wheel (left-hand wipers are used, the main light or headlight switch is a rotary knob on the dashboard, so everyone will turn the wipers on instead of the lights for a while) and automatic rear windows, ambient lighting, a pocket on the back of the passenger seat, deactivation of the right airbags (or he has this option too well hidden - but there was no instruction booklet in the car) and a Start / Stop system for short engine stops in favor of (even) less consumption. But all this is not necessary.

The Freemont also lacks the typical Fiat look. The exterior consists of many beautifully polished flat surfaces separated by relatively "sharp" and long, straight edges. It looks harmonious, solid and convincing, but in fact it may not be very beautiful, as it does not listen to current car mods and commands, but tries to be more evergreen. But in the end, and with reference to the above: Croma had no (and least of all design) continuity, Ulysse was still Peugeot or Citroën, and of SUVs, Fiat has only Campagnolo in the archive and - this one is most similar to Freemont. .

However, Freemont is the Fiat that pays the closest attention to users and their needs, starting (in addition to all of the above) with doors that open about 80 degrees (front) and a good 90 degrees (rear), which is significantly facilitates access. It's also much easier for the third row as the second row seat simply moves forward (but even before the seat is lifted with the same movement so that the forward movement can be longer), and it's extremely simple and easy to place and fold the two individual third-style seats.

The 4,9-metre-long exterior also promises plenty of interior space, and there's plenty of it. The trunk height is the lowest, but this is logical, since the interior design is designed for seven seats, that is, also for the third row, which goes deeper to the bottom, which limits the indicated height. However, the third-row seats are more than just children's, there's plenty of knee room in the second row, and the front of the Freemont feels very airy and spacious.

The driver's ergonomics are also typically American, largely focused on simplicity. We will not be able to require this to work with the on-board computer (or is it a solid European iron shirt), it does not offer as much data as Fiat (yes, but it has an engine timer!) a value below five liters per 100 km does not show at all. Which is not so rare in this Fremont.

The center screen leaves a much better impression, which is really small (I highly recommend opting for a richer, large-screen infotainment system that also includes a navigation device) but has excellent resolution with good color graphics and a simple, logical and straightforward menu. You may also want to display the (digital) clock full screen.

At this stage it shows a little air conditioning that has to be dealt with very little (bad automation), among other things, the automation is very reluctant to turn on the (cooling) fan, unless it is very, very urgent.

Behind the wheel! The electrically adjustable driver's seat provides a comfortable position and when driving around town, some (probably mostly the quieter part of the population) will feel nervous about the relatively stiff clutch pedal, steering wheel and gear lever. It provides excellent (precise and fairly short) movements with very good engagement feedback, and the steering wheel is also surprisingly precise and straight for this type of vehicle.

The chassis is also very good, allowing bumps (bumps) of all possible designs to be smooth and smooth. The body tilts to match its height in fast corners, and while the tires don't look particularly sporty, they hold the road surprisingly well and reliably.

In addition, thanks to the mechanical power steering, the driver always has a feeling of contact between the wheels and the ground, and the Freemont can take turns very quickly; Despite the front-wheel drive, the standard ESP doesn't have a lot of work to do (very infrequent starts) and the body exhibits surprisingly little cornering force despite its considerable weight. The brakes in the Freemont test tend to shake slightly at speeds above 100 kilometers per hour, but this is likely due to wear rather than a design defect.

The Freemont in the photos is equipped with a more powerful version of both turbodiesels. Due to the rather short first gear, it jumps out of place, and also goes deep into the red field (which starts at 4.500 rpm), which is not at all necessary due to the large torque, since this does not improve performance at all. Acceleration, flexibility and top speed far exceed practical applicability and far exceed the legal limits, so from this point of view, the engine is not lacking in anything.

Fuel consumption is impressive: the trip to and from Frankfurt was a good six liters per 100 kilometers, while city driving and demanding test kilometers raised it, but did not exceed ten liters per 100 kilometers! Remember that an empty Freemont weighs almost two tons and this view does not give hope for the aerodynamics of a falling drop of water.

The rather inaccurate but relatively reliable on-board computer data shows that at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour it consumes ten in sixth gear, at 130 - eight liters per 100 kilometers, and at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour the consumption is less than five liters!

In addition, due to the low fuel consumption and resulting long distance, traveling with the Freemont will be easy and tireless. Considering his merits mentioned, it seems that - at an estimated price of 25 thousand euros - his trip to Europe is packed with good arguments. Now all he needs is like people.

Vinko Kernc, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Fiat Freemont 2.0 MultiJet 2 4 × 2 Urban

Basic data

Sales:	Avto Triglav doo
Power:	125kW (170 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	11,1 with
Maximum speed:	198 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	8,6l / 100km
Guarantee:	2 years general and mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 8 years rust warranty.
Systematic review	20 000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front transversely mounted - bore and stroke 83 × 90,4 mm - displacement 1.956 cm³ - compression ratio 16,5:1 - maximum power 125 kW (170 hp) s.) at 4.000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 12,1 m / s - specific power 63,9 kW / l (86,9 hp / l) - maximum torque 350 Nm at 1.750– 2.500 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (toothed belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer:	engine drives the front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratios: n/a - 6,5 J × 17 rims - 225/65 R 17 tires, rolling range 2,18 m.
Capacity:	195 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,0 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 8,3/5,3/6,4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 169 g/km.
Transportation and suspension:	limousine - 5 doors, 7 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, parking mechanical brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,75 turns between extreme points.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.874 kg - permissible total weight: n/a - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.100 kg, without brake: n/a - permissible roof load: n/a.
External dimensions:	vehicle width 1.878 mm, front track 1.571 mm, rear track 1.582 mm, ground clearance 11,6 m.
Inner dimensions:	width front 1.480 mm, middle 1.500 mm, rear 1.390 mm - front seat length 520 mm, middle 450 mm, rear seat 390 mm - steering wheel diameter 385 mm - fuel tank 78 l.
Box:	The spaciousness of the bed, measured from AM with a standard set of 5 Samsonite scoops (scanty 278,5 liters): 5 seats: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L), 1 suitcase (85,5 L), 2 suitcase (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 L). 7 seats: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L), 1 backpack (20 L).
Standard equipment:	driver and front passenger airbags - side airbags - curtain airbags - ISOFIX mounts - ABS - ESP - power steering - automatic air conditioning - front and center power windows - electrically adjustable and heated rear-view mirrors - radio with CD and MP3 player -players - multifunctional steering wheel - remote control of the central lock using a smart key - steering wheel with height and depth adjustment - rain sensor - height-adjustable driver's seat - separate rear seat - on-board computer - cruise control.

Our measurements

T = 24 ° C / p = 1.139 mbar / rel. vl. = 22% / Tires: Yokohama Aspec 225/65 / R 17 W / Odometer status: 4.124 km.
Acceleration 0-100km:	11,1s
402m from the city:	17,8 years ( 129 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	6,6 / 9,7 s (IV/V)
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	10,2 / 13,1 s (Sun./Fri.)
Maximum speed:	195km / h (WE.)
Minimum consumption:	6,1l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	9,7l / 100km
test consumption:	8,6 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	71,4m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	42,8m
AM table:	40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	52dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	50dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear	50dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	61dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	58dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear	58dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	63dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear	62dB
Idling noise:	38dB
Test errors:	unmistakable.

Overall rating (338/420)

• Thanks to the interior space (dimensions and ease of use), seven seats, excellent drive and affordable price, it is very interesting for families of 5+, who, as a rule, cannot afford more expensive cars with such an offer. That is to say: a very big car for the money invested.

• Exterior (12/15)

  It's recognizable, the back may look a bit like Sorrento, but otherwise less fashionable and more evergreen.

• Interior (100/140)

  Conventional air conditioning, but great interior flexibility and a very lively car.

• Engine, transmission (56
  
  
  / 40)

  Excellent drive, very good steering and a chassis adapted to the car (especially comfortable).

• Driving performance (55
  
  
  / 95)

  Very good road position, but average directional stability and driving harshness.

• Performance (32/35)

  A very good torque curve and a properly sized gearbox are a good basis for very good performance.

• Security (33/45)

  Excellent classic protective equipment, but without modern (advanced) active safety elements.

• Economy (50/50)

  Excellent consumption and an affordable base price. The warranty is not exemplary and the loss in value is hard to predict, but the big Fiat / Chrysler combination is not the most promising.

We praise and reproach

engine, flexibility, consumption

steering gear

interior space

practicality of the interior, drawers

door opening angle

ease of internal flexibility

central display and menu

Equipment

movement of the gear lever

position on the road

on-board computer (control, little data, inaccurate current consumption meter)

pretty hard steering wheel, clutch pedal, gear lever

no navigator

not very good directional stability

poor automatic air conditioning