Fiat unveil 'Freemont' SUV
Fiat Chrysler Group claim the Freemont is most affordable vehicle in the 4x2 diesel, mid-sized SUV class, with pricing starting at $27,000 driveaway. Three specification levels are available - Base, Urban and Lounge - powered by either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or 2.0-litre four-cylinder MultiJet II diesel.
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
The 2.4-litre petrol engine produces 125 kW at 6,000 rpm and 220Nm at 4,500 rpm while the diesel engine achieves 125 kw at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm at 1,750 - 2,500 rpm.
Transmission options for the front wheel drive Freemont are a six-speed automatic (petrol engine) or six-speed manual (diesel engine), both of which have been produced and developed by Fiat Powertrain.
All Freemont variants come with a five-seat layout as standard, with a seven-seat 'Flexible Seating Group' configuration available as a $1,500 option, which adds triple-zone climate control. In five seater spec, cargo space is up to 1,461-litres.
Standard features across the range include Uconnect phone with Bluetooth audio streaming, keyless entry and start, child-booster seats, rear-parking sensors, USB & AUX inputs, automatic headlights, auto-tint rearview mirror, active front headrests, alarm with anti-intrusion system and tyre pressure monitoring system.
RANGE
The entry-level Fiat Freemont 'Base' model includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights and a 4.3-inch touchscreen CD/MP3 (with integrated telephone with voice command and Bluetooth audio streaming) for the Uconnect infotainment system.
The mid-range Fiat Freemont 'Urban' adds extras including a large-screen (8.4-inch) Uconnect infotainment system (with DVD player), dual-zone automatic temperature control, six-way electronic adjustment for the drivers' seat, a leather-wrapped gear-lever and Sunscreen glass.
The range-topping Freemont 'Lounge' - at $30,300 - adds satellite navigation, accent-stitched leather upholstery and premium door trims, chrome roof bars, an Alpine audio system with a subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier, 19-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats.
FEATURES
The Freemont's storage options are abundant, with no fewer than 20 separate storage compartments located throughout the vehicle. Seats are what Fiat Chrysler call "theatre style," with abundant comfort for all rows, including the third row when fitted. Accessability for second and third-row passengers is augmented by new three-stage hinge on the rear doors, which open out to 90 degrees.
Additionally, second row seats can slide forward by up to 10 cm from their rearmost position, while all seats - including the front passenger seat - can be folded down to create a flat and even load area. Built-in booster seats for children are fitted as standard.
Engine choices and additional spec levels are limited in order to keep pricing competitive, but options include a power sunroof and 'Rear Seat Video Group' which includes a second row overhead screen and wireless headphones, in addition to the aforementioned $1,500 Flexible Seating Group.
PRICING
Manufacturer Suggested List Price (MSLP):
Fiat Freemont Base (2.4-litre petrol/6-speed automatic) $25,990* ($27,000 Driveaway)
Fiat Freemont Urban (2.4-litre petrol/6-speed automatic) $28,300*
Fiat Freemont Lounge (2.4-litre petrol/6-speed automatic) $30,300*
Fiat Freemont Urban (2.0-litre diesel/6-speed manual) $32,600*
*Plus ORCs
Diesel versions carry a maximum five-star NCAP Safety rating in Europe.
The Fiat Freemont is being rolled out across Fiat/Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealers Australia-wide. Interestingly, the Fiat Freemont will continue to be sold alongside the largely similar Dodge Journey for the time being. The local release of the Freemont is the first in a number of Australian launches Fiat are set to make this year. The Fiat Panda and Punto passenger cars will follow later this year, with an SUV-style Panda expected to be in the mix, too.



