Malta Independent

New FIAT Aegea project debuts at Istanbul Motor Show

- Edited by John Peel

• The new FIAT compact sedan makes its début today at the Istanbul Motor Show, in recognitio­n of Turkey’s strategic importance to FIAT Chrysler Automobile­s global operations

• Conceived from the outset as a three box sedan, it combines harmonious design with highly efficient use of space

• The name of the project – FIAT Aegea Project – also pays tribute to Turkey’s pivotal role in its developmen­t, manufactur­e and anticipate­d success

• On sale from November in Turkey, it will gradually reach over 40 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa

The all-new FIAT compact sedan debuts today at the Istanbul Motor Show. Designed in Italy at the FIAT Chrysler Automobile­s Centro Stile, and developed in Turkey together with Tofaş R&D, one of FCA’s largest research and developmen­t centres, the new model will be manufactur­ed in the Bursa plant in Turkey, which has been designated Gold Medal status by World Class Manufactur­ing in recognitio­n of its efficiency, quality and eco-friendline­ss.

The new saloon is currently known as “FIAT Aegea Project” in recognitio­n of the strategic importance of FIAT Chrysler Automobile­s’ Turkish operations since the first joint venture between what was then known as FIAT Group and Koç Holding commenced in 1968.

To further reiterate the impor-

tance of the Turkish market and to help grow FCA’s presence in the region, the Istanbul Motor Show has been chosen to debut this important new model. Sales will commence in Turkey in November 2015 and will gradually expand into more than 40 countries in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.

The FIAT Aegea Project was conceived from the outset as a completely new three-volume sedan, rather than as a hatchback with a boot, resulting in perfectly balanced proportion­s and cohesive, flowing lines as demonstrat­ed by the elegant swage line that flows beautifull­y from the corners of the headlamps to the leading edge of the rear light clusters.

This design cohesion is particular­ly noticeable at the rear end where the car’s surfaces, lines and detailing all converge harmonious­ly to give the FIAT Aegea Project a distinctiv­e, attractive and perfectly-resolved appearance. The front end is characteri­sed by a sculpted bonnet, with central ribbing that stretches across the roof to create a continuous line, and a broad grille with intercalat­ed chrome-effect accents which form an unmistakab­le graphic pattern, flanked by sophistica­ted, sweptback headlamp clusters, all of which combine to define the con- fident and unmistakab­le Italian style of the new FIAT Aegea Project.

At 4.5m in length, 1.78m in width and 1.48m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.64m, the FIAT Aegea Project has been designed to accommodat­e five passengers comfortabl­y and easily cater for their luggage as well, with a load capacity of over 510 litres. As with all FIAT products, a wide range of reliable, muscular and efficient engines will be available – two MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines and two petrol units with power outputs of between 95 and 120hp. Available with manual and automatic transmissi­ons (depending on engine) it is worth noting that the diesel engines are particular­ly fuel-efficient: upwards of 70 mpg (comparable to that of a city car) is possible.

Inside, the FIAT Aegea project is not only styled and built to the highest standards, it also sports the latest technologi­cal features including FIAT Chrysler Automobile­s’ Uconnect™ infotainme­nt system equipped with a five-inch colour touch screen; hands-free Bluetooth calling with audio streaming, SMS text reader and voice recognitio­n; AUX and USB ports with iPod integratio­n; steering wheel controls and, on request, a rear parking camera and Tom Tom satellite navigation.

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