Fiat Multiplay: This crazy concept turns a family minivan into a pickup truck

Fiat is taking advantage of the 2026 World Motor Show to introduce a particularly innovative concept vehicle. Named Multiplay, this 4.45-meter-long car reimagines the spirit of the famous Multipla with a rather bold idea: transforming it from a family minivan into a pickup truck in just a few simple steps. This surprising concept could inspire the Italian automaker for its future models.

Fiat clearly hasn’t forgotten the Multipla. As early as 1956, the Italian manufacturer offered a remarkable small car capable of seating six people in just 3.50 meters in length. This philosophy was revived in 1998 with the famous Multipla, featuring six seats arranged across two rows. This minivan, with its controversial design but exceptional interior space, defined the late 1990s. Nearly 30 years later, Fiat brings back this concept with the Multiplay, a concept car unveiled in Paris that takes modularity even further.

A minivan that transforms into a pickup

Thanks to a system called “Metamorfosi,” the rear part of the bodywork can slide along tracks. With just a few adjustments, the Multiplay transforms from a closed family vehicle into a pickup with an open bed. This transformation also alters the interior layout. In family mode, it offers six seats and an additional modular space. Once converted into a pickup, it retains four seats while providing a loading area large enough to hold bulky items.

Fiat has even designed a rear hatch that can swing around to become an integrated bike rack. This feature allows the vehicle to carry two bicycles without needing any extra accessories. All this in a vehicle that is only 4.45 meters long. Impressive!

An interior designed for the whole family, even the dog

Aboard, Fiat comes up with numerous original ideas. The “Petsenger seat,” for example, can serve as a support for a child seat, storage space, a small table, or even a area designated for a pet. Part of its cushion can even transform into a leash. A foldable food bowl also finds its place in a door panel.

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Another interesting feature is the “Sunseat.” The front passenger seat can be tilted backward and turned into a chaise longue when the vehicle is parked. Along with the panoramic roof, this is designed to create a relaxing space inside the car. The interior atmosphere is equally surprising. Fiat drew inspiration from watermelons to choose the colors: green body, red and pink interior, with touches of turquoise. It’s hard to imagine something more Italian in spirit!

Another unique aspect of this concept, as you can see, is that the central screen completely blends into the dashboard when the vehicle is turned off. This is a way to reduce the visual presence of screens inside the cabin.

A future production model?

You’re probably wondering: will we get a production model? Not necessarily. Fiat states that the Multiplay does not preview any specific production vehicle. It is primarily a laboratory designed to experiment with solutions that might be incorporated into future vehicles. The manufacturer remains vague about the powertrain as well… No information has been provided regarding the battery, range, or performance. Therefore, it’s impossible to determine whether this concept car is electric.

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But then, how many of these ideas could overcome the hurdles of industrialization? The sliding body mechanism seems particularly complex to produce. Yet Multiplay reminds us of at least one thing: there are still avenues to explore for making family cars more practical without making them larger.