FIAT Multiplay: The brand confirms the revival of the Multipla, but not as you expect

FIAT will attend the Paris Motor Show with the Multiplay prototype, a concept car that, as its name suggests, will inherit features from both the 1950s FIAT 600 Multipla and the late 1990s FIAT Multipla, with the silhouette of these two models visible in the first teaser released by the brand. However, while both classic models are minivans, their successor will take a very different approach.

According to FIAT, the Multiplay could give rise to a new category, as it will combine “the open cargo space and versatility” of a pickup with “the comfort and flexibility” of an SUV. The concept car will feature a mechanism that allows switching between configurations with just a few movements.

It could be a conceptual preview of the upcoming Strada, the company’s smallest pickup. According to FIAT, the Multiplay will inspire the development of future products that will complement its lineup. The prototype will share a booth with the already known Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, which will make their public debut at the show.

In any case, it’s clear that the Multiplay is not a precursor to the Multiplina, a tiny four-seater off-road vehicle positioned one tier above the current Topolino. This model, which will compete with the future Dacia Hipster, will be inspired by the design of the aforementioned 600 Multipla, adopting elements such as round headlights, an egg-shaped body, and two-tone painting. It will, however, be a vehicle designed for urban use.

FIAT will go to Paris with a second prototype

FIAT’s booth in Paris will be inspired by an Italian 'piazza', a venue where the Italian brand will showcase all its new products. In addition to the Multiplay, the brand will also display a second prototype. No details have been released yet, but rumors suggest it might be an early look at the next generation of the Panda/Pandina.

The fourth installment in this popular urban vehicle series will be developed under Stellantis’ E-Car project. It will be a low-cost electric model (under 15,000 euros before subsidies), manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, alongside the new Citroën 2CV, which will also make its debut at this event in prototype form.

The production version is expected to be unveiled in 2028. Its design is likely to draw inspiration from the original Panda from 1980. It may share a platform with the next generation of Leapmotor T03 (keep in mind that Stellantis is an investor in this Chinese company), but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Source | Stellantis