The Fiat 600 Multipla was unique in its combination of extremely spacious utility bodywork with a very small but orthodox engine, compact overall size and exceptional manoeuvrability. It was found to be highly practical for many purposes and by no means lacking in charm. It was in fact the first of what we know today as Multi-Purpose Vehicles or MPVs.
Mechanically, the Multipla was based on the Fiat 600 saloon and used the same rear mounted 633cc four-cylinder engine, clutch, gearbox and independent rear-wheel springing system. To give it its load carrying capacity, however, the Multipla had the 1100 front suspension, which enabled the front seat to be moved forward to where the 600’s luggage space had been and thus create a large volume at the rear. Larger hydraulic brakes were also fitted.
Of unitary construction, the Multipla’s basic design allowed for a steel four-door saloon body shell with seating for the driver and one passenger at the extreme front, and behind this a vast area which was varied depending on the model. In one variation a simple bench seat at the rear produced a four-seater sedan. By changing the bench seat to four smaller fold up seats a dual-purpose people or cargo carrier resulted. This variation was very popular in the tourist industry for hotel transfer work, and was also used by schools, the police and other service organisations. A taxi variant had a layout similar to a London cab.
For a driver accustomed to private cars, the driving position of the Multipla was most unusual although it was virtually only a scaled down version of that used on many vans and trucks. The driving seat, a cushioned bench with a back rest position adjustable over a small range, was mounted on top of the front wheel arches, with all the pedals and steering mechanism ahead of the front wheels. The driver’s seat was rather awkward to enter and many drivers suffered frequent head bruising on entering, but once inside the high, upright seat gave a commanding forward view.
The rear space was located completely between the axles and without any obstructions. To cope with the usual heavier loads a special low-ratio gearbox was fitted and since the car weighed a little more than the 600 two-door saloon it was inevitably rather less lively and less economical in its fuel consumption. Its top speed was just under 90km/h and it normally used fuel at a rate of about 6.7-litres/100km.
Although by its combination of great carrying capacity with a small engine the Multipla gave the impression of being an economy model, it gave no indication of this in relation to its accessories.
In standard form the car came with a good interior heater, fresh air being taken in at the dummy radiator grille to three separately controlled outlets, including the windscreen, dual sun visors, self-parking windscreen wipers, an excellent pair of headlamps, sturdy bumpers, direction indicators, and three interior lights with a courtesy switch.
