Ideas can be good or bad, but Fiat hopes that its new compact MPV, called Idea, will be the former. It has just been launched on the Irish market with on-the-road pricing that starts at €16,995 for the 1.4 litre 16-valve active version.
Fiat Auto Ireland's managing director, Michael Howe, says Idea's appearance is strongly based on price and space. Its nearest competition at base level is the Ford Fusion at €16,855, while Opel's 1.6SE Meriva is €18,900 and the Toyota Yaris Verso 1.3VVT with Luna specification €18,500. Unlike Fiat, these prices are ex-works and exclude delivery charges.
Idea come here with six versions and two engine options. As well as the established 1.4 95 bhp petrol unit, it also gets the highly acclaimed 1.3 70 bhp multijet turbodiesel which has enhanced the new Panda's standing.
Fiat claims that, even in the bigger Idea, over 60 mpg should be possible. The most expensive Idea, the Multijet Emotion, is €22,495 on the road.