Specifications
Price:
£15 745 (about R185 000)
Engine:
2.2-litre petrol
Performance:
0-100km/h in 10.1sec, 8.66 litres/100km
Big Fiats haven't had a glorious history. The stylish 2300 of 1961 and the later 130 had their fans but they didn't sell in large numbers and the less said about the Argenta, the better.
Fiat's most recent effort in this sector was the 1986 Croma, a product of a Swedish-Italian co-operative effort that also gave rise to the well-regarded Alfa Romeo 164, Lancia Thema and Saab 9000; unfortunately, the magic of those two ever really rubbed off on the Fiat.
Fiat has stuck with the name for this new large model, which will be launched in South Africa on November 22, and seems to be banking on curious customers who take a second look being pleasantly surprised.
I reckon a surprisingly large number of potential buyers might like the Croma if only they could be persuaded to try it. Our keenly priced (in the UK) entry level Dynamic test model provided a lot of practical transport for the money, with the upright semi-MPV styling delivering a lot of room for occupants and their luggage.
The interior is a comfortable place, although our test car had a dispiriting light grey colour scheme.
The Dynamic's equipment levels are more than acceptable, but it might be worth going for one of the pricier models in order to enjoy a better cabin ambience; I have seen much more nicely trimmed Cromas that were full of wood and leather in the style of the rather Roverish modern Lancias.
On the road, the 2.2-litre petrol engine made a reasonable job of moving the Croma along smoothly and quickly.
It's unlikely that this new Croma is going to set the market alight - big, slightly bland cars without posh badges have an even harder time getting noticed than they did in the past - but it is a competent effort. - The Independent, London