The Fiat Multipla, a microcar introduced in 1956, significantly impacted urban mobility. Its claim as the “original people mover” may be exaggerated, given the existence of buses and VW Type 2s before its release.
Introduction to the Multipla
The Multipla was based on the 600 model and designed as a miniature people mover, with a six-seater capacity on a 2000mm wheelbase. Critics praised its functionality and engineering, despite a mixed reception to its appearance.
Related: Tax rules and cheap EVs reshape company fleets
Its unique construction featured a rear-mounted engine, side-loading doors, and a large, low floor area uninterrupted by tunnels or frame members. This design allowed for maximum space behind the front seats, making it ideal for families or those who needed to transport goods.
Real-World Performance
The Multipla performed well, with M Ogle reporting it could hold 45-50mph indefinitely and achieve an average fuel consumption of 47mpg. Its visibility was praised due to windows all round, and its ease of access made it great for elderly people.
The Multipla’s rear seats could be folded flat into the floor in seconds, and the rear engine was easy to access. The spare wheel was housed in front of the passenger but did not get in the way of even a tall person’s knees. These features, combined with its affordability – priced at £799, or around £17,000 today – made the Multipla a popular choice, with almost a quarter of a million units sold over the next decade.
Related: Range Rover Buyers Spend Big on Bespoke Options
Earlier prototypes, such as Karl Schlör’s ‘egg’ or ‘woodlouse’ car, seated seven people, and the Stout Scarab, an American aerospace engineer’s design, featured a structurally formed body and a table that could be set up for bridge or luncheon. The Multipla was not the first car of its type, despite being the first to be put into production.
Legacy of the Multipla
The Multipla was based on the 600 model and designed as a miniature people mover. Its unique construction featured a rear-mounted engine, side-loading doors, and a large, low floor area uninterrupted by tunnels or frame members.