NEWS
Fiat Freemont sets new baseline for value
Dodge Journey has morphed into the Fiat Freemont, with prices to suit familiesFiat continues to blaze new trails in Australia, introducing the Freemont at a driveaway price of just $27,000.
That entry-level price, for the Base grade powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine – and including the on-road costs – positions the Freemont within striking distance of the Chinese-built Great Wall X240... placing Fiat's aggressive pricing policy for its "first mid-size SUV" in perspective.
Unlike the Dodge Journey on which the Freemont is based, the Fiat is marketed in Australia as an SUV, not a people mover. Despite that, the Freemont remains exclusively front-wheel drive, just like the Journey. The 2.7-litre V6 that was initially available in the Dodge and the 3.6-litre engine that followed have given way to a 2.4-litre petrol four, and the Volkswagen-supplied diesel fitted to some Journey variants has been retired in favour of Fiat's own MultiJet II 2.0-litre four.
In contrast with both the V6 engines in the Journey, the Freemont's 2.4-litre petrol engine is down on power and torque, producing 125kW and 220Nm. The Dodge delivered 136kW/256Nm from the smaller 2.7, and the torque peaked 500 rpm lower in the rev range. But fuel consumption from the 2.4 is slightly improved, at 9.8L/100km in the combined-cycle test.
At 125kW and 350Nm, the Fiat diesel offers substantial gains over the Dodge's oiler, and fuel consumption is lower as well: 6.3L/100km versus 7.0 for the Dodge. All models are underpinned by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link IRS system behind. Brakes are disc all round, ventilated at the front, and steering is an hydraulically-assisted rack-and-pinion setup.
Three levels of trim are available: Base, Urban and Lounge. Petrol variants (driving through a six-speed automatic transmission) are available in all three grades, but there is just one diesel variant in the range, trimmed to the mid-spec Urban level – hinting that Fiat doesn't anticipate selling many of the Freemont in diesel form without an automatic transmission. The diesel Freemont drives through a six-speed manual transmission only. Prices start at $25,990 for the petrol Freemont Base ($27,000 driveaway), rising to $28,300 for the petrol Freemont Urban and $30,300 for the petrol Freemont Lounge. At the top of the range, but still within the means of many buyers, is the diesel-engined Freemont Urban, at $32,600.
While all variants are five-seaters in standard form, for $1500 extra buyers can specify a third-row seat, taking the seating capacity to seven, and bundled with triple-zone climate control.
All grades feature as standard Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, USB/Aux inputs, keyless entry/start, integrated child booster seats, cruise control, reverse parking sensors, auto-on/off headlights, electrochromatic mirror, active front headrests, alarm and tyre pressure monitoring. Even the Freemont Base comes with leather-bound steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the Freemont Urban adds a larger infotainment screen (8.4 versus 4.3-inch), a reversing camera, a DVD player, dual-zone climate control, six-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, leather-bound gear shifter and 'sunscreen' glass.
Satellite navigation, full leather trim, chrome roof bars, an Alpine audio system (featuring subwoofer and 368-Watt amplifier), 19-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats are all fitted as standard in the Freemont Lounge models.
In addition to the seven-seat option pack already mentioned, Fiat offers the Freemont with power sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system as options. Fiat names the seven-seat option 'Flexible Seating Group' and the rear-seat entertainment system – comprising an overhead screen for the second-row passengers and wireless headphones – is named 'Rear Seat Video Group'.
As a people mover-cum-SUV, the Freemont provides up to 1461 litres of luggage space (with all seats folded flat, including the front passenger seat), and rear doors that open through three stage hinges to 90 degrees. Access to the rear from the second row is made easier by sliding the seat forward up to 100mm. Seating is arranged in a stadium array for all three rows of seats and the Freemont boasts 20 storage compartments. Safety features include six airbags, Hill Holder and Electronic Rollover Mitigation.
The choice of exterior colours comprises: Ross and Bianco (pastel), Indomito Black, Aregento Vivo Silver, Viaggiatore Grey, Giramondo Green, Escursionista Brown and Amletico Blue (metallic) and Perla White and Avventuriero Red (tri-coast colours).
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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