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Adam Davis14 Aug 2014
REVIEW

Fiat Freemont Crossroad 2014 Review

Latest Fiat SUV is packed with value and versatility
2014 Fiat Freemont Crossroad
First Drive


The Fiat Freemont Crossroad is packed with three things we love: Accessible pricing, sensible packaging and high levels of practicality. Retailing from only $36,500 (plus on-road costs) it combines a highly flexible, seven-seat cabin with generous equipment levels, making it highly attractive to young families. But does the front-wheel drive layout, thirsty V6 engine and clunky transmission jumble the value equation?
Fiat has expanded its Freemont range with the introduction of the seven-seat Crossroad. Fitted with the familiar Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive exclusively, the Freemont Crossroad eschews off-road capability in favour of appealing to those who’d otherwise be looking at an MPV.
motoring.com.au was given pre-launch access to the latest Fiat, and the Freemont Crossroad immediately strikes you with its presence. ‘Platinum Chrome’ exterior trims abound, enhancing the redesigned front bumper, side skirts, roof rails and rear, while contrasting gloss black grille and 19-inch ‘Hyper Black’ five-spoke alloys add a touch of meanness to proceedings. In short, the Fiat looks every inch a Chrysler Jeep product. It’s just a pity it doesn’t do the off-road thing…
Accessing the driver’s seat via the keyless entry system introduces a leather-trimmed interior, though a curiously scratchy mesh insert digs into your back. It’s a pity, for the rest of the interior feels well thought-out, offering packaging versatility and intuitive controls throughout. Fiat claims 25 storage compartments and up to 32 seat configurations within, with up to 1500 litres of luggage space when the second- and third-row seats are folded flat.
The driver’s seat itself is electrically-adjustable fore/aft, though the upper section requires manual movement. Both front pews are heated, as are the auto-folding exterior mirrors. In front, a large, thickly leather-wrapped, multi-function wheel is a decent reach downward; even with the seat in its lowest setting. This does afford a decent front-on view, and once underway side and rear visibility are also assisted by this high-set position. Interestingly head checks reveal vehicles are far close than they appear in the external mirrors.
Other interior highlights include a 60/40 split second-row, which can also be adjusted fore or aft. Where this row wins, however, is in the ingenious integrated boosters packed within each window seat, which allows children between 15 to 36kg to sit without need for a specific restraint system. This row also gains roof-mounted ventilation and specific air-conditioning controls.
Jump into the third row and it’s a surprise to find adequate room for a couple of adults. They also gain roof vents and a couple of cup holders to boot.
Back up front, the 8.4-inch centre touchscreen impresses, with well-marked, uncluttered touch options making items such as the sat-nav or Bluetooth pairing a cinch. There’s a multitude of storage options, too, though I will take Fiat’s word for the amount of configurable seat options…
Dual-zone climate control, Alpine audio with 368-watt amp, rear park assist including a reversing camera and six airbags are other equipment highlights, though 1100kg braked towing capacity is disappointing for an otherwise versatile, family-oriented vehicle.
Given the overall cabin feel, exterior finish, equipment levels and 206kW/342Nm outputs, you’d expect a price tag comfortably north of $40,000. But no, the Fiat Freemont Crossroad will go on-sale from $36,500 (plus on-road costs), making it a value leader not only in its segment, but in the entire industry; it’s even better value than the $25,990, 125kW four-pot base variant.
The Freemont Crossroad will be offered with the industry standard three-year warranty, but with up 150,000km rather than the usual 100,000. Complementary roadside assist is also available during this period.
On the road, the lusty, willing ‘big-six’ makes a noise familiar to those of us brought up on such motors. The six-speed auto also feels old-school, with occasionally jolting, slightly delayed shifting. It also drinks unleaded to traditional levels. Even a claim of 10.4L/100km isn’t anything to write home about, but in my initial 20km across-city drive, the Freemont Crossroad is drinking at a rate of 20.2L/100km. An extended highway run sees the overall fall to 11.3L/100km; still a way off the 7.8L/100km extra-urban claim.
For an 1820kg (tare) SUV, the Freemont can still match acceleration with most (hence the fuel bill), but it also rides with composure. With all that grunt, the front tyres can occasionally communicate torque steer, but only in a mild state, and only if you aren’t smooth on the throttle. Once up to speed, the Freemont cruises comfortably, isolating the cabin from road and wind noise and allowing the Alpine audio to do its thing.
The Fiat Freemont Crossroad impresses in many facets; if you are the type who likes a little stomp under-foot (and can handle the pain in the wallet that ensues), then its combination of looks, value and versatility make it a must-check if you are in the market for a sizeable SUV. But despite its tough exterior, it is built for the boulevard, and not boulder-bashing.
2014 Fiat Freemont Crossroad pricing and specifications
Price: $36,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 206kW/342Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 242g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP (diesel variants only)
What we liked: Not so much:
>> Stand-out value >> Too thirsty
>> Cabin versatility >> Jerky driveline
>> Standard equipment >> Looks off-road, isn't

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Written byAdam Davis
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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
73/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
12/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
18/20
Safety & Technology
14/20
Behind the Wheel
14/20
X-Factor
15/20
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