Fiat have released pictures of their new 7-seat MPV which is based on the Dodge Journey.

The Freemont is the first car to come out of Fiat’s new partnership with the Chrysler group and will be built at Chrysler’s Mexico factory alongside its Dodge sibling.

The Freemont sports only minor cosmetic changes over the Journey with new bumpers, a new front grille and new LED taillights. However, it has more substantial changes under the skin, with the suspension and steering undergoing thorough revisions to give “greater accuracy and directness” to suit European drivers tastes.

Fiat describe the Freemont as having been designed “to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or weekend leisure time”.

Inside, the Freemont features softer plastics than the Dodge as well as a new instrument panel and centre console.

A 138bhp and 168bhp version of Fiat’s 2.0l Multijet diesel will be the two engine options available from launch, both mated to manual transmissions. Four-wheel-drive will be an option on the bigger of the two diesel engines as well as Chrysler’s 3.6l V6 petrol engine, both will have automatic gearboxes.

The arrival of the Freemont makes the future of the Multipla look doubtful. With the five seater Qubo and seven seater Doblo already in the Fiat range it appears highly unlikely that the Multipla will return.

The Freemont will Go on sale in mainland Europe in June and will be available with only two trim levels, the standard car will get air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and steering wheel controls while the premium model will also get 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and tinted rear windows.

Source: Autocar