- Fiat has launched the new Multiplay concept in Paris.
- It combines elements from SUVs, MPVs, and pickups.
- It has a family-friendly cabin in the spirit of the Multipla.
Fiat Multipla fans rejoice, the spirit of the polarizing minivan is back in a quirky concept. The Multiplay is a modular vehicle that transforms from a family-friendly SUV with minivan traits into a lifestyle pickup.
The “3-in-1” concept takes center stage at the Paris Motor Show. In Fiat’s own words, the goal was to combine “the space efficiency of an MPV, the character of an SUV and the versatility of a pick-up”, creating a single vehicle that meets the needs of “a family juggling work, school, sport and outdoor activities”.
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Visually, the Multiplay looks like an evolution of the Fiat Concept Pick-Up from 2024, albeit with a much shorter hood, a different greenhouse, and a revised lighting signature retaining the pixel-style LEDs from the Grande Panda. It also has a generous ground clearance and plastic cladding around the wheel arches looking like a crossover minivan.
Stellantis
However, the coolest feature is its ability to transform into a different bodystyle thanks to what Fiat calls the “Metamorfosi” architecture. The rear section of the roof slides forward together with the third row of seats, turning the Multiplay into a dual-cab four-seater pickup with an exposed cargo are at the back.
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In truck form, the concept has a split tailgate, a retractable bed cover and a clever system on the modular floor for securing cargo in place. Furthermore, the roof spoiler can rotate, revealing an integrated bike rack for carrying a pair of bicycles.
Stellantis
The Multiplay measures 4.45 m (172.5 in) long which is shorter than a Jeep Compass. Still, when dressed as an SUV it has a three-row interior with a 6+1 seat configuration designed for family use.
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The number six is used deliberately, as the 1955 Fiat 600 Multipla could seat six people in three rows despite measuring 3.5 m (137.8 in) long. In a similar context, the 1998 Fiat Multipla came with a two-row six-seater layout while measuring only 3,994 mm (157.2 in) long.
The +1 refers to a “Petsenger seat” in the second row, distinguished by the lack of a seatback and the green upholstery. The rest of the interior is bathed in orange, with green details on the futuristic dashboard, a yoke steering wheel and an ultra-wide display. Another cool touch is the front passenger seat which folds down into a comfortable recliner in combination with the cylindrical pillow on the dash.
Stellantis
The automaker didn’t get into specifics about the underpinnings or the powertrain type of the concept. Still, with no room for a combustion engine up front, it is most likely an EV.
Will They Make It?
Fiat insists that the Multiplay doesn’t preview a specific production model. Instead, it was conceived as “a laboratory of solutions for tomorrow’s mobility” meaning that some of its quirks could find their way into the future lineup.
While the “3-in-1” concept is too crazy for production, Fiat could always introduce a unibody pickup based on the underpinnings of the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback. This could adopt a Panda-inspired styling language and eventually replace the Fiat Toro in South America. The production version of the Concept Pick-Up from 2024 could ride on the Smart Car architecture, which is compatible with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.