Fiat Croma
The Fiat Croma is an automobile from Italian manufacturer Fiat, produced in two distinct generations, one built from 1985 to 1996, and the other one since 2005.
1985
The "Type Four" chassis of the original Croma was based on a cooperation between several companies and was used on Saab 9000, Lancia Thema and Alfa Romeo 164 as well as the Croma. The Croma was a five-door hatchback, although its body resembled a sedan, and the design was the responsibility of Giorgetto Giugiaro. Although the other models were executive cars, the Croma was offered in the midsize segment, replacing the Fiat Argenta.
It was available with a variety of petrol and Diesel engines, the former from the Fiat DOHC engine family. Base models had the 1585 cc, 83 PS (61 kW) and 1995 cc, 90 PS (66 kW) Controlled High Turbulence powerplants, followed by two fuel injected 2.0 L units, one with 120 PS (88 kW) and the other a turbocharged and intercooled version giving 153 PS (113 kW). Diesel engines were the Fiat's 1.9 L fitted with a turbocharger with direct injection, giving 92 PS (68 kW), and the 2499 cc unit supplied by VM Motori, with a normally aspirated version giving 75 PS (55 kW) and a turbocharged one with 115 PS (85 kW). This one replaced the previous 2446 cc with 100 PS (74 kW).
Production ceased in 1996, and Fiat abandoned the large family car segment, with the Bravo/Brava-based Fiat Marea replacing the sedans Tempra and Croma.
2005
In 2005, Fiat announced a large cross-over wagon with an upright tailgate, reminiscent of that of the Fiat Stilo, resurrecting the Croma nameplate. Again, Giugiaro styled the exterior, while the chassis was provided via the short-lived link with General Motors. The new Croma is therefore based on the GM Epsilon platform sharing components with the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. It has gone on sale in Italy in June 2005.
Unlike the previous model, and aware of its lack of image in the upper market segments, Fiat opted for not developping the class-standard sedan, concentrating on a car that was a cross between an estate and a large MPV, as evidenced by its roof and height of 160 cm.
The Croma, built at Fiat's Cassino factory, has three trim levels and five engine options. Like the chassis, petrol engines were supplied by Opel, beginning with the brand new evolution of the Ecotec 1.8 L with 140 PS (103 kW), followed by the torquier 2.2 L with 147 PS (108 kW). However, the bulk of the sales is represented by Fiat's own Multijet engine, available in three variants 1.9 L with 8 valves and 120 PS (88 kW), 1.9 L with 16 valves and 150 PS (110 kW), and the range topper five-cylinder 2.4 L, with 200 PS (147 kW). The Diesel engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.
Safety in the Croma
The Fiat Croma has a 5 star EuroNCAP certification for safety. It is manufactured with nine airbags as standard including knee bag for the driver. It is also built with pioneering electronics to help the driver keep control of the car in every situation. As standard the Croma is equipped with anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution.
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