2012 Fiat Freemont

Fiat Freemont AWD: freedom and safety for ‘all the cars you want'

The Freemont evokes a sense of freedom, and the feeling that this vehicle can face up to any situation that everyday life might bring. Today, with the new AWD (All-Wheel Drive) version, the model further accentuates its multi-faceted soul created by crossing the versatility and presence on the road characteristic of a SÚV, the typical handling of a station wagon and the 7-seat passenger room of an MPV.
The new Fiat Freemont AWD is the four-wheel drive version matched with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 280 HP 3.6 V6 petrol engines, both offered with the new six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) It is a technologically sophisticated and completely automated system that allows the driver to control the vehicle in extreme conditions in total safety. The new all-wheel version aims at consolidating the already remarkable results so far achieved. In just six months of sales, the first Fiat vehicle produced from the partnership with the Chrysler Group won more than 25,000 orders to become the best-selling 7-seat car today in Italy. The public will have the opportunity to see the new Freemont AWD up close in 25-26 February at the Fiat sales network in Italy.

All-wheel drive for the greatest safety under all driving conditions

The Fiat Freemont AWD active four-wheel drive system is on-demand, and it is equipped with an electronic control unit which uses sensors to detect the grip of the four wheels and decides when to transmit traction to the rear. The system intervenes on surfaces where the wheels may not have good grip (mud, snow, ice...) to ensure maximum traction and no limits to the routes the vehicle can take, or in the case of asphalt surfaces, to ensure additional traction and greater safety on bends.

Specifically, the electronic system modulates torque transfer through the use of electronically controlled coupling (ECC). Since it only operates on demand, the system contributes to containing fuel consumption. In addition, ECC on the AWD system is more flexible and more accurate than a viscous coupling or a Torsen system. In addition, the control unit also interfaces with the ESP and the traction control system.

Multijet 2 and 3.6 V6 petrol engines with six-speed automatic transmission

The new AWD version can be equipped with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 with variable geometry and the powerful Chrysler Group Pentastar 3.6 litre engines. Both engines are combined with a new six-speed automatic transmission that ensures excellent performance together with precise and quiet operation to provide ultimate comfort and drivability.

25,000 orders in 6 months for the best-selling 7-seat crossover in Italy

The new all-wheel version aims at consolidating the already remarkable results so far achieved. In just six months of sales, the first Fiat vehicle produced from the partnership with the Chrysler Group won more than 25,000 orders to become the best-selling 7-seat car today in Italy.

The model is also winning over new types of customers coming from other areas and who are approaching the Fiat brand for the first time. As many as 65% of them are target customers, one of the highest values ever obtained by a Fiat car. Moreover, these figures are certified by results no less important as far as customer satisfaction is concerned. The first market analyses show that the Freemont has met with the highest level of satisfaction for a Fiat model since the 500 was launched.

Space and comfort
The Freemont guarantees maximum space, comfort and versatility thanks to its 7 seats fitted as standard, with a genuine, spacious third row which is easily accessible because the rear doors open to 90-degree, and the vehicle is equipped with a simple and easily operated seat slide system. The seats of the third row can be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely below the floor, leaving the car with a 5 seat configuration and creating a flat and even load platform. The second row and the passenger seat can also be folded down completely, allowing 32 different seating configurations. The second row is mounted slightly higher than the first, and the third slightly higher again, ensuring maximum visibility and comfort for all occupants. The second row is also fitted with an innovative child booster system to make sure that children on board are seated correctly, optimizing the seatbelt geometry and guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort. This feature, which makes the Freemont 'perfect for families', allows you to raise the seats by up to 102 mm.
On-board comfort is also ensured by the high driving position and the spacious and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres (equivalent to more than 10 suitcases). There are over 20 storage compartments, offering significant additional capacity, equal to the size of a city-car boot. The front armrest, for example, is very deep and guarantees maximum capacity. It also houses a ÚSB port, an AÚX-in socket (which may also be used for an iPod) and a 12 volt power socket. This means you can listen to music or recharge portable devices whilst ensuring they are concealed when you get out of the car. The passenger seats contain a convenient and easily accessible compartment under its cushion, while the floor in the second row contains two spacious compartments under the mats.

Engine versions

The Freemont range includes front drive versions (teamed with state-of-the-art 2.0 MultiJet 2 engines, with variable geometry, available in 140 HP or 170 HP, with manual gearbox) and, the new four-wheel drive versions with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 280 HP 3.6 V6 petrol engines, both with automatic gearboxes, to ensure driving comfort and safety at the same time. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic gearbox, all power units are produced and developed by Fiat.

The diesel engines have been designed to offer the optimum balance of performance, driving pleasure and fuel consumption. The vehicle's drivability is guaranteed by a maximum torque value (350 Nm) which is reached at 1750 rpm and constant up to 2500 for the 170 HP version (up to 2000 rpm for the 140 HP version). For the normal usage range (from 1500 rpm up to 3000 rpm), the torque never falls below 300 Nm, avoiding uncomfortable 'downshifts' and enhancing driving pleasure. This makes the engine very flexible, with optimum acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h and optimum maximum speeds: 11 seconds and 195 km/h for the 170 HP FWD model (values nearly identical to those of the AWD version), and 12.3 seconds and 180 km/h for the 140 HP FWD model. All of this translates into dynamic and safe driving.
The values recorded by the powerful 3.6 V6 petrol engine available only with the AWD traction are also outstanding: 280 HP (206 kW) at 6350 rpm of maximum power, 342 Nm at 4350 rpm, top speed of 206 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds.

Driving satisfaction

In detail, the model offers 6 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) complete with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM) fitted as standard on all vehicles. And not forgetting the child boosters and cruise control mentioned earlier, also fitted as standard on all trim levels, to ensure that children are seated correctly and to allow perfect control of cruising speed.

The rollover mitigation system (ERM) uses data received from ESP sensors to detect potential roll risks and intervenes by supplying braking power to individual wheels and adjusting the position of the throttle valve. The Freemont also has an intelligent system which takes care of your trailer, Trailer Sway Control (TSC). Once its sensors detect that a trailer is swaying, the system intervenes, automatically applying the correct braking action to the wheels in order to keep the trailer under control and avoid dangerous oscillations. With this system, drivers can feel safe and confident when transporting their own loads.

Range

To make it easier for customers to choose and purchase their vehicle, the Freemont range - today with the two Freemont and Úrban trim levels - is enriched with a new Lounge trim level. Each of these meets specific needs. The first trim level has a high level of content as standard: 7 seats, automatic triple-zone climate control, radio/CD/MP3 with 4.3' touch-screen, Trip Computer and steering wheel audio controls, 17' alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), keyless entry/go, child boosters and an anti-theft alarm. The Úrban trim level is even richer, particularly in terms of comfort and urban practicality, with added 8.4 inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, lighting sensor, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, roof bars, electrically adjustable driver's seat (6 directions + 4 lumbar adjustment options), folding electric rear-view mirrors, tinted rear windows and electrochromic mirror.
In addition to the features already found on the first two trim levels, the Fiat Freemont Lounge exterior boasts 19' burnished alloy wheels, chrome-plated exterior door handles and chrome-plated longitudinal roof bars, while the interior is distinguished by fine leather upholstery. With its elegant design, the new trim level offers the cream of state-of-the-art infotainment devices as standard: 8.4' touch screen satellite navigation system with maps together with DVD player and SD slot, rear parking camera and Alpine sound system with 6 premium speakers, 368 Watt amplifier and subwoofer.

Source - Fiat