Fiat’s new CEO, Arnaud Belloni, has voiced his disappointment with SUVs despite their growing popularity. Sharing his personal experience as a parent, Belloni said he bought an SUV but found the in-car experience lacking compared to the minivan he had before. This has motivated him to push Fiat towards reinventing the family vehicle segment with a fresh take on the minivan.
Disappointment with the SUV Experience
In an interview with British media, Belloni described how he switched from a minivan to an SUV when he had twins, following a common trend among buyers. However, he found that the SUV did not meet his expectations for practicality and comfort within the cabin. His comment highlights a common issue: while SUVs are popular for their style and driving position, they may not fully meet family needs as well as minivans once did.
Fiat’s Vision for a New Kind of Family Car
Rather than simply bringing back old minivan designs, Belloni wants Fiat to develop a new generation of family vehicles that blend the practicality of minivans with the appeal of SUVs. The strategy involves using SUV elements and modern platforms to create a vehicle that provides more space and a better interior experience without losing market relevance.
This approach is embodied in the Fiat Multiplay concept introduced at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The Multiplay combines features of SUVs, pickups, and minivans, and draws inspiration from the 1998 Fiat Multipla, which was known for its unique three-front-seat layout and roomy cabin. Belloni considers the Multiplay a key step toward Fiat’s future family car offerings.
Possible Production and Timeline
Fiat’s design director, François Leboine, calls the Multiplay a concept for a “post-SUV” era, aiming to merge practicality and style to attract SUV buyers. A production model around 4.5 meters long is under consideration, though final decisions are pending. Fiat plans to use parts from the Stellantis group to keep costs manageable.
Belloni estimates that if development moves quickly, the new family vehicle could arrive within two to three years. This project reflects Fiat’s effort to rethink family mobility and offer an alternative to conventional SUVs that emphasizes interior comfort and usability.
Source: italpassion.fr