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Second generation (194)
Overview
Production	2005–2010 (LHD) 2005–2007 (RHD)
Assembly	Cassino – Piedimonte S. Germano (Frosinone), Italy
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door estate
Platform	GM Epsilon platform
Related	Cadillac BLS Opel Signum Opel Vectra Saab 9-3
Powertrain
Transmission	5- and 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (110 in)
Length	4,755 mm (187.2 in) 4,783 mm (188.3 in) (facelift)
Width	1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height	1,600 mm (63 in)
Chronology
Successor	Fiat Freemont Fiat Tipo Estate

 

Fiat Croma

 

Facelifted Fiat Croma

In March 2005, Fiat announced a large crossover 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 (Type 194) is therefore based on the extended variant of the GM Epsilon platform sharing components with the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. It went on sale in Italy in June 2005. The car was shown in the Geneva Motor Show in 2005.

Unlike the previous model, and aware of its lack of image in the upper market segments, Fiat opted for not developing a standard large family car, but developing a "Comfort Wagon", an automobile with design elements of both estates and large MPVs. Its height of 1,600 mm (63.0 in) falls between the Mitsubishi Grandis and Ford S-Max large MPVs (1,655 mm (65.2 in) and 1,660 mm (65.4 in) respectively) and SEAT Altea XL (1,525 mm (60.0 in)).

In February 2007, Fiat UK announced that the Croma would no longer be generally available in the United Kingdom, after less than 900 were sold in the whole of 2005. The car was still offered only on special order, with RHD models manufactured to customer specifications. Production of the second generation Croma ceased in the end of 2010. Despite not being a showroom hit, the Croma managed to sell in quite reasonable numbers, with 65,000 sold in one year alone.

Safety

The Croma has seven airbags as standard including knee bag for the driver. As standard, the Croma is equipped with anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution. It has a five star EuroNCAP crash rating for adult occupant protection:

Euro NCAP test results
Fiat Croma (2008)
Test	Score	Rating
Adult occupant:	34
Child occupant:	39
Pedestrian:	6

Facelift

The Croma got a minor facelift in November 2007, and was termed the Nuova Croma. A new grille (Bravo look) and rear bumper, as well as some material changes inside are the main differences. Fiat now designates the revised model as "Station Wagon" instead of the previously used term "Comfort Wagon". The Nuova Croma was only sold in mainland Europe, not including the United Kingdom.

Engines

The Croma, built at Fiat's Cassino factory, had three trim levels and five engine options. Like the chassis, petrol engines were supplied by Opel, beginning with the brand new evolution of the Family 1 Ecotec 1.8 L with 140 PS (103 kW), followed by the torquier L850 Ecotec 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 20V, with 200 PS(147 kW). The diesel engines were fitted with a standard six speed manual gearbox, six speed automatic (standard on 2.4 engines) is also available.

Petrol

Diesel