The Italian Fiat Freemont was introduced in Australia midway through 2013. Its shape was somewhere between that of a people mover and SUV so buyers looking for the tough look of a 4WD didn’t have the Freemont on their shopping list.
The Fiat Freemont comes with five or seven seats. The second row of seats can slide forward by up to 100mm for relatively easy access to the rearmost seats. Theatre-style seating in seven-seat Freemonts ensures pretty good visibility for all. Built-in booster seats for children are standard on all models.
All seats, including the front passenger one, can be folded down to create a large flat load area.
Fiat Freemont is available in three specification level: Base, Urban and Lounge.
Fiat Freemont Base has 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning and keyless entry and start.
Fiat’s Uconnect infotainment system uses a 4.3-inch touchscreen, CD/MP3; and integrated telephone with voice command and Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity.
The mid-range Fiat Freemont Urban has an 8.4-inch screen, a DVD player, automatic air conditioning, six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped gear-lever and Sunscreen glass.
Fiat Freemont Lounge is pretty upmarket. It has 19-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, leather upholstery and premium door trims, heated front seats and chromed roof bars. The Alpine audio system includes a subwoofer.
A special edition introduced in May 2014 and based on the Urban is the Freemont Tricolore. Italian flair is seen, with side stripes in the red-white-green of the Italian flag make it stand out visually. There’s even a tri-colour keyring.
Fiat Freemont is powered by either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, a 3.6-litre V6 in a model called the Crossroad, or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
All engines drive the front wheels via either a six-speed automatic transmission with the petrol engine, or a six-speed manual with the diesel.
The Freemont’s underpinnings are evident in the way it performs on the road. It’s safe and comfortable but steering is on the vague side and the handling is safe but hardly sporting.
Fiat had a strong sales push in Australia during the period Freemont went on sale, so there are significantly more dealers than in the past. These are mainly in metro areas though some multi-franchise dealers in the country may support them.
Spare parts prices are a little above average for this class, but not to a silly extent. We have heard some complaints about availability, but these seem to be diminishing.
Good amateur mechanics can do much of the routine work, but we advise that all safety items should only be worked on by professionals.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The engines are generally all reliable. Make sure it starts easily, idles smoothly (the V6 will be better than the fours) and doesn’t hesitate when asked to accelerate.
Automatic transmission changes should be smooth and all but imperceptible. If not, an overhaul may be due, though a full service may sort it out. We did hear of some reliability problems in early models, check the service book.
During your test drive check the cruise control operates correctly. We’ve heard of some that don’t disconnect when they should. This was the subject of a recall – see our section on the ACCC Recalls website.
Make sure all electrical items work correctly. Ideally, have the owners’ manual in front of you so you get into all the nuances of the systems.
Check the body for signs of previous crash repairs. Ripples in the finish, paint spots on unpainted surfaces and uneven colours are sure signs.
Look for scars on the wheels for signs of rough parking, the left-front is often the first to suffer.
Make a detailed inspection of the interior, including the luggage area, for signs of scratches, holes and generally uncared for seats, trim and carpets. Unruly kids may have knocked around the interior, particularly those behind the front seats.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on paying from $7000 to $10,000 for a 2013 Fiat Freemont Urban; $8000 to $10,000 for a 2014 Urban; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2014 Crossroad or a 2017 Urban; $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2015 Crossroad; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2017 Lounge; and $15,000 to $21,000 for a 2017 Lounge.
CAR BUYING TIP
If possible, arrange to test drive the car early in the morning so that it’s complete cold after an overnight stop. If the seller knows you’re serious they should be happy to oblige with this.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
