Visually, the result is just a Journey with some Fiat badges stuck on, with no attempt at a redesign apart from revised bumper valances. There’s even what looks like the remnants of Dodge’s trademark crosshairs grille up front.
Not that that matters, of course, because the two vehicles will never be sold alongside each other. It helps that the Journey isn’t a bad looking thing to start with and, importantly for Fiat, the conversion method used is simple, quick and cheap.
The Freemont will only be offered in two trim levels, with both featuring keyless entry, triple-zone automatic climate control, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, trip computer, fog lights and a touch-screen radio with colour screen and steering wheel controls.
Seven seats will be standard too, although the third row can be folded down below floor level when not in use.
Customers going for the higher spec model will also get Bluetooth telephone connectivity, 17” alloy wheels, electric fold-in door mirrors, roof bars, darkened rear windows, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and a better radio with a larger screen, SD card reader and DVD compatibility.
As expected, the engine line-up will be mainly diesel powered. When sales begin during the second half of 2011, buyers will be able to choose from either a 138 bhp (102 kW / 140 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) MultiJet turbo diesel motor. Both are 2.0 litre units which will be combined with a manual gearbox to drive the front wheels.
It’s planned that all-wheel drive versions with standard automatic transmission will become available later. These will have either the 167 bhp MultiJet engine or Chrysler’s 272 bhp (202 kW / 276 PS) 3.6 litre Pentastar petrol V6.
Unfortunately, no performance, economy or emissions figures for the Freemont have been published. Likewise, Fiat has yet to confirm prices.
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