Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Fiat 600 Multipla. 1956–67 (prod. 129,994). 4-door MPV. R/R, 633, 767 cm³ (I4 OHV). Very possibly the world’s first MPV, based on the Fiat 600 (1955–82) platform and Fiat 1100/103 front suspension. Front row of seats moved to the front of the vehicle, allowing for, at its maximum, two more rows behind. Larger-capacity radiator. Harsh ride and not particularly powerful. Larger engine from 1960, creating the 600D Multipla.
Manufacturing location: Torino, Italy
Marque: Fiat | Model: Fiat 600 | Successor: Fiat 850 Familiare
Renault Safrane. 1992–2000 (prod. 310,000 approx.). 5-door saloon. F/F, F/A, 1995, 2165 cm³ petrol, 2068, 2188, 2499 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC), 1948 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 2435 cm³ (I5 DOHC), 2963 cm³ (V6 OHC), 2946 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Bland large hatchback from Renault, and the company’s flagship. Behind comparable German rivals in this sector, and mostly forgotten, selling relatively poorly in export markets. Facelift in 1996, with new engines, including two Volvo-designed units. Strong torque from PSA–Renault V6 DOHC.
Manufacturing location: Sandouville, Haute-Normandie, France
Marque: Renault | Model: Renault Safrane | Predecessor: Renault 25 | Successor: Renault Vel Satis
Mitsubishi Minica (H31A/H32A/H32V/H36A/H37A/H37V). 1993–8 (prod. n/a). 3- and 5-door sedan, 3- and 4-door wagon. F/F, F/A, 657 cm³ (I3 OHC), 659 cm³ (I4 OHC), 659 cm³ (I4 DOHC). More rounded Minica, with more retro proportions. Slight stretch in wheelbase, up 20 mm to 2,280 mm. No Lettuce this time, but the concept went to the Toppo tall wagon, which could be had with either a single passenger door, or two doors. Toppo RV had a bumper guard and covered spare tyre outside, at rear. New four-cylinder units, including a five-valve-per-cylinder turbo DOHC. January 1997 saw retro-styled Town Bee, tapping into the Japanese love of the original BMC Mini. Minor changes to the range later that year.
Manufacturing location: Japan
Marque: Mitsubishi | Model: Mitsubishi Minica | Predecessor: Mitsubishi Minica (H21) | Successors: Mitsubishi Minica (H42), Mitsubishi Toppo BJ
|