Fiat Freemont Black Code is about as Italian as apple pie

Wed, 11 Sep 2013

We're going to go ahead and give the marketing wizards at Fiat the benefit of the doubt, and say that they didn't have some regrettable American history in mind when they dubbed the latest iteration of the ~~Dodge Journey~~ Fiat Freemont "Black Code." Suffice it to say that such a special edition sobriquet wouldn't fly here in The States.

Risqué names or no, Fiat claims that the Freemont has been somewhat of a hit in Italy to date, with the automaker telling us that the crossover has led it's segment in the country for two years running now. The Black Code looks to build on that success by adding a top trim level to the basic formula.

The Black Code has got plenty of black accents, don't you worry; the CUV boasts new noir on the front grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, mirror covers and headlight frames. Standard three-zone climate control, heated leather seating, parking sensors and a navigation system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen highlight the list of standard features.

Functionally, the top-end Freemont can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, with powertrain options ranging from a 170-horsepower, 2.0-liter MultiJet diesel to a 280-hp, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Scroll down for a look at the Fiat press release.

Freemont Black Code

- Fiat crossover's new top-of-the-range model

- Glossy black front grille, 19" alloy rims and mirror covers . Black headlight frames

- Standard automatic three-zone climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery and heated seats, rear parking sensors, 8.4" touch screen satellite navigation system with maps together with DVD player and SD slot

- On sale from the first quarter of 2014

Fiat has chosen Frankfurt to present an important addition to the Freemont range - the brand new Black Code trim level - which from the beginning of 2014 will contribute to consolidating the already excellent commercial results which have been achieved thus far. Over two years of sales, the first Fiat to spring from the partnership with Chrysler Group has collected over 52,000 registrations across Europe, ranking sixth in its category in Europe in 2012. In Italy, the Freemont has been the leader of its segment for two years running (July 2011 - July 2013), and is the vehicle with the 7th highest number of units sold.

Available in FWD and AWD, the Black Code version is the top of the Freemont family range in terms of both content and style. With a unique, exclusive design, the new version offers brand new gloss black detailing, evident on the front grille, the mirror fairings and the exclusive 19" alloy rims. The front headlight frames are also black, enhancing the vehicle's appearance even further. The interior truly has been designed to enhance comfort and travelling pleasure, and features automatic three-zone climate control system, cruise control, leather upholstery and heated seats (the driver's seat is also electrically adjustable), as well as keyless entry/go system, rear parking sensors and electrically folding rear-view mirrors.

With its strong, decisive look and full equipment, the Black Code trim level offers the cream of state-of-the-art infotainment devices as standard. There's an 8.4" touch screen satellite navigation system with maps together with DVD player and SD slot, Bluetooth connection, rear parking camera and a Premium sound system with 6 premium speakers, 368-W amplifier and subwoofer. All of this certainly makes for a unique and exclusive version.

The Fiat Freemont Black Code is the ideal solution for customers who want a family car which still allows them to express their personality. The new version is equipped with a 2.0 MultiJet II 170 HP engine, with FWD and manual gearbox or AWD and automatic transmission, and the AWD 280 HP 3.6 litre petrol engine with automatic transmission.

The Black Code version is a cut above the rest, for a model which has been designed to meet the needs of modern families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or for their weekend leisure time. The Fiat Freemont further completes the model's offer, reconfirming its position as "All the cars you want". Its multifarious soul has led it to win over new customer types from other segments - station wagon, minivan and crossover - combining flexibility and functionality with a distinctive, original style. With all this and more, all trim levels and engine versions are very competitively priced.

The Fiat Freemont range comprises 4 trim levels (Freemont, Urban, Lounge and Black Code), two drive systems (front-wheel or active 'on demand' AWD), two transmissions (manual or automatic, both with 6 speeds) and four engine versions: 2.0 MultiJet II 16v with 140 HP or 170 HP and 170 HP 2.4-litre and 280 HP 3.6-litre petrol engines, the latter part of the Chrysler Group's Pentastar family.

AWD versions always come with 6-speed automatic transmission that ensures excellent performance together with precise and quiet operation, for ultimate comfort and satisfaction at the wheel.

By Seyth Miersma