MG METRO TURBO
Catch me if you can
FIAT CROMA TURBO I.E.
A whole new planet
YEAR: 1988
“The planet car”, catchphrase used by Fiat in the Croma’s ad campaign, well described the main characteristic of an innovative project that was not meant to replace any previous models, but to mark the beginning of a new era for Fiat: the era of executive saloons. Entrepreneurs, politicians, celebrities of all kinds used the Croma for transportation. The Fiat Croma 2.0 Turbo ie was the most powerful, and undoubtedly the most coveted, with that red lettering on the grille and boot that became an automotive icon of the ‘80s. Seeing it parked outside a bar or hurtling down the motorway kindled a sparkle in the hearts of aficionados who, today, are ready to experience those feelings again.
Historical background
A true novelty
Fiat Croma was presented on 5th December 1985. It had nothing in common with the Argenta, a car of little success that the newcomer was replacing only in theory: it was in fact a new beginning. A project from scratch, shared with Lancia (Thema), Saab (9000), and Alfa Romeo (164), which immediately proved successful. The new flagship marked a decisive step ahead in terms of both style and shapes and mechanical layout, with a transverse-mounted front engine and front-wheel drive, definitely a very advanced solution in those years. The aerodynamic shape (Cd = 0.32) was the result of a development process carried out by Centro Stile Fiat and Giugiaro after numerous tests in the wind tunnel.
Although some parts of the body were equivalent to the Thema (due to the aforementioned shared project), the result was a car body with an original and clean shape, solid and reassuring, with the configuration of a two-and-a-half-box, five-door saloon—the boot had an astounding capacity of 500 litres. Related to the Lancia, then, but with more accessible engine options that allowed Fiat to keep prices lower. For this reason, the Croma feared no competition, not even German cars, and quickly turned out to be a huge success.
The top-of-the-range, the Fiat Croma 2.0 Turbo ie, was the sports version of an immediately sought-after saloon, had a price of 29,700,000 liras, and dominated the covers of all the magazines of the time.
Technical specifications
- BODY STYLE: 5-door saloon
- SEATS: 5
- LENGTH: 449 cm
- WIDTH: 176 cm
- HEIGHT: 143 cm
- WEIGHT: 1,180 kg
- ENGINE: Transv. Fiat I4
- DISPLACEMENT: 1,995 cc
- POWER OUTPUT: 155 hp
- FUEL TYPE: Petrol
- DRIVETRAIN: FWD
- TRANSMISSION: Manual
- SPEED: 210 km/h
Driving experience – Mile-eater
Today as yesterday, the Croma impresses with its balance and easy handling, qualities that make it a historical car desirable for all fans of the segment (provided that they aim for the top of the range). The Fiat Croma 2.0 Turbo ie is powerful and fast even after a few decades, and its 155 hp, put out all of a sudden after the usual turbo lag, can still astound the most demanding driver. With its excellent driving dynamics, thanks to the chassis and the MacPherson suspension, the Croma Turbo i.e. is very balanced even on twisty roads. However, while it may not disappoint on hairpin turns—due to a rather short gear—it is on faster roads that this engine gives its all. The top speed of 214 km/h can be reached in no time and without compromising the riding comfort. Very few cars of its time (save for its “cousins”, of course), can balance high-level performance and a comfort worthy of a flagship. Perhaps, apart from its beauty, this was the secret of the Croma Turbo i.e.’s first version, the one of the launch, an Italian project of absolute prestige born in a golden decade.
Passione Classica’s Fiat Croma Turbo i.e.
Medium Blue Metallic (code 489), paired with a ribbed velvet interior of the highest quality and in excellent condition; smoky grey wheel trims and orange rear indicators—this is one of the last vehicles of the first series, since the model was facelifted as early as 1988. And this is a key feature: the second series, rather overworked by the market, will never have the historical appeal of the first model, that carries the appeal of an unrepeatable decade.
The equipment of the first Croma included the front armrest, rear seats with headrest, and the check control on the left of the steering wheel. An optional on this vehicle, apart from the paint, are the rear window’s sun shades.
Passione Classica’s Fiat Croma 2.0 Turbo ie was substantially revised in its mechanics (invoice available), in order to guarantee it a place of honour in the collection as the icon of an era, nowadays quite rare due to scrappage schemes that in four decades have decimated them. The Turin number plate and its excellent condition add value to this specimen that is one of the best amongst those available for sale.
Driving experience – Close to perfection
Today as yesterday, the Croma impresses with its balance and easy handling, qualities that make it a historical car desirable for all fans of the segment (provided that they aim for the top of the range). The Turbo i.e. is powerful and fast even after a few decades, and its 155 hp, put out all of a sudden after the usual turbo lag, can still astound the most demanding driver. With its excellent driving dynamics, thanks to the chassis and the MacPherson suspension, the Croma Turbo i.e. is very balanced even on twisty roads. However, while it may not disappoint on hairpin turns—due to a rather short gear—it is on faster roads that this engine gives its all. The top speed of 214 km/h can be reached in no time and without compromising the riding comfort. Very few cars of its time (save for its “cousins”, of course), can balance high-level performance and a comfort worthy of a flagship. Perhaps, apart from its beauty, this was the secret of the Croma Turbo i.e.’s first version, the one of the launch, an Italian project of absolute prestige born in a golden decade.
Passione Classica’s Fiat Croma Turbo i.e.
Medium Blue Metallic (code 489), paired with a ribbed velvet interior of the highest quality and in excellent condition; smoky grey wheel trims and orange rear indicators—this is one of the last vehicles of the first series, since the model was facelifted as early as 1988. And this is a key feature: the second series, rather overworked by the market, will never have the historical appeal of the first model, that carries the appeal of an unrepeatable decade.
The equipment of the first Croma included the front armrest, rear seats with headrest, and the check control on the left of the steering wheel. An optional on this vehicle, apart from the paint, are the rear window’s sun shades.
Passione Classica’s Croma Turbo i.e. was substantially revised in its mechanics (invoice available), in order to guarantee it a place of honour in the collection as the icon of an era, nowadays quite rare due to scrappage schemes that in four decades have decimated them. The Turin number plate and its excellent condition add value to this specimen that is one of the best amongst those available for sale.
Price
€ 17,500.00
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