Fiat Ecobasic

The Fiat Ecobasic is a concept car designed by the Italian manufacturer Fiat and presented in December 1999 at the Bologna Motor Show and exhibited in March 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show.^[2]

Fiat Ecobasic
An example exhibited by FCA Heritage
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1999–2000
Assembly	Italy
Designer	Roberto Giolito at Centro Stile Fiat in collaboration with Zagato[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Concept car
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Fiat Mini platform
Related	Fiat Panda
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L JTD Multijet 16v common rail
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length	3,480 mm (137.0 in)
Width	1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height	1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Kerb weight	750 kg (1,653 lb)

The purpose of this concept was to prove that it was possible to design and build a car capable of transporting four adults in a structure made of fully recyclable composite materials and whose production and operating costs were ultra-low.^[3][4]

Overview

The Ecobasic has been homologated according to Euro NCAP standards; moreover, the materials that cover the structure are all recyclable.^[5] The design of the concept has been studied in the wind tunnel, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.28.^[6]

The front grille included a sort of transparent hatch that gave direct access to the coolant and oil reservoirs, as well as the positive and negative battery terminals.^[7] After manufacturing 10 units of the Ecobasic, the brand decided not to put it into production.^[7]

Rear view

Front grille