Review: Fiat JF Freemont (2013-16)

Review: Fiat JF Freemont (2013-16)

Overview

Released in April 2013, the Fiat JF Freemont was a large SUV that replaced the Dodge JC Journey as part of an expanded Fiat range for the Australian market. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive Freemont was initially available in five-seat Base, Urban and Lounge variants. In August 2014, however, the seven-seat Freemont Crossroad was introduced. The full range is given in the table below.

Engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.4-litre ‘GEMA’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1;
• Reserved for Urban variants, the 2.0-litre diesel ‘JTD’ engine had a cast iron block, a variable geometry turbocharger, common-rail direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1; and,
• Reserved for the Freemont Crossroad, the 3.6-litre V6 petrol ‘Pentastar’ V6 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.2:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The JF Freemont was 4910 mm long, 1878 mm wide, 1705 mm tall and had a 2890 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Freemont had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Fiat Freemont included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Fiat Freemont had 302 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 305 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2011 Freemont received a five star safety rating which included an 83 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, chest and foot protection for the driver were rated as adequate, though protection of the upper legs was rated as marginal as the steering column presented a potential hazard; protection for the front passenger, however, was rated as good in all areas. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though chest protection was rated as weak in the more severe pole test.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.15 out of 37. ANCAP also noted that the ‘active bonnet’ which was fitted to European-delivered vehicles was omitted for Australian models.

Features

Standard features for the Fiat Freemont Base included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/65 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity (mobile phone and audio streaming), dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, push-button start, 12 volt power outlets, an electrochromic rear view mirror, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Freemont Urban was further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, an 8.4-inch touch screen with a DVD/SD card player, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a rear parking camera, leather-wrapped gear lever, a foldable passenger seat with storage compartment and tinted rear windows. Unique within the range, the Urban was also fitted with black longitudinal roof bars.

Beyond this, the Freemont Lounge added 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R19 tyres, an Alpine sound system with a 368 watt amplifier and subwoofer, satellite navigation system and leather seats with accent stitching.

The Fiat Freemont Crossroad was distinguished by its black leather seats with sports mesh inserts, ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat, three-zone climate control air conditioning and folding third row seats. Visual cues for the Crossroad variant included 19-inch ‘Hyper Black’ five-spoke alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, bumpers ‘Platinum Chrome’ inserts, ‘Platinum Chrome’ side skirts and roof rails, black frames for the front and rear light clusters. Inside, the Freemont Crossroad included 19-inch ‘Hyper Black’ five-spoke alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, bumpers ‘Platinum Chrome’ inserts, ‘Platinum Chrome’ side skirts and roof rails, and black frames for the front and rear light clusters. Inside, the Crossroad had a ‘Liquid Graphite’ finish for the dashboard, instrumentation, centre console, door panel and steering wheel.

2014 Fiat Freemont Urban Tricolore

Released in May 2014, the Fiat Freemont Urban Tricolore was a limited-run model which could be identified by its red-white-green body strip decals and chrome door mirrors; inside there were floor mats with red-white-green stripes. The Freemont Urban Tricolore was also sold with a special boxed ‘Tricolore’ key ring.

Brochure

• Brochure: Fiat JF Freemont (June 2013)

Related links

• Press Kit: Fiat JF Freemont (April 2013)
• Fiat Chrysler Australia: Fiat Chrysler Freemont
• Wikipedia.org: Fiat Freemont/Dodge Journey