The last in the line is the Marea family: a saloon and a station wagon:
The Marea acts as a replacement for both the aging Croma and the struggling Tempra.
The Marea is the brother of the Bravo(a), they share the same 2540 mm floorpan and from the nose back to the B-pillar similar styling cues.
There are three petrol and three turbo diesel engines available, ranging from a 80 bhp 1.4-litre, to a five-cylinder 2.0-litre, capable of 147 bhp.
This way Fiat fights the Ford Escort and the Mondeo with the same car.
It may not be a winning policy but it's an interesting idea.
The interior echoes the Brava's. Changes include different instrument graphics, new trim colors and upholstery velours, longer seat cushions and a central armrest between the front seats.
Although the Marea 4-door is stretched to 4393 mm, the very short wheelbase couldn't guarantee a roomy interior.
Also the load space is smaller than in the Tempra: Marea 430 liter, Tempra 500; Marea Weekend (the station wagon): 500, Tempra Weekend 550. The Mondeo is a clear winner 'cause its estate has a boot volume of 650 liter.
FIat has to do a good pricing strategy to make the Marea competitive against both the family cars and the bigger limousines.