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Fiat Freemont Cross : Rugged-looking V6 AWD seven-seat SUV here in Q3

The tougher-looking Fiat Freemont Cross will introduce a V6 and all-wheel drive to the Italian car maker's local line-up when it lands in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of 2014.

Tim Beissmann

18:2419 February 2014

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Documents seen by CarAdvice reveal Fiat Chrysler Australia has homologated a 206kW/342Nm 3.6-litre V6-powered version of the Freemont for our market, and we understand the engine will be paired with all-wheel-drive underpinnings in the upcoming off-road-inspired Freemont Cross variant.

The V6 is already available in the Fiat's sister car, the Dodge Journey – the only Dodge currently sold in Australia.

The V6 is the Journey's main point of difference over the Freemont, along with the fact it comes with seven seats as standard (the Freemont has five with the option of seven).

Fiat Chrysler Australia corporate communications manager Karla Leach defended the move to potentially introduce a V6 Freemont, which could cannibalise sales of the sole Dodge model.

"Journey’s going really quite well on its own at the moment," Leach said. "It’s just about offering different choices for different buyers."

Leach said pricing for the Freemont Cross is yet to be finalised, but indicated it would be a logical step from the existing range, which tops out at $30,300 in Lounge 2.0-litre petrol trim, and $32,600 with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel in the Urban model. By contrast, the Journey range starts at $32,400 for the SXT model, with the RT top-spec version priced from $35,700.

The front grille and fog light surrounds, headlight and tail-light frames and 19-inch alloy wheels of the Fiat Freemont Cross score a black finish, while platinum chrome highlights embrace the front bumper insert, side skirts, roof bars and rear underbody protection panel.

Unique interior details include black leather upholstery with sports mesh inserts and light grey stitching, and liquid metal coloured trim across the dashboard, instrument cluster, centre console, door panels and steering wheel.

The highly specified Fiat Freemont Cross comes standard with keyless entry with push-button start, heated and folding side mirrors, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, DVD player and SD card slot, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera, and a premium Alpine audio system with six-speakers, a 368-watt amplifier and a subwoofer.

The driver’s seat features 10-way electric adjustment, the front passenger seat can be folded completely down, and folding the second- and third-row seats forward opens up almost 1500 litres of load space. Fiat says there’s also 140L of stowage space in the Freemont Cross’ 20 storage compartments.

More details will be released closer to the launch of the Fiat Freemont Cross later this year.