As with its predecessor, the new Fiat Ulysse MPV has been developed alongside Peugeot and Citroen versions. Personally I prefer the Fiat's looks, which is just as well as the Ulysse is the first of this family I have had the opportunity to drive.
On reading this, you must remove all traces of the older Ulysse from your mind. The new model, which has only been on sale in the UK since February this year, shares only its name with the boxy car it replaces. Or so we are told. I tend to believe this claim. The new Ulysse is a far superior offering.
Even before you get in, the exterior shouts 'practicality' at you. Indeed the new car is nearly a foot longer and 3 cm wider than its predecessor. It looks larger than that again, though the styling is well balanced. Surprisingly, the Ulysse does not feel wide on the road, though the length has to be watched out for when manoeuvring. It soon becomes second nature though, and rear parking sensors and excellent all-round visibility certainly do help. As expected, those extra inches pay dividends when it comes to fitting people and their stuff into the available space. Admittedly, the Prestigio trim sported by the test car is not the most practical option as there are only six seats available. However, each occupant has plenty of luxurious space to spread out, with a small aircraft-like aisle up the middle of the cabin allowed for by positioning the gear lever on the front console and the handbrake next to the driver's door.
If a drinks trolley were to make its way down the cabin, the passengers would be well catered for - there are no fewer than 11 cup holders, four bottle holders and even a refrigerated compartment for three cans under the gearlever. This may win Top Trumps but why would a car able to carry a maximum of eight people need this? Who knows? As well as room to store water supplies to cross the Sahara, you will have space for other oddments. Fiat count 35 compartments (including the drinks). I did not go around counting them but did notice the handy bins on top of the dashboard, large door pockets and other neat features such as sun blinds built into all four rear windows. A lot of thought has gone into the interior of this car.
The fun starts when you realise it has electric sliding doors (an option at £500). These may be opened from the key fob as well as from inside the car, which I found to be very useful when my hands were full of shopping or whatever. A less practically minded friend suggested parking the Ulysse across the road and frightening passers-by with the space age doors... Another neat touch normally only found on luxury cars is the electric mirrors which fold when you turn on the car's alarm, and open again on starting the car.
I like the centrally-mounted instrument cluster in the Ulysse. The Prestigio model tested moves the rev counter and speedo to either side of a neat 7 inch screen which is used for the excellent satnav and Connect system. We have experienced this set-up previously in the Alfa 147 (click here for that story) and it seems to fit well with the Ulysse. The screen graphics and control pad near the gear lever feel thoroughly modern, as indeed does the whole car.
The 2.0-litre 16v petrol engine in the test car musters 136 bhp and has ample low-down and mid-range torque. It will not win any prizes for its urge, nor its fuel economy, but it is refined and quiet and does its job.
So the Ulysse delivers on all MPV promises then, exceeding expectations of the average family buyer. What if you are not the average buyer but you still need all this practicality? What if your Subaru Impreza estate is too small for your needs now, but you still want to enjoy driving? Well, the Ulysse is no sports car, but it is in fact a good steer. On-road stability is superb, though the high sides do it no favours in cross winds. In twists and turns it applies itself well. It is surefooted and that long wheelbase helps give it a solid feel. You will be surprised by the grip on offer though and the relative lack of body roll. The brakes are superb as well, resisting fade thanks to chunky discs front and rear.
The more "sensible" driver will be glad to hear that these discs are connected to a state-of-the-art ABS system with Emergency Brake Assist as well as Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Indeed, the Ulysse is not bettered in its class on safety, with sophisticated multi-stage airbags on all Ulysse models. All this trickery is supervised by a central control unit which will even work if there is electrical system failure. You will therefore not be surprised to hear that the Ulysse has just been awarded 5 stars by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) which is the highest safety accolade available.
In summary, the Ulysse is more than the average family could ask for. It is practical, very well designed, spacious and safe. It performs well on the road, and is not unpleasant to drive. Competitors are going to have to raise their game. The Ulysse range currently has 10 models in it priced from £17,335 for the 2.0 16v Dynamic to £24,435 for the 2.2 JTD 16v Prestigio.
Links
www.fiat.co.uk
SUMMARY
Performance:  
The Ulysse can move on when you want it to, but obviously it is no sports car. It exceeds expectations.
Engine:
The engine does its job. Full stop.
Handling:
For a large MPV, the Ulysse has very good roadholding. Grip is high and the long wheelbase gives it good stability.
Economy:
The 2.0-litre engine in the test car is probably not the most frugal option, but fill-ups are still few and far between thanks to a large fuel tank and high gearing.
Tactility:
Fiat have made an effort with the fittings, but some of the plastics are not up to scratch. The materials specific to the Prestigio trim level are quite good though.
Appearance:
The shape is well proportioned and even looks quite attractive (for an MPV).
Interior:
The Ulysse's interior is superb - incredibly well thought out.
Safety:
Other than wrapping each of the occupants in their own big ball of cotton wool, this Fiat is as safe as you can get.
Equipment:
Another five stars this time, though we did drive the very well-equipped Prestigio. Saying that, even the more basic models have all the important bits. Love those electric sliding doors.
Road test: 2003 Fiat Ulysse 2.0i 16v Prestigio
Story and photography by Shane O' Donoghue.
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)