That has always been the problem for FIAT - nobody buys a big FIAT.
It's a problem and I don't know how it is ever going to be resolved.
Incidentally, there is a fourth MPV built on the same structure as the FIAT/Peugeot/Citroen - there's a Lancia as well. It's a good looking car as well - far better than any of the other variants.
Maybe - just maybe - it is time for FIAT to start considering a relaunch of Lancia in RHD markets, to be sold at FIAT dealerships.
Start with the all-alloy Lancia Fulvia Coupe - even if only in left hand drive form - in order to get the die-hard enthusiasts driving them again: starting out the same way as MG did when relaunching the brand in the early 1990s.
Then ensure that RHD versions of next generation Lancias get designed alongside the LHD variants and gradually introduce them into the market. English versions need to be highly specified as standard - leather seats, cruise control, electric everything, built-in voice activated sat nav, the whole nine yards, whilst keeping the price relatively competitive. This will have a very special halo effect:
- It will mean that punters will get a car that will appear to be prestigious when compared to the Fords and Vauxhalls in the company car park
- This, in turn, will drive new customers into the showrooms, thereby allowing more cars to be sold, and keeping resale values high
- People who were considering a Saab or bottom range BMW will also visit the Lancia showrooms, only to find they can get a much higher spec car for the same price. These people are also less likely to expect big discounts, ensuring more profitable sales
Once the brand gets established, then specifications can be gradually reduced and prices increased without adversely affecting sales.
I wouldn't be tempted to bring in the small Lancias into the UK - they would just compete with FIAT and devalue the brand - but bringing in the larger Lancias and the sporting Lancias would have a benefit - selling to customers that FIAT currently don't do.
I don't think there would be a major overlap between Lancia and Alfa Romeo - if you look at the current Alfas and Lancias, there are very few overlaps between the models, and if promoted right it could get FIAT UK a very loyal following.