The Fiat Egea (project code 356) 1.6 Multijet II, producing 120 horsepower, was a key variant in the Egea lineup, sold primarily in Europe and select international markets from 2015 to 2019. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with acceptable performance for everyday driving. The Egea itself represented Fiat’s attempt to create a modern, competitive C-segment sedan, replacing the aging Bravo and Linea models. This particular engine and transmission combination was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing economy and practicality, offering a diesel-powered alternative to the gasoline engines available.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Egea |
| Generation | Egea (356) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Multijet II (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 199 km/h (123.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 252 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 55260384 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1270 kg (2799.87 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 55 kg (121.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4532 mm (178.43 in.) |
| Width | 1792 mm (70.55 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2002 mm (78.82 in.) |
| Height | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1542 mm (60.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1543 mm (60.75 in.) |
| Front overhang | 893 mm (35.16 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1003 mm (39.49 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc, 284×22 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 251×10 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Egea variant is the 1.6 Multijet II diesel engine, part of Fiat’s family of turbocharged common rail diesel engines. The ‘55260384’ engine code identifies this specific iteration. This engine utilizes a four-cylinder, inline configuration with a displacement of 1598cc. It features a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power and efficiency. The common rail direct injection system, operating at a high pressure of 1600 bar, ensures precise fuel delivery and optimized combustion. The engine employs a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high specific output. The 120 horsepower peak is achieved at 3750 rpm, while the substantial 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque is available from just 1750 rpm, providing strong low-end and mid-range acceleration. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 Multijet II with 120 hp in the Egea delivers a comfortable and economical driving experience. While not a performance-oriented variant, the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving situations, including highway cruising and overtaking. The readily available torque makes it feel more responsive than its horsepower figure might suggest. The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the higher-output 1.4 T-Jet gasoline engine, the 1.6 Multijet offers significantly better fuel economy, but lacks the gasoline engine’s sharper throttle response. Against other diesel options in the Egea range, like the 1.3 Multijet, the 1.6 provides a noticeable step up in performance, albeit at a slightly higher fuel consumption rate.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 Multijet II typically came equipped as a mid-range trim level. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and steel wheels with wheel covers. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. Safety features included ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and driver and passenger airbags.
Chassis & Braking
The Egea’s chassis features an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. This configuration provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, making it well-suited for long journeys. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Egea 1.6 Multijet II was generally well-received by automotive critics for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy compared to gasoline alternatives. Compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, and Ford Focus, the Egea offered a competitive price point and a generous level of standard equipment. Its fuel economy was particularly praised, making it an attractive option for drivers covering long distances. Reliability reports suggest that the 1.6 Multijet II engine is generally robust, but regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and fuel injection system.
Legacy
The Fiat Egea 1.6 Multijet II remains a relatively common sight on European roads. The 1.6 Multijet engine has proven to be a durable and reliable unit when properly maintained. On the used car market, these models offer good value for money, particularly for buyers seeking an economical and practical sedan. While newer models with more advanced technology have since been introduced, the Egea 1.6 Multijet II continues to represent a solid and dependable choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability.
