Croma

By now the Saab 9000 and Lancia Thema had been finalized and in early 1981 the research was begun into what was to become the interpretation for FIAT. The new car had the difficult job of bringing the Turin manufacturer back into the limelight for the medium to large sedan market segment. The original brief called for a three-box car more compact than the Thema.

The first model was a three-box concept that differed from the Thema in the small rear overhang and more upright rear window. FIAT's management held this proposal to be too similar to the Thema. Consequently it was decided all round to proceed towards a two-and-a-half-box concept. The Croma was undoubtedly successful and afforded FIAT's image a notable quality jump in its upper range. The success of the new car was not only thanks to the designer but also to the superb mechanical assembly, closely related to the Thema's.