Concept car that transforms from SUV to pickup is "a symbol of freedom" says Fiat CEO

Fiat’s new Multiplay concept car can transform from an SUV into a pickup, with movable seats and a flexible interior designed to accommodate different uses, explains the brand’s CEO Arnaud Belloni in this exclusive video interview produced by Dezeen. “We are reinventing here the concept of family car,” said Belloni, describing the vehicle, which was unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Fiat’s Multiplay concept can transform from an SUV into a pickup Measuring 4.45 metres long, Multiplay combines the passenger space of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the raised stance of an SUV and the open cargo area of a pickup. A sliding rear section allows the vehicle to switch between configurations, changing its enclosed passenger compartment into an open load bed. The concept combines the passenger space of an MPV with the raised stance of an SUV The concept takes inspiration from the original Fiat 600 Multipla, launched in 1956, which accommodated six people within a body measuring just 3.5 metres long. “Basically, that car invented the concept of multipurpose vehicle – the MPV,” said Belloni, referring to the original model. The design takes inspiration from the original Fiat 600 Multipla from 1956 The new Multiplay revisits this approach through a series of movable components. Its seats can be repositioned to accommodate different passenger and cargo arrangements, while the rear spoiler rotates to become an integrated bicycle rack capable of carrying two bikes. “Multiplay can slide from an MPV to an SUV to a pickup,” said Belloni. “That, I would say, is a symbol of freedom.” Movable seats allow the Multiplay to accommodate up to six passengers and additional cargo In its family configuration, the car accommodates six passengers alongside an additional modular seat. The pickup configuration provides an open load bed for carrying bicycles, sports equipment and other bulky items. The rear spoiler rotates to become a bicycle rack capable of carrying two bikes Inside, a multifunctional unit called the Petsenger seat can be used to accommodate a pet, mount a child car seat or serve as a small table. The front passenger seat can also turn towards the rear to create a reclining Sunseat, which uses the dashboard as a backrest and sits beneath a panoramic roof. A multifunctional Petsenger seat can accommodate a pet or a child car seat The interior uses a contrasting palette of red and pink, set against bright green exterior bodywork inspired by the colours of a watermelon. Its textiles were made using a stitch-free, three-dimensional knitting process, while a digital display integrated into the dashboard disappears when the vehicle is switched off. The interior combines red and pink upholstery with bright green detailing Multiplay was presented alongside Multiplina, a separate three-metre-long electric concept with four seats and two doors, as part of Fiat‘s wider exploration of urban and family transportation at the car show. The company describes Multiplay as a testing ground for future design solutions rather than a preview of a specific production model. The concept features a flexible interior with repositionable seats and modular components “Fiat is obsessed with all types of mobility on each size of car. So whatever the size, we are able to invent new categories of vehicles,” said Belloni. Founded in Turin in 1899, Fiat is an Italian automotive manufacturer producing passenger cars and commercial vehicles, from compact city cars to larger family vehicles. Partnership content This video was produced for Stellantis as part of a partnership. Find out more about our partnership content here. Read more