The model is based on the Chrysler Dodge Journey and will be produced in the Mexican plant of Toluca, where the 500 is produced for the US market.

The seven-seat model, which Fiat dubs as a "factotum vehicle", is the replacement to the Ulysse. It measures 489cm long, 188cm wide and 172cm high and and has the longest wheelbase in its category at 289cm.  

Practical touches include doors that open to 90 degrees and a third row of seats that fold easily and quickly down under the floor to give a flat load platform. Overall boot capacity is up to 1,461 litres.

Fiat says that just two trim levels will be available to simplify the range. Both version will offer seven seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. This will be added to on the "more metropolitan version" with 17-inch alloys, touchscreen radio with 8.4-inch screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.

From launch, the Freemont will be available with front-wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140bhp or 170bhp 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4×4 versions with 170bhp 2.0 MultiJet and 276bhpP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic transmissions. All units are from Fiat PowerTrain with the exception of the  3.6-litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic transmission.