Developed from 2002 in Turin, Italy, by Ulrich Schmalohr the engineer head of Opel (which at the time was a subsidiary of General Motors) and Giorgio Cornacchia head-project of Fiat Auto[3] the Small platform was designed to be adaptable for Fiat Group and General Motors small cars, and later was adopted by Chrysler vehicles as well. All components are totally new, and were made to be adaptable to more types of vehicles (including hatchback, sedan, crossover, SUV and MPV). The frame makes heavy use of high-strength steel. In the first version of the platform the front suspension uses MacPherson struts, while at the rear it has a semi-independent strut with torsion beam (except on the Fiat Doblò, which has bi-link rear suspension).
The platform offers compact transverse engine at the front with front-wheel drive, but it also supports all-wheel drive. It was designed to be suitable for a wide range of applications, from basic ones to sportier vehicles like the Alfa Romeo MiTo,[4]Abarth Grande Punto/Punto Evo and Opel's OPC versions. The 4WD version of the platform underpins the Jeep Renegade and the Fiat 500X,[5][6] both assembled at Fiat's Melfi plant.
Applications for General Motors vehicles ended in 2019 after the Opel Corsa E was replaced by a new generation based on the PSA CMP (EMP1) platform.
Long wheelbase version
The long wheelbase version is adopted by the Fiat Lineasedan models, Fiat Doblò (with related twin Opel Combo D) and the recent Fiat 500L.[7][8] Thanks to the interchangeable modules the basic platform is suitable for vehicles of differing lengths up to 4.74 metres (15.6 ft) (Fiat Doblò Maxi[9]).
The first vehicle built on the LWB platform was the Fiat Linea, with a wheelbase of 2,603 mm (102.5 in). At the end of 2009 Fiat re-engineered the LWB platform with a new bi-link independent rear suspension for the new Doblò[10] (second generation, and related Opel Combo D). The LWB platform of the Doblò has a wheelbase of 2,760 mm (108.7 in) for the standard version and 3,110 mm (122.4 in) for the Maxi (extra long) version.