Road Test/Fiat Stilo 1.2 16v 3-dr Active Sound: Despite the financial stormclouds gathering, Fiat has made a brave sally into Europe's most competitive market already crowded with the Focus, the Astra, the 306, the Mégane and the Golf. Michael McAleer foundthe Stilo an enthusastic.and likeable machine with strong looks and enough gadgetry as standard to satisfy techies
Fiat's woes are well documented. It's unfortunate, therefore, that their latest entrant steers into the most competitive segment in the European car market.
The Stilo is facing strong competition from best-sellers such as the Ford Focus, the Opel Astra, the Peugeot 306, the Renault Mégane and the VW Golf. To add to the challenge, the Bravo and Brava it replaces were never enormously popular.
While most potential customers may pay little attention to the machinations of the industry and the high finance of put options whereby Fiat's automotive arm may be sold to GM, they may be interested in the end result. For the consumer, Fiat's need to succeed with the Stilo means more for less, particularly in terms of standard equipment.
It has sold just over 1,800 Stilos here since the launch in January and expects to sell between 2,500 and 2,700 in the full year. To date, sales favour the five-door versions.
So, to aid sales, they've thrown in everything bar the kitchen sink. The standard specification on the Stilo is very impressive, far in excess of many of its competitors and even those in higher categories.
The list of equipment included as standard ranges from ABS and six airbags, through to air conditioning and all-round disc brakes. Even entry-level models get a decent six-speaker stereo with CD player. The only possible drawback is that technophobes who shy away from adding these to their basic models may find the potential array of gadgetry a bit disconcerting. Some may feel that Fiat has over-egged the pudding. We are still a nation for whom air-conditioning is associated with balmy continental climes rather than simply a temperature management system.
Despite carrying the same appellation, the three-door and five-door Stilos are different animals. The five-door version is taller than the norm to generate more cabin space (standing 50mm higher than the three-door version), and offers functionality more in keeping with the smaller MPVs.
The three-door is more akin to its Bravo predecessor with sportier styling. However, the design is far more muscular and has highly distinctive rear lamps and outline.
Attention to detail is quite impressive on the Stilo - its design reflects a more Franco-Germanic heritage than its Italian brethren, giving it a solid presence on the road.
The three-door version is likely to attract younger drivers, both for its looks and the fact that, with the option of a sprightly 1.2 litre engine, they will not face as much persecution or rejection from insurance companies as they do when entering the 1.4 litre category.
What's more, with the strong safety features as standard, it gets a good rating from insurance companies.
While Fiat may not have the solid image to match more glamorous competitors, the three-door Stilo possesses the right lines to compete on the glamour stakes with other sportier models.
We tested the best-selling three-door 1.2 litre 16-valve Active Sound with a six-speed gearbox and an ex-works price of €19,205. The entry level three-door comes at €17,605 and is also available with a 1.6 litre 16-valve and 1.9 JTD. Top of the range is the racier 2.4 litre 20-valve Abarth at €29,125.
The 1.2 litre offered surprising pulling power for its size with an 80 bhp output, offering 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 13.7 seconds and a top speed of 107 mph. While it may struggle under a big load, it is well within sight of the 1.4 litre models from competitors. It is certainly hard to believe that beneath this lively car beats a 1.2 litre engine.
The cabin is surprisingly quiet for a car of its class, even during motorway driving and engine noise is minimal, unless you really put it to work.
And so to economy. The 1.2 litre has an official mpg of 35.8 urban; 53.3 extra urban and 44.8 combined. In a mixture of motorway and city driving we got 40.1 mpg.
The steering is responsive and the driving position is aided by the driver seat height adjustment. Parking is made easier by switching to "city" mode that makes light work of manoeuvring.
Visibility is good, although the right hand pillar can limit vision when driving through roundabouts. The pedals can also seem cluttered for those with larger feet, and we noted the absence of a footrest beside the clutch.
The full effect of the wide body and height is appreciated in the interior, particularly in the front. The front seat passenger has ample leg room. The rear bench features adjustable headrests and legroom is adequate for the market in which it competes, though not really designed for long trips and back benchers also get an airvent to squabble over.
The boot would struggle to fit the much talked off golf clubs - the new measuring unit of volume used by all car manufacturers. Thankfully those motorists who seemingly carry a set of clubs everywhere, in case they happen upon a driving range in the hard shoulder, can slide the rear bench forward to increase boot space. For those of us who prefer to fill their boots with the normal detritus of life, the 410 litres on offer is quite spacious.
While the ergonomics are good, and everything is easily at hand, the possibility to choose a different colour than black for the console should be considered to liven up the interior.
The car is littered with cubby-holes, long side pockets on each door and substantial pockets each side of the rear bench. There are also small shelves with a side-panel cover in the boot.
The Stilo is worth strong consideration for anyone shopping in this category. The car has been very well thought through, and offers good value for money. Next year will see the arrival of a Stilo Space Wagon, to compete with the likes of the Renault Scenic.
For once, corporate and economic uncertainty is paying dividends for consumers.