FIAT

WHEN IS A 4X4 NOT A 4X4? Fiat’s has removed the 4x4 transmission from its Sedici and the results are impressive. Steve Walker reports.

What if you could delete one solitary feature on your new car and that feature’s absence would render the vehicle nearly £3,000 less expensive, nearly 2.5mpg more fuel efficient and cause 14g/km less CO2 to enter the atmosphere. Moreover, this piece of car that you’ve chosen to forgo will have no impact on the way your vehicle looks and a negligible one on the way it drives. There’s a good chance that you’ll never notice it’s gone at all. It raises questions about why such a device would be fitted in the first place and it’s easy to imagine customers queuing up for the opportunity of doing without it. The feature in question is the 4x4 transmission on Fiat’s Sedici and the car that hasn’t got it is the Fiat Sedici 4x2.

When you look at how small 4x4 vehicles like the Fiat Sedici are used in the UK, the 4x4 transmission can start to look like a bit of a handicap. Yes it provides extra grip on slipper road surfaces and can endow the car with some off-road ability but few buyers at this smallest end of the spectrum will put that to the test. The 4x4 transmission also adds weight, harming performance and economy, and increases the cost. It’s hardly surprising that so many manufacturers are now offering versions of their 4x4s without four-wheel-drive. The 4x2 Sedici is based around the 1.6-litre petrol engine that’s also available mated to the standard 4x4 transmission. In this instance, the car is strictly front-wheel drive but the engine has an identical 107bhp power output at 5,600rpm and torque of 145Nm at 4,000rpm. The 0-60mph acceleration time is unchanged at a moderately nippy 10.8s and the Sedici can breach the 100mph barrier if required with its 106mph maximum speed. In its standard 4x4 guise, the Sedici isn’t a vehicle that you’d feel comfortable using off-road although it is better than you might imagine. Like the majority of its rivals, it’s capable of tackling unmade roads or crossing wet grass with ample composure but lacks the under body protection, ground clearance and driver aids that serious 4x4s have in their locker. The Sedici is purchased predominantly as a road-going car, the chunky 4x4-styling giving it an edge in desirability over more run-of-the-mill superminis or hatchbacks. It’s hard to imagine the 4x2 model fairing any worse than the 4x4 in a typical urban setting where its higher driving position still gives good visibility and its raised ride height still helps when negotiating speed humps.

"Only the absence of a drivetrain switch button next to the handbrake gives the game away that you’re in a 4x2 model not the 4x4."

The 4x2 Fiat Sedici may be lacking something underneath but the exterior styling that’s a major selling point of the 4x4 models remains unaltered. Responsibility for the Sedici’s looks lies with the Italdesign studio of Giugiaro and it’s a very neat piece of work. Inside, the fascia is attractively designed with some decent and hard wearing materials used. The combination of a raised driving position, height adjustable driver’s seat, rake-adjustable steering wheel and deep front quarter light windows offer the driver a commanding driving position with good all-round visibility for a panoramic view of the road ahead. Only the absence of a drivetrain switch button next to the handbrake gives the game away that you’re in a 4x2 model not the 4x4. The interior is a lot more spacious than you might think, the Multipla-style low waistline giving the cabin an airy feel. As well as reclining individually, each section of the 60:40 split/folding rear seat can be double folded forwards into an upright stowage position behind the front seat backs, boosting the volume of the flat-floor luggage compartment from 270 to 670 litres. Numerous oddment stowage spaces throughout the car include a large, lockable, passenger side glove box and generous door bins. The low pricing of the Sedici is possibly the major draw for customers. Positioned nearly £3,000 below the 4x4 model with the same engine and trim, the 4x2 Fiat looks a bit of a bargain. The car is based on the Dynamic trim level and as such, gets four airbags, electric mirrors and (front) windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning and front fog lights. In the wider market, the Sedici 4x2 goes up against the collection of sub-compact 4x4 models that aren’t really 4x4s at all. It looks distinctly affordable in comparison to jacked-up superminis and MPVs like Citroen’s C3 XTR and Skoda’s Roomster Scout and even more so if you’re after a proper off-roader shape. The Suzuki SX4 or Daihatsu Terios are about as close as you’ll get to the Fiat, the SX4 being built on the same underpinnings, but both have 4x4 transmissions and the 4x2 Sedici undercuts both. The 1.6-litre petrol engine in the Sedici 4x2 has an easier time of it thanks to the absence of weighty 4x4 mechanicals. It can return a creditable 42.2mpg on the combined cycle where the 4x4 version can only manage 38.8mpg. Emissions are also lowered to 159g/km compared to 173g/km in the 4x4 car. Add these advantages to the substantially lower upfront costs and you have a significantly more affordable car to run. Insurance is group seven for all the 1.6-litre petrol-engines Sedicis. Most 4x4 vehicles in the UK are purchased for reasons relating to styling and image rather than because of their ability to cross off-road terrain. It therefore makes plenty of sense for Fiat’s Sedici to axe its expensive and weighty all-wheel-drive transmission in favour of a conventional front-wheel driven set-up, cheaper running costs and a vastly reduced purchase price. With its 4x4 looks, the Sedici makes a more interesting buy than most of the other compact cars you can get for similar money and looks well-placed to become a niche market success story for the brand. Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and in reasonably plush Dynamic trim, the Sedici 4x2 promises to deliver the best bits of the Sedici with markedly lower costs. In this day and age, the appeal of saving that kind of money should not be under estimated. In general, the Sedici feels well-built and pleasant to drive with its lofty driving position and decent dynamics. It’s not the most obvious choice for those with £10,000 to spend on a small car but that could be its major strength.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Fiat Sedici 4x2 PRICE: £9,999 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 7 CO2 EMISSIONS: 159g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 106mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 33.6mpg / (extra urban) 49.6mpg / (combined) 42.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4115/1755/1620

SWEET SIXTEEN Fiat’s Sedici 1.6 16v Offers An Interesting Lifestyle Alternative For Those Bored Of Conventional Small Hatchbacks. Andy Enright Reports

For a company as big and varied as Fiat, it’s a wonder that it’s taken them this long to build what they dub a Compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). The market is booming, rivals have been cleaning up for some time now but Fiat has insisted on selling cars that conform to the old rules. Things now look to be changing. The Croma blurred the boundaries and the Sedici offers all-wheel drive fun in a bite sized package. Of all the Sedici models offered for sale in the UK, the 1.6-litre 16v models are likely to be the biggest sellers, so it’s these cars we turn our attention to.

As long as you discount its Suzuki SX4 sister car, the Sedici looks like nothing else on the road. The low waistline, the big glasshouse, the 4x4 styling cues at the front and rear and the bold Fiat branding give it a very definite identity. It’s been cleverly pitched insofar as Fiat have managed to avoid endowing it with too much gratuitously expensive and over the top off-road paraphernalia, instead concentrating on the sort of trail, track and winter driving that target customers will likely use the Sedici for. It is, however, more capable than its diminutive looks suggest. The 1.6-litre models represent the entry level cars and they’re competitively priced from £9,999 for the 4x2 model, £12,860 for the Dynamic model and £13,860 for the Eleganza. A 1.9-litre Multijet 8v turbodiesel variant costs from £14,850. These prices are about what you’d expect to pay for something like a Ford Fusion, a car which merely pretends to have all-wheel drive. Why fake it when you can have the real thing with a handy dose of Latin style thrown in too? The Sedici doesn’t ask much of its driver on road, feeling refined and easy to drive. The 1.6-litre petrol powerplant has 107bhp at its disposal and plenty of poke (sixty from rest is 10.8 away en route to 106mph) while the manual gearbox is light, slick and positive. At the pumps, owners should return around 40mpg in regular use. The 145Nm of torque doesn’t make for huge overtaking muscle but it is a little more flexible than most 1.6-litre petrol powerplants. The styling will be a major selling point and responsibility lies with the Italdesign studio of Giugiaro. It’s a very neat piece of work. Inside, the fascia is attractively designed with some decent and hard wearing materials used. The combination of a raised driving position, height adjustable driver’s seat, rake-adjustable steering wheel and deep front quarter light windows offer the driver a commanding driving position with good all-round visibility for a panoramic view of the road ahead.

"This Sedici offers real four-wheel drive capability at a price where rivals offer fake off-road credentials"

The interior is a lot more spacious than you might think, the Multipla-style low waistline giving the cabin an airy feel. As well as reclining individually, each section of the 60:40 split/folding rear seat can be double folded forwards into an upright stowage position behind the front seat backs, boosting the volume of the flat-floor luggage compartment from 270 to 670 litres. Numerous oddment stowage spaces throughout the car include a large, lockable, passenger side glove box and generous door bins. So much for showroom considerations. What’s it like on the rough stuff? The answer is somewhat unexpected. Though it’s no Land Rover Freelander, this compact Fiat is endowed with some rather serious off-road artillery. It’s been fitted with a clever on-demand 4x4 system which features an electronically controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes – 2WD, AUTO and LOCK – activated via a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console. This simple, intuitive, electronic solution does away with the need for any cumbersome and intrusive transfer box gearlevers. At the heart of the new 4x4 transmission is an electromagnetically operated dry multi-plate clutch coupling system that modulates the transfer of torque electronically, according to demand from either axle. In 2WD mode, used during normal driving conditions, the 4x4 system transmits all engine torque to the front axle, reaping the benefits of a traditional front-wheel drive transmission – improved fuel economy, less mechanical wear and lower emissions. When driving in adverse weather conditions, or on surfaces with low levels of grip, the Sedici driver can select on-demand 4x4 simply by setting the transmission control switch to AUTO. In this mode, the transmission employs the ABS anti-lock brake sensors to detect relative slip levels between front and rear axles and, generating electrical pulses which activate the electromagnetic clutch plate coupling system, intervenes where necessary. The system’s AUTO setting automatically modulates torque distribution between the front and rear axle, transmitting all torque to the front wheels under the majority of normal driving conditions, whilst optimising torque transfer to the rear axle when the sensors detect low grip, or in anticipation of loss of traction during acceleration. As its name suggests, LOCK splits engine torque equally between front and rear axles, to ensure prompt and stable take-off in mud, snow, sand or other adverse conditions. This 50:50 torque split is maintained up to speeds of 37 mph, above which the system automatically reverts to the AUTO mode. The Sedici’s combination of short 895 mm front and 720 mm rear overhangs and high 190 mm ground clearance make it surprisingly well suited to challenging off-road conditions, with approach, departure and break-over angles (the maximum angle of incidence that may be undertaken without the body touching the ground) of 20.3, 31.1 and 18.1 degrees respectively. The car will also readily climb gradients of 33%. Standard equipment is generous, including ABS with EBD, twin front and side airbags, air conditioning, front fog lights, roof bars, electric front windows, electric power steering, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a 4-speaker CD radio. To this tally, the Eleganza adds silver-painted roofbars, a leather-covered steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, chromed interior fittings, body-coloured electric heated mirrors and stereo controls for the steering wheel. Competitively priced, well finished and offering a voguish ‘crossover’ appeal, the Sedici hits the market at a good time. Of course, three years ago would have been even better from Fiat’s perspective but models like this aren’t cheap to develop and partnership with Suzuki was a very canny move. Of the two cars, the Fiat will have broader appeal and should do well, with early residual forecasts looking strong. Best of all, the Sedici represents something a little different without serving up a financial hit. That’s why it’s well worth looking at if you’re in the market for a car that follows the road less travelled.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Fiat Sedici 1.6 16v range PRICES: £9,999-£15,850 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 7 CO2 EMISSIONS: 173-174g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 106mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 31.7mpg / (extra urban) 46.3mpg / (combined) 39.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4115/1755/1620

SWEET SEDICI Fiat’s Sedici is at its best when there’s a 1.9-litre Multijet diesel levered into the engine bay. Andy Enright reports

I can understand why people would question what a Fiat Sedici is for. After all, it doesn’t have the capability to tackle serious off-road stuff, so surely for 99 per cent of the time its all-wheel drive ability is utterly redundant? Well, yes and no. It’s a little bit like a racing driver saying that he drove brilliantly for 99 per cent of a race and had an incident during the other 1 per cent that resulted in a DNF. Sometimes that one per cent makes all the difference.

It certainly did when I tested the Sedici 1.9 Multijet during some recent flooding. Not only was I glad of the increased ride height but I was able to crab along a muddy shoulder, avoiding the deepest water that was sending all drivers who weren’t equipped with all-wheel drive on a twenty mile detour. The torque of the diesel engine was just enough to carry the day, all four wheels desperately zizzing for purchase in the glop. My country driving route to work means that I’ll experience these sorts of conditions or snow maybe four or five days a year. That would be enough to justify the Sedici for me. Being an avid skier, I also like a car that can spend at least two weeks of the year in the Alps and which won’t let me down while it’s there. Such a car must be big enough inside to seat four, be capable of taking a ski box on the roof and not be so thirsty that I’m bankrupted by each 2,000 mile round trip. The Sedici 1.9 Multijet again answers the call. The 8v powerplant develops a healthy 120bhp but the headline figure is the 206lb/ft of torque. By contrast, the 1.6-litre petrol version can manage 107lb/ft of torque, so the diesel feels almost twice as muscular when accelerating through the gears. It’s also very handy when trying to do the sort of low speed, high gear lugging that’s crucial to making progress on low-friction surfaces like mud, ice and snow. Displacing 1,910cc, this advanced diesel unit will power the Sedici to 60mph in a brisk 10.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph. Around town, you should see fuel consumption in the region of 34.9mpg: on a run, Fiat quotes a figure of 49.6mpg with a combined rating of 42.8mpg. The carbon dioxide emissions figure of 174g/km is perhaps this engine’s only Achilles heel, something like Skoda’s Octavia Scout featuring a similar all-wheel drive system, bigger engine and only 154g/km.

"The Sedici Multijet offers potential in reserve"

So how does this model return such good fuel economy figures? 4x4s are, after all, notoriously fuel inefficient. The answer is quite straightforward. Aside form the engine, the way the Sedici deploys its power has a lot to answer for. It’s been fitted with a clever on-demand 4x4 system which features an electronically-controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes – 2WD, AUTO and LOCK – activated via a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console. This simple, intuitive, electronic solution does away with the need for any cumbersome and intrusive transfer box gearlevers. At the heart of the new 4x4 transmission is an electromagnetically operated dry multi-plate clutch coupling system that modulates the transfer of torque electronically, according to demand from either axle. In 2WD mode, used during normal driving conditions, the 4x4 system transmits all engine torque to the front axle, reaping the benefits of a traditional front-wheel drive transmission – improved fuel economy, less mechanical wear and lower emissions. When driving in adverse weather conditions, or on surfaces with low levels of grip, the Sedici driver can select on-demand 4x4 simply by setting the transmission control switch to AUTO. In this mode, the transmission employs the ABS anti-lock brake sensors to detect relative slip levels between front and rear axles and, generating electrical pulses which activate the electromagnetic clutch plate coupling system, intervenes where necessary. The system’s AUTO setting automatically modulates torque distribution between the front and rear axle, transmitting all torque to the front wheels under the majority of normal driving conditions, whilst optimising torque transfer to the rear axle when the sensors detect low grip, or in anticipation of loss of traction during acceleration. As its name suggests, LOCK splits engine torque equally between front and rear axles, to ensure prompt and stable take-off in mud, snow, sand or other adverse conditions. This 50:50 torque split is maintained up to speeds of 37 mph, above which the system automatically reverts to the AUTO mode. The Sedici’s combination of short 895 mm front and 720 mm rear overhangs and high 190 mm ground clearance make it surprisingly well suited to challenging off-road conditions, with approach, departure and break-over angles (the maximum angle of incidence that may be undertaken without the body touching the ground) of 20.3, 31.1 and 18.1 degrees respectively. The car will also readily climb gradients of 33%. A family 4x4 for the real world might be one way to describe it. None of the off roading excess you’ll never need but all of the versatility and style you’d normally pay close to £20,000 for. Except in this case you’ll pay from £14,850. All versions should achieve excellent residual values due to the relatively low numbers that Fiat plans to import. Standard equipment is generous, including ABS with EBD, twin front and side airbags, air-conditioning, front fog lights, roof bars, electric front windows, electric power steering, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a 4-speaker CD radio. To this tally, the Eleganza adds silver-painted roof bars, a leather-covered steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, chromed interior fittings, body-coloured electric heated mirrors and stereo controls for the steering wheel. The Sedici Multijet is certainly a minority interest vehicle but it fills a small niche very well. Company car buyers may baulk at its emissions but private buyers who enjoy winter sports or regularly travel through rural or hilly areas afflicted by adverse weather conditions would do well to schedule a visit to their Fiat dealer when trade-in time comes around.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Fiat Sedici 1.9 Multijet PRICES: £14,850-£15,850 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 8 CO2 EMISSIONS: 174g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.9s / Max Speed 112mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6] (urban) 34.9mpg / (extra urban) 49.6mpg / (combined) 42.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4115/1755/1620

ALL THE 4x4 YOU’LL EVER NEED Fiat look to have got their sums right with The Sedici, a small 4x4 that offers something quite unique in its segment…..

Fiat’s Sedici compact 4x4 looks like a very clever package. Yes, it’s a Compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). But yes also, it’s a versatile Family Hatchback you can afford, with a dash of Italian style to distance it from the other Focus, Astra and Megane models up and down your street.

A family 4x4 for the real world might be one way to describe it. None of the off roading excess you’ll never need but all of the versatility and style you’d normally pay close to £20,000 for. Except in this case you’ll pay from £9,999 for the entry-level 1.6 16v Dynamic 4x2 model. This 1.6 16v unit will set you back £12,860 for the standard drive petrol model in Dynamic trim and £13,860 in its Eleganza guise. A 1.9-litre Multijet 8v turbodiesel is the alternative, starting at £14,850. A front-wheel drive 4x2 version is also available, with the only notable difference being the lack of a drivetrain switch button on the console next to the handbrake. This model featiures the 1.6-litre unit. All versions should achieve excellent residual values due to the relatively low numbers that Fiat plans to import. Responsibility for the exterior design lies with the Italdesign studio of Giugiaro and it’s a very neat piece of work. Inside, the fascia is attractively designed with some decent and hard wearing materials used. The combination of a raised driving position, height adjustable driver’s seat, rake-adjustable steering wheel and deep front quarterlight windows offer the driver a commanding driving position with good all-round visibility for a panoramic view of the road ahead. The cabin’s spacious too. As well as reclining individually, each section of the 60:40 split/folding rear seat can be double folded forwards into an upright stowage position behind the front seat backs, boosting the volume of the flat-floor luggage compartment from 270 to 670 litres. Numerous oddment stowage spaces throughout the car include a large, lockable, passenger side glove box and generous door bins. So much for showroom considerations. What’s it like on tarmac – or indeed on surfaces much rougher? The answer is somewhat unexpected. Though it’s no Land Rover Freelander, this compact Fiat is endowed with some rather serious off-road artillery. It’s been fitted with a clever on-demand 4x4 system which features an electronically controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes – 2WD, AUTO and LOCK – activated via a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console. This simple, intuitive, electronic solution does away with the need for any cumbersome and intrusive transfer box gearlevers. At the heart of the new 4x4 transmission is an electromagnetically operated dry multi-plate clutch coupling system that modulates the transfer of torque electronically, according to demand from either axle.

"The Sedici is a more capable vehicle than many owners will ever realise"

In 2WD mode, used during normal driving conditions, the 4x4 system transmits all engine torque to the front axle, reaping the benefits of a traditional front-wheel drive transmission – improved fuel economy, less mechanical wear and lower emissions. When driving in adverse weather conditions, or on surfaces with low levels of grip, the Sedici driver can select on-demand 4x4 simply by setting the transmission control switch to AUTO. In this mode, the transmission employs the ABS anti-lock brake sensors to detect relative slip levels between front and rear axles and, generating electrical pulses which activate the electromagnetic clutch plate coupling system, intervenes where necessary. The system’s AUTO setting automatically modulates torque distribution between the front and rear axle, transmitting all torque to the front wheels under the majority of normal driving conditions, whilst optimising torque transfer to the rear axle when the sensors detect low grip, or in anticipation of loss of traction during acceleration. As its name suggests, LOCK splits engine torque equally between front and rear axles, to ensure prompt and stable take-off in mud, snow, sand or other adverse conditions. This 50:50 torque split is maintained up to speeds of 37 mph, above which the system automatically reverts to the AUTO mode. The Sedici’s combination of short 895 mm front and 720 mm rear overhangs and high 190 mm ground clearance make it surprisingly well suited to challenging off-road conditions, with approach, departure and break-over angles (the maximum angle of incidence that may be undertaken without the body touching the ground) of 20.3, 31.1 and 18.1 degrees respectively. The car will also readily climb gradients of 33%. Most of the time of course, you’ll be using the car on tarmac and here, it’s as quiet and unassuming a companion as any other modern family hatch. The 1.6-litre petrol powerplant has 107bhp at its disposal and plenty of poke (sixty from rest is 10.8 away en route to 106mph) while the manual gearbox is light, slick and positive. At the pumps, owners should return around 40mpg in regular use. The 120bhp diesel is all torque with 280Nm of the stuff coursing through the wheels at 2,050rpm (the petrol manages 145Nm at 4,000rpm). It can sprint to 60mph in 11.2s but feels quicker than the petrol in real world driving. Top speed is 112mph and you should get around 43mpg. Standard equipment is generous, including ABS with EBD, twin front and side airbags, air conditioning, front fog lights, roof bars, electric front windows, electric power steering, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a 4-speaker CD radio. To this tally, the Eleganza adds silver-painted roofbars, a leather-covered steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, chromed interior fittings, body-coloured electric heated mirrors and stereo controls for the steering wheel. ‘Crossover’ vehicles are a big money spinner in the upper price brackets but Fiat have had the courage and the lateral thinking to apply the concept at a more affordable pitch. The Sedici offers just enough performance, just enough refinement and more off-road capability than most buyers need, backed up by decent handling. All the car you need? It might just be.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Fiat Sedici range PRICES: £9,999-£15,850 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-8 CO2 EMISSIONS: 159-174g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.6] 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 106mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6, 4x2] (urban) 33.6mpg / (extra urban) 49.6mpg / (combined) 42.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4115/1755/1620

SUITE SIXTEEN Models Covered: Sedici – 2006-to date, five-door hatchback (1.6 petrol, 1.9 diesel [ Dynamic, Eleganza] )

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

On the face of it, the UK market probably was never crying out for a Fiat family hatch with four wheel drive but it got one anyway and, once sampled, it has to be said that the Sedici is really rather good fun. Fiat’s problem is that it had difficulty getting enough people to give it a go and it hasn’t been a notable success. Not that it has cost Fiat much, the Sedici effectively being a restyled and rebranded Suzuki SX4. It’s well built and has slipped under the popular radar which tends to spell a very good used buy.

A classic example of manufacturers sharing a platform to keep costs down, the Sedici project is a minor diversion for Fiat. Aware that they needed a lifestyle product that didn’t fit into the rather tired established categories, Fiat cast around for a partner and came up with Suzuki. A deal was struck which involved Suzuki getting access to Fiat diesel engines and Fiat took thirty per cent of the 60,000 cars that rolled out of the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary and rebadged them Sedicis. Only sold in the European market, the Sedici is an accomplished product and one that is quite unlike any other Fiat currently sold – for obvious reasons. It appeared in British dealers in April 2006 and while it puzzled many, it’s well worth a look if you can turn up a used example. An attractively priced two-wheel drive ‘4x2’ version was launched in Autumn 2008, offered with petrol 1.6-litre power only.

Responsibility for the exterior design lies with the Italdesign studio of Giugiaro and it’s a very neat piece of work. Inside, the fascia is attractively designed with some decent and hard wearing materials used. The combination of a raised driving position, height adjustable driver’s seat, rake-adjustable steering wheel and deep front quarterlight windows offer the driver a commanding driving position with good all-round visibility for a panoramic view of the road ahead. The cabin’s spacious too. As well as reclining individually, each section of the 60:40 split/folding rear seat can be double folded forwards into an upright stowage position behind the front seat backs, boosting the volume of the flat-floor luggage compartment from 270 to 670 litres. Numerous oddment stowage spaces throughout the car include a large, lockable, passenger side glove box and generous door bins. Standard equipment is generous, including ABS with EBD, twin front and side airbags, air conditioning, front fog lights, roof bars, electric front windows, electric power steering, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a 4-speaker CD radio. To this tally, the Eleganza adds silver-painted roofbars, a leather-covered steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, chromed interior fittings, body-coloured electric heated mirrors and stereo controls for the steering wheel.

Although most of the cars around at the moment will be ex-demonstrator models, private Sedicis are starting to filter onto the used market. For the time being expect to pay around £8,800 for a 1.6-litre Dynamic model and £10,750 for a 1.9 Dynamic. Insurance is relatively cheap with groupings ranging between 7 and 9.

The Fiat Sedici is a little unusual if you’re accustomed to contemporary Fiats insofar as it’s basically a Suzuki. This means that although the cabin doesn’t feel as plush as modern Fiat products, the electronics and the basic engineering is likely to be more durable. That said, probably the highlight of the range is the Fiat-sourced 1.9-litre diesel engine and these just go on and on. Make sure you have a good look under the car at the exhaust system and the suspension for signs of over enthusiastic off roading. Reject anything that looks as if it’s been passed over a belt sander.

(approx based on an 1.6 Dynamic inc VAT) Spark plugs are £7 a piece while rear brake pads tot up to £45 per pair while fronts are £55 a set. Expect to pay around £15 for a fuel filter and £9 for an oil filter.

Though it’s no Land Rover Freelander, this compact Fiat is endowed with some rather serious off-road artillery. It’s been fitted with a clever on-demand 4x4 system which features an electronically controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes – 2WD, AUTO and LOCK – activated via a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console. This simple, intuitive, electronic solution does away with the need for any cumbersome and intrusive transfer box gearlevers. At the heart of the new 4x4 transmission is an electromagnetically operated dry multi-plate clutch coupling system that modulates the transfer of torque electronically, according to demand from either axle. In 2WD mode, used during normal driving conditions, the 4x4 system transmits all engine torque to the front axle, reaping the benefits of a traditional front-wheel drive transmission – improved fuel economy, less mechanical wear and lower emissions. When driving in adverse weather conditions, or on surfaces with low levels of grip, the Sedici driver can select on-demand 4x4 simply by setting the transmission control switch to AUTO. In this mode, the transmission employs the ABS anti-lock brake sensors to detect relative slip levels between front and rear axles and, generating electrical pulses which activate the electromagnetic clutch plate coupling system, intervenes where necessary. The system’s AUTO setting automatically modulates torque distribution between the front and rear axle, transmitting all torque to the front wheels under the majority of normal driving conditions, whilst optimising torque transfer to the rear axle when the sensors detect low grip, or in anticipation of loss of traction during acceleration. As its name suggests, LOCK splits engine torque equally between front and rear axles, to ensure prompt and stable take-off in mud, snow, sand or other adverse conditions. This 50:50 torque split is maintained up to speeds of 37 mph, above which the system automatically reverts to the AUTO mode. The Sedici’s combination of short 895 mm front and 720 mm rear overhangs and high 190 mm ground clearance make it surprisingly well suited to challenging off-road conditions, with approach, departure and break-over angles (the maximum angle of incidence that may be undertaken without the body touching the ground) of 20.3, 31.1 and 18.1 degrees respectively. The car will also readily climb gradients of 33%. Most of the time of course, you’ll be using the car on tarmac and here, it’s as quiet and unassuming a companion as any other modern family hatch. The 1.6-litre petrol powerplant has 107bhp at its disposal and plenty of poke (sixty from rest is 10.8 away en route to 106mph) while the manual gearbox is light, slick and positive. At the pumps, owners should return around 40mpg in regular use. The 120bhp diesel is all torque with 280Nm of the stuff coursing through the wheels at 2,050rpm (the petrol manages 145Nm at 4,000rpm). It can sprint to 60mph in 11.2s but feels quicker than the petrol in real world driving. Top speed is 112mph and you should get around 43mpg.

The Sedici is shaping up to be a very smart used buy indeed. While the depreciation curve is still rather steep, in a year or so there should be some very attractively priced examples around that will shrug off British weather and driving conditions like few other compact cars.