Fiat Stilo

But recent financial woes have put the firm on the back foot, and bosses are hungry for a major success. Here in Britain, Fiat has yet to steal a march on VW or Ford, whose Golf and Focus still rule the fiercely fought compact family car market. The Stilo has been set the task of changing this, and Auto Express got back behind the wheel to see if the right-hand-drive car has what it takes.

When we first drove the left-hand-drive Stilo in September (Issue 669), it looked and felt like a serious contender. Fiat's designers have played a safe hand, combining chunky Germanic dimensions with clean, sharp lines. The three-door's low-slung looks hint at a coupe, while the taller five-door is closer to Peugeot's MPV-style 307. But neither is especially adventurous, and they appear set to find a comfortable middle ground between the Golf's conservative look and the Focus's radical angles.

When it comes to quality, the cabin is a world away from Fiats of old, with soft-feel materials and eye-catching fabrics. The switchgear is more solid than you'd expect, and easy to reach and use.

With improvements in build quality and comfort in the bag, the next target was Focus-rivalling handling. Thanks to a supple but stable ride that leaves the old Bravo/Brava for dust, the Stilo feels composed in most driving conditions. It corners with minimum body roll and generates impressive grip. Surface imperfections are soaked up without fuss.

Yet despite these improvements, the Focus's handling crown looks secure. While the Stilo features Fiat's Duodrive power-steering with an ultra-light city setting, and a standard mode that gives more weight and feedback, it lacks the Ford's direct feel.

A huge range of engines will be available when the Stilo goes on sale here next month, comprising 1.2, 1.6, 1.8 and sporty 2.4-litre petrol units and a 1.9 JTD diesel, with a frugal 1.2 oil-burner in the pipeline. However, despite extensive re-engineering to the old Bravo/Brava motors, the 1.8-litre 16-valver in our Dynamic was coarse and noisy, so the addition of a new 2.0-litre in the coming months will be welcome.

Most Stilos use a smooth five-ratio manual box, but an improved Selespeed switchable auto is standard in the 170bhp 2.4-litre Abarth. Another ace up the Stilo's sleeve will be its award-winning CONNECT computer, which can provide information on your whereabouts, call for assistance in an emergency or even book theatre tickets.

The Stilo has much to help it make a big impression in the UK. Subtle but stylish looks, a solid, refined feel, and a wide engine choice should satisfy the pickiest buyer. Even more variants are on the way, too, including an estate, Scenic-style MPV and Ford Focus RS-rivalling, ultra-high-performance Abarth.

Pricing could be the deciding factor, though, and Fiat is keeping the figures close to its chest. But if the Stilo can undercut rivals at VW and Ford, it could soon be a three-way battle at the top.

To match the Golf and Focus, the Stilo needs to be superb. In many ways it seems to have pulled it off, with good looks, a refined and well made cabin and a polished driving experience. A wide engine choice and the hi-tech CONNECT system will appeal to our discerning market, and the Italian heritage should hold extra cachet. The Stilo is a big leap forward for Fiat, but will it be enough to take top spot? Watch this space.

At a glance

* Stilo on sale in UK in February; prices to be confirmed

* Four petrol units and one diesel. One more of each on way

* Three and five-door models to be joined by estate and MPV