Fiat Stilo

Ready for its UK launch next February, the Stilo will replace the stylish but slow-selling Brava and Bravo, which have been with us since 1995. Built on a new 'modular' platform that can be adapted to suit various applications, the Stilo is Fiat's most determined effort yet to take on the very important compact family sector.

Although the firm has decided to stick with a single name for its newcomer, buyers can - as before - choose between three and five-door models. The latter is expected to take the bulk of sales in the UK where models such as the Focus, Volkswagen's Golf and Peugeot's 307 currently enjoy the lion's share of sales.

The first thing that strikes you about the Stilo is the fact that it doesn't really strike you. Compared with the Brava and Bravo twins' concept car looks, not to mention the manufacturer's Multipla and Doblo, the Stilo almost verges on the plain. Although the bodywork boasts a number of details, you get the distinct feeling that Fiat didn't want to take any risks. The subtle approach is maintained inside, where the Brava's flamboyance has been dropped in favour of improved quality. With a soft-touch dashboard, damped controls and greater attention to detail, the Stilo's interior has an almost Alfa-like feel to it. And while the design and layout break little new ground, clearly much thought has gone into this cabin's usability. Front and rear seat passengers have plenty of room, while the driving position is multi-adjustable - the steering column is telescopic and seat height can be altered, too. Unlike other cars in the sector, however, the Stilo offers an adjustable rear bench, complete with a 60/40 split, which slides back and forth to liberate additional boot space for larger loads. In addition, the front passenger's seat can fold forward at the pull of a lever, further increasing the Stilo's carrying ability.

Five engines will be available from launch, with the petrol choices ranging from an 80bhp 1.2 to a 170bhp 2.4-litre. Fiat's acclaimed 1.9-litre JTD diesel will also be on offer, delivering 115bhp and 255Nm of torque. The best-sellers, though, are likely to be those with Fiat's 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines. Although carried over from the Brava and Bravo, both powerplants have been extensively re-engineered. As a result, they now feature fly-by-wire throttles and lighter internals to improve response and fuel efficiency.

On the road, both are keen performers with a lively note and a decent spread of torque. And although neither has the kind of character that will have you exploring the outer reaches of the rev range at every opportunity, they get on with the job effectively; at motorway speeds, they are refined and smooth.

Fiat also hopes its 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine will prove tempting. Currently, only Volkswagen and SEAT offer big engines in their C-segment cars - both use the innovative V5 - and it is their potential buyers which the company has in mind. Although the three-door Brava HGT already uses the 2.4 unit, Fiat will fit it to both Stilo models, linked to the five-ratio Selespeed gearbox as standard, in a move that should broaden its appeal considerably.

Badged Abarth - a reference to the famous tuning firm owned by Fiat - the 2.4 Stilo is the most enjoyable of the range to drive. With more torque on tap, the gearbox works better here than in the 2.0-litre Alfa 147 and 156, with cleaner shifts and easier-to-use paddles behind the wheel. Much of the jerkiness which blighted early Selespeeds has also gone. In terms of suspension design, the Stilo uses a conventional set-up, which comprises MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. On the road, body roll is within acceptable limits while the grip is very good.

But where the Stilo really stands head and shoulders above its predecessor is in the area of ride quality. The outgoing model clattered over surface changes and potholes, yet the Stilo filters out all manner of imperfections, emphasising the feeling of refinement and quality. That noted, though, riding over any bump mid-bend when the springs are under compression can send sudden shockwaves through the steering wheel and into the cabin.

A number of rival manufacturers, including Ford and Peugeot, use electro-hydraulic power-steering on account of the feedback and natural feel it offers the driver. However, Fiat has bucked the trend by opting for a fully electric system called Duodrive. Not only does it reduce the power drain on the engine, it can also vary the amount of assistance according to road speed. Similar to the arrangement fitted to Fiat's Punto, it also features a 'City mode' for finger-light steering at parking speeds. On the road, however, the whole set-up is something of a mixed bag. Although the rack is perfectly geared with sporty responses, the power assistance is somewhat artificial and you can feel as if you're driving an arcade game rather than a car.

Fiat has yet to announce prices for the UK, although early indications are that the Stilo will offer good value for money and is expected to be in line with the outgoing Brava and Bravo ranges. There are four trims ranging from the entry-level Comfort to the range-topping Abarth, while ABS and six airbags are to appear on all models. So, too, will power-steering, central locking and a height-adjustable seat. Options include Fiat's sophisticated CONNECT telematics device - a combined communications, sat-nav and sound system linked to the Internet.

Ultimately, the Stilo is a good package and arguably one of the most competent Fiats to arrive in the past 20 years. Although the design may lack the kind of flair which fans of the marque are accustomed to, you can expect the Stilo to pose a far greater challenge to the Focus and 307 than its predecessor ever did.

Fiat has played it safe with the Stilo. But while almost every aspect of the car follows convention its execution is, in most areas, first rate. Comfortable, refined and well equipped, it answers the compact family brief to the letter. And, while some will yearn for a little more visual excitement - particularly in a market where style and image are increasingly important - the Stilo's fine all-round competence cannot be ignored.

At a glance

* All-new Fiat Stilo on sale in the UK in February

* Range of four petrol engines: 1.2, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.4-litre

* Revised 1.9 JTD diesel offered

* Roomy five-door and a sporty three-door available

* Selespeed transmission on range-topping 2.4-litre Abarth