Classy Croma Set For Debut

Fans of the unloved Eighties' model won't recognise Fiat's new Croma - and here it is. Styled by Italian design firm Giugiaro, the Ford Mondeo rival will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, initially in estate form only. But don't be surprised to see further variants join the line-up.

Auto Express Car Reviews

25th January 2005

There will be a choice of five engines, two of them petrol. A 130bhp 1.8-litre unit will be the entry-level powerplant, and a 150bhp 2.2-litre will also be available. A pair of 1.9-litre Multijet diesels - producing 120bhp or 150bhp - plus a 200bhp 2.4-litre oil-burner are the derv options. The car isn't expected here until next year. Meanwhile, computer enthusiasts will love the firm's latest limited editions - they're badged Xbox after the gaming console. Available as a Punto and Stilo, they cost ΂£8,995 and ΂£11,995 respectively. Based on the Active Sport models, both feature black paint, an MP3 music player and a sub-woofer speaker.

Meanwhile, the Fiat Panda 4x4 looks set to become the cheapest new off-roader in the UK. Powered by a 1.3-litre diesel, it is ΂£9,195. A standard Panda with the same engine is now available at ΂£7,895 - and it's the fastest, most economical version.