Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Sedici

Fiat has jumped on the 4x4 bandwagon! We find out just how much of a trail-blazer the Sedici Eleganza could be

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Fiat Sedici
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It's a good looker, and as Fiat's first-ever true off-roader, the Sedici is certainly worthy of consideration. Bosses at the company expect most buyers to be those in the market for something more stylish and practical than a hatchback, but who don't want the bulk of a full-sized SUV. The petrol engine is a disappointment, though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As compact off-roaders are proving such a hit, the arrival of the Sedici is perfectly timed. The stylish SUV is designed to offer refined road manners, an elevated driving position and decent mud-plugging ability.

Engineered with the help of Suzuki - which is set to launch the virtually identical SX4 in the UK later this month - the Fiat is on sale now, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol motor. Aimed at the likes of VW's Polo Dune, the Sedici gets chunky plastic bumpers, underbody pro-tection and a distinctive face, complete with a bold grille and headlamps.

Roof rails help enhance practicality, as does a large hatchback, which opens to reveal a generous-sized load area. Inside, there's seating for five, while the rear bench splits and folds.

The newcomer certainly looks smart, and thanks to Suzuki's help, everything appears solidly put together as well, particularly in terms of the bodywork. Some of the interior trim feels a bit cheap, but it should be remembered that the newcomer has been designed to be one of the more affordable offerings in this class, with the range costing from only £12,495.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

98,590 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £13,300
View 1 Series
Q5

2020 Audi

Q5

57,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £21,000
View Q5
Freelander 2

2014 Land Rover

Freelander 2

106,800 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £9,299
View Freelander 2
Auris

2017 Toyota

Auris

46,732 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £11,800
View Auris

On the road, the Sedici's 1.6-litre engine is refined, if a little short on power. The gearbox is relatively slick, and the ratios well spaced. Although the elevated ride height compromises handling, and the car suffers from body roll, the steering is sharp and accurate and ride comfort is impressive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest Fiat proves much more at home around city streets, where the high driving position and tall suspension are a real advantage over speed bumps and potholes.

Off-road, the Sedici performs well, too. It's not going to scale Ben Nevis, but it can handle a bit of rough terrain. In everyday use, the car runs in front-wheel drive. However, flick a switch between the seats and it moves into 4WD auto mode, which sends power to the rear wheels when required. A further push of the button selects full-time four-wheel drive.

Standard kit includes EBD, four airbags and air-con. Our model was the top-spec Eleganza, which adds 16-inch alloys, a height-adjustable driver's seat and a multifunction steering wheel.

At 4,115mm long, the Sedici is 7cm smaller than the Stilo, and it's pitched as a practical family car. But rear space isn't great, and while the back seats tumble against the front ones, the cabin doesn't offer the kind of versatility that would mark it out from rivals.

Our advice is to wait for the 120bhp 1.9 diesel, due in July. The 1.6 has only 145Nm of torque, and has to be worked hard to get any kind of performance - so you have to drop down the five-speed gearbox even on gentle inclines.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

In-depth reviews
Road tests

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £14,400
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,538 off RRP*Used from £14,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025