06.06.2004 Fiat Auto UK have presented a comprehensive collection, from the little Trepiuno through to the people lugging Ulysse, at the Motor Show Live in Birmingham which finishes today

Fiat Auto UK have presented a comprehensive collection at the Motor Show Live in Birmingham which finishes today, a range stretching from the cute little Trepiuno concept through to the large people lugging Ulysse MPV.

Along with the innovative Trepiuno, three important new production models are being seen for the first time in the UK at the show, the fresh faced new Multipla MPV, the chunky off road Panda SUV, and the manual gearbox Stilo Abarth.

The new Multipla is being previewed ahead of its UK arrival in late August. Fiat’s spacious six-seater has now jettisoned its controversial looks as the six year old MPV aims to broaden its appeal. Fiat Auto UK have high hopes for the model, now sporting an Idea-themed up-to-date corporate face.

The Trepiuno, despite being one of the smallest exhibits, it was undoubtedly one of the biggest stars at the world's most important motor show, the Geneva Salon, in March. Now the cute, stylish little Trepiuno concept has done it again, this time at the Motor Show Live in Birmingham this week.

Positioned between its bigger brothers, the Trepiuno benefits from a much more roomy and spacious stand than was available in Switzerland, thus allowing its exciting lines and funky shape to be better taken in. An effective lighting display reflects the tiny concept in a series of bright colours, and each shade seems to suit the car ideally. This is the Fiat that can do no wrong.

Emphasising the importance of the new Panda to Fiat Auto UK's plans, two models, one in Eleganza specification, the other in Dynamic, have been presented on their own dedicated platform at the centre of the Fiat display at the Motor Show Live. They are joined by the four wheel drive Panda SUV, which is making its British debut in Birmingham. The SUV, with its raised ride height, beefed up bumpers, jutting wheel arch extensions and aluminium protection plates, will not arrive onto the UK market until early 2005. The Panda now tops A-segment sales in the UK with take up of the model "well above expectations".

The Stilo is represented by 3 and 5-door models, the innovative Multiwagon estate, and for the first time in the UK, the 'hot' Abarth, now available with manual transmission. With the five door model receiving a mild facelift earlier this year, Fiat Auto UK report that overall sales "are beginning to pick up", as they look forward to seeing it compete against the class leading Ford Focus, VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra.

The ever popular Punto, which accounts for around 60% of Fiat's UK sales, was facelifted for the final time last summer. Two of the 1.4-litre 16v powered models are on show, one a 3-door Sporting, the other a 5-door in 'Eleganza' trim. They feature a fresh-look front end with in-fashion larger headlamps. To date this year 16,257 Puntos have been sold in the UK, making it the seventh best seller in a hotly contested segment dominated by the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

Two Ideas have been presented, a silver one in Eleganza specification, and an orange one in Dynamic trim. This small MPV was launched onto the British market in February, and Fiat are now working flat out to raise awareness of this new Punto-based model. With the B-MPV class a virtually new concept, the Idea's only real competition comes from two unexciting rivals, Ford's Fusion and Vauxhall's Meriva. Fiat Auto UK are confident that their new baby, which offers a superior ride, clever use of interior space, and generous equipment levels, as well as the ground-breaking new compact 1.3 16v Multijet diesel, can become a serious player once its virtues have been driven home.

Two people carriers, the Ulysse and Doblo 5-seater, round out the road range, while their sporting commitment is represented by one of the seven Stilo Abarth Rally cars running in the new Stilo Cup UK. This new series, which is supporting the prestigious British Rally Championship in its first year, offers the tasty prize of a factory Punto Abarth drive in 2005 to the winner.

Fiat Auto UK have put much effort into making their stand as visitor friendly and interesting as possible. As well as a kiosk from Lavazza offering free coffee, a prize draw promotion from Club Med, has been awarding a free holiday each day, and the silver Idea present, is carrying the Fiat-associated  holiday company's decals.

A full size Lego brick F1 Ferrari signifies Fiat's commitment to sponsoring the kid's driving school at the Legoland Theme Park, while several of the small cars are available in the play area. A Lego prize draw, to guess how many bricks are in the F1 car, offers a smaller version for the correct answer.

In keeping with the 'family' theme that Italy's biggest carmaker seeks to project, they have sponsored a large creche which offers young visitors to the NEC a wide variety of interesting activities.

All in all, Fiat Auto UK have seen the Motor Show Live, which finishes at teatime, as a real chance to show the British public that Fiat have bounced back from recent difficulties. A burgeoning range of exciting new models, headlined by the 'Car of the Year' winning Panda has been worth close attention, and much more is to come.