The Fiat Sedici marks a veritable leap in the compact SUV scenario because it is the result of a style and design approach that is intended to be applicable across the board. The new model is a fusion of different vehicle types: it combines the driving satisfaction and handling features of a compact Fiat with the off-road performance of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Incidentally, the car’s name says everything about its off-road proclivities: Sedici (sixteen) is what you get when you multiply 4x4 – the code used to identify four-wheel drive vehicles.

The Sedici’s design was developed in conjunction with Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign company as part of the Fiat-Suzuki manufacturing project. These are the winning features of the new car that will be world-premiered when it is made available to the organisation of the Twentieth Winter Olympic Games, due to be held in Turin next February. The car’s market launch will coincide with this sporting event. The Fiat Sedici marks Fiat’s return to the 4x4 world, with the clear intention of standing out from the herd of off-road cars due partly to certain stylistic features such as innovatively designed tail-lights, a uniquely dynamic mid-line, a well-proportioned rump and the muscular bulk of its side inserts. The new model is available in two specifications (Dynamic and Emotion) with two power units (107 bhp 1.6 16v and 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet) and reconciles apparently conflicting qualities: plenty of passenger room despite a compact size; the handling of a saloon with the off-road qualities of an SUV - and original exterior styling with interior design geared to maximum practicality.

This means that the Fiat Sedici is the ideal solution for the motorist of today who inhabits a technological world where it is common for objects to serve more than one purpose. The car is now seen as a versatile product that can adapt to different activities: work, relaxation, culture and leisure time. The Fiat Sedici has thus been designed and built for drivers who wish to make a statement by driving a sophisticated car with elegant lines yet are also seeking a compact, easily handled and safe car that will slip through town traffic with ease. The extraordinary resulting versatility of the Fiat Sedici makes it ideal for everyday use: its dimensions are 411 centimetres long, 176 centimetres wide and 162 centimetres wide with a wheelbase of 250 cm. These dimensions and features make the Fiat Sedici one of the most original cars in its segment. More specifically, the new Fiat model is 11 centimetres less than the average length for compact SUVs (as far as customers are concerned, this means the vehicle is easier to handle, particularly around town). The vehicle is also 10 centimetres lower, which is evident in its slender shape. This makes it look more like a compact saloon and makes for better performance, fuel consumption and emissions.
 

The new Fiat model allows its customers to make the most of their free time, particularly if they love nature and wish to indulge their taste for adventure and challenge: the vehicle boasts an all-terrain look plus a special adaptable four wheel drive that allows the driver the freedom to change from a 4x2 drive to a 4x4, thus ensuring this vehicle consumes less fuel than other off-road vehicles in the same category. And more, a Fiat Sedici equipped with the spirited 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine assures outstanding performance, travelling comfort and respect for the environment.

The Fiat Sedici simultaneously ensures thrills and driving satisfaction by carefully juggling style and sophisticated engineering. Its vigour arouses a zest for life while satisfying the desire to travel in complete freedom. Fiat wishes to play a leading role in the development of the SUV by offering an off-roader for all.

This steadily growing market segment rose from a share of 1.7 percent in 1992 to the current level of 6 percent for the entire European on-road vehicle fleet. Back in 1992 the segment was made up of vehicles that were configured for out-and-out off-road driving but the original generation of off-road vehicles were later supplanted as a result of two events: the first occurred in 1994 with the arrival of the first compact SUVs combining the qualities of true 4x4 off-roaders with up-to-date and original design making them suitable for city driving. These were followed three years later in 1997 by deluxe off-roaders: with their wealth of equipment and extremely generous dimensions, these were the ideal response for demanding, sophisticated customers in a continual quest for unique products with a strong personality.

Both subsegments, particularly the compact SUV subsegment, are now enjoying growing interest from the public and the scenario is changing quickly. The size and features of the Fiat Sedici slot it into the compact SUV category but it stands head and shoulders above the crowd for its absolutely elegant exterior styling and very appealing standard equipment package.