Recently captured on camera during an importer presentation, these photographs reveal the new Fiat Stilo 'Model Year 2006' which is due to go on sale across Europe soon after its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The most evident styling changes affect the exterior, where a new grille has been applied to bring the Stilo up-to-date with the latest family look. The grille now includes a chrome inlay, with a perforated central belt and smooth ‘whisker’ sections flanking the laurel-embedded Fiat emblem. The bumper and flank protection mouldings are now colour-coded, whereas a new range of colours will be offered, including the snazzy New Orleans Blue (Blu Magnetico) recently introduced on the Grande Punto. A new range of wheel trims includes handsome 16-inch alloy examples of 8-spoke design. With the generous spokes measuring alternate thicknesses, these alloy wheels are similar in style to the 10-spoke 18-inch variety available on Fiat’s flagship Croma model.

These overall exterior styling improvements serve to give the Stilo a more sophisticated and harmonious appearance while accentuating its traditional sense of solidity and sportive character.
 

Inside, the changes include a new two-tone trim with a nylon-like material applied on the seats. The material is reportedly soft and comfortable, as well as being practical in colour. The trim on the seats also includes a ribbed central pattern, similar to the effect presented on the Grande Punto Dynamic trim level. Other interior reworkings focus on the aluminium-finished instrument binnacle and a rounder gearlever knob, which is also complemented by an embossed aluminium gate pattern.

The M.Y. 2006 trim level will be applied to the 3-door, 5-door and Multiwagon versions of the Stilo family. The mild makeover represents the Stilo’s final update before Fiat’s stylish and dynamic new C/D segment 5-door is unveiled later this year or in the course of 2007.



Photos: Karlo Chavez / Club Fiat Stilo de España