Fiat is broadening the range of the small crossover SUV Sedici by introducing a new front wheel drive only version, the Sedici 4x2, which undercuts the price of the established 4x4 model in Italy by around 2,000 euros. To coincide with the Sedici 4x2's launch an advertising campaign in Italy that encompasses TV, radio and print media gets underway today (Sunday 11 May) and runs until the end of June.

Fiat is broadening the range of the small crossover SUV Sedici by introducing a new front wheel drive only version, the Sedici 4x2, which undercuts the price of the established 4x4 model in Italy by around 2,000 euros.

The Fiat Sedici, which is built by Suzuki at its factory in Hungary, was first presented in public at the Bologna Motor Show in December 2005 and quickly became known as the 'Official Car' of the XX Winter Olympics which were held in Fiat's home city of Turin in early 2006. Designed to cash in on the growing consumer demand for 'crossover' vehicles the 5-door Sedici combines the practicality of a family car with genuine offroad capability.

Annual production of the Giorgetto Giugiaro-styled car is split between Suzuki (2/3rds), who badge it as the SX4, and Fiat (1/3rd), with Italy proving to be its most popular market in Fiat Sedici format. Earlier this year a 'Model Year 2008' version was introduced, and the new Sedici 4x2 now takes on board all the detailing improvements that have been made.

The innovative transmission system of the Sedici 4x4 can be switched by the driver from two- to four-wheel drive or vice-versa at the simple pressing of a dashboard button. Now the 4.115 metre long Sedici 4x2 aims to offer all the practicality of the 4x4, but with front wheel drive only and at a cheaper price, around 2,000 euros less on the Italian market where it has just been introduced. The Sedici is already the best selling SUV in Italy.

The Sedici 4x2 (on the Italian market) comes with both the established engine options, the 1.6-litre 16v petrol engine with 107 CV (5-speed gearbox) and the 1.9 Multijet 16v with 120 CV (6-speed), the former offering emissions of 159 g/km of CO2 and the latter 166 g/km, with the best economy and emissions in its category. Two trim specifications, Dynamic and Emotion are available with the equipment, interior trims and external colours all to the same specification as the 4x4 version.

Now available for ordering by customers in Italy, the Sedici 4x2 is priced from 17,750 euros for the 1.6 petrol version in Dynamic trim, to 22,250 euros for the Multijet-powered option in Emotion specification. To coincide with its launch an advertising campaign in Italy that encompasses TV, radio and print media gets underway today (Sunday 11 May) and runs until the end of June.