The Fiat Sedici is set to receive a cosmetic makeover early next year; first images of the lightly facelifted crossover model, that is built in a joint venture with Suzuki, have circulated on the internet well ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut in early March.

The Fiat Sedici is set to receive a cosmetic makeover early next year; first images of the lightly facelifted four wheel drive 'crossover' model, that is built as part of a joint venture project with Suzuki, have circulated on the internet well ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut in early March.

The photos reveal revised front end treatment, with a new bumper that seeks to strengthen the front end of the four-wheel-drive vehicle with a more prominent centre section that juts up towards the radiator grille. A new chrome effect front grille mimics the treatment seen on the Fiat Bravo. Further distinction is provided to the front end by chromed finishers that wrap around the foglights. Inside, the Sedici reveals a mild upgrade to the heater controls.

This is the first visual facelift that the Sedici, launched into the public eye at the 2005 Bologna Motor show, has received. The Sedici took Fiat into a new and growing market segment, that of the lifestyle SUV. Named after the sum of the calculation 4x4 (sedici is Italian for sixteen), it was a joint venture with Suzuki using their 4x4 knowledge, Fiat's award winning diesel engine technology, and the undisputed design talent of Giugiaro.

Built in Hungary, the Sedici was a completely new vehicle for Fiat as it features a full four-wheel-drive drivetrain, and with one, five-door, bodystyle available. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it follows the Fiat brand values in that it is more compact than most rivals, and has many design features taken from normal saloons rather than jeeps. Practicality and usability feature high on the list of requirements, and exceptional visibility aids the manoeuvrability of the Sedici.

Mechanically it uses an electronically controlled 4x4 system which allows three operating modes, '2WD', 'Auto' or 'Lock'. In '2WD' mode all the drive goes through the front wheels, giving benefits in fuel consumption. In 'Auto' mode the drive is normally through the front wheels unless the system detects traction problems (using the ABS  wheel speed sensors) in which case drive is transferred to the rear wheels. In 'Lock', which operates up to 60km/h, the drive is transferred to both the front and rear wheels in an even 50/50 split. These different modes are possible due to the use of an electronic centre differential, and enable the Fiat Sedici to perform exceptionally economically on-road and still be very capable when it goes off-road.

Power for the Fiat Sedici comes from two units, a 120bhp 1.9 8v MultiJet turbodiesel and a 107bhp 1.6 16v petrol unit with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The diesel version has a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) fitted as standard. Transmissions are manual 5-speed for the petrol and 6-speed for the diesel. There has been much speculation that the facelifted version could feature new power units when it debuts in the Spring, although it is most likely to retain the current two engines.

Internally the Fiat Sedici is well equipped and finished with quality materials. Flexibility is exceptional thanks to the independently adjustable rear seats, the large boot (270 up to 670 litres with the rear seat fully folded) and the numerous storage compartments. Two trim levels are available, as well as eight exterior colours, two interior fabrics and two leather options. Safety is standard, with ABS, ESP, up to 6 airbags and all the other features expected in the current marketplace, as well as a modern structure designed to ensure the safety of the occupants.

In the summer the first major change was made to the Sedici range, with the introduction of a 4x2 model. Due to ever growing sales of lookalike off-road vehicles, Fiat introduced both engines in the Sedici combined with a front-wheel-drive only transmission. Around the same time a series of minor tweaks were made to the model. The 4x2 arrangement will be continued into the facelifted format.