The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Fiat Stilo SW ( known in the UK as the MP ), new Fiat Ulysse MPV and Ferrari Enzo all make their UK debuts at the British International Motor Show which opens its doors to the public tomorrow.

The British International Motor Show, held at the NEC Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, runs daily until 4th November. Not of quite the same prestige as the Geneva, Frankfurt or Paris Motor Shows, this year's event is significant with several important new models making their debut from the dramatic 450bhp 200mph Rover MG X-Power SV and Invicta Sportscar, through the all-aluminium Jaguar XJ to the Vauxhall Meriva mini-MPV and even more multi-purpose Citroen Pluriel. 

The Italians are represented by Fiat and Alfa Romeo. Ferrari and Maserati have skipped the event, although a black Ferrari Enzo has been loaned to the organisers to display, while Lancia, no longer selling in the UK also are not present.

Suprisingly the Italians are seperated. Alfa Romeo are in hall 1 along with Vauxhall, Toyota and Saab, while Fiat are tucked down the side of hall 5, which also houses Renault, VW and Honda.

Pride of place, and one of the stars of the show, is the new Alfa 147 GTA. The hot hatch, which Alfa claim will hit a top speed of over 153mph while accelerating from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds, is expected to out perform segment rivals which include Ford's new Focus RS and the VW Golf R32. The 3.2-litre V6-engined car comes with a sophisticated VDC as well as ASR, MSR and TCS. It is believed it will cost around GBP£22,500 in the UK when it arrives in England mid next summer.

Also on the stand is the 147 GTA's bigger sister, the 156 GTA along with a JTS ( Jet Thrust Stoichometric ) version, both of which recently arrived in the UK. The new 140bhp 16v 1.9 JTD engine incorporating Multijet technology which will be available in both the 147 and 156 ranges from next year is also displayed.

The Stilo MP ( the Stationwagon is to be known as the "MP" to reflect its "multi-purpose" nature ) and new Ulysse MPV, both make UK debut's here. Fiat are looking for good things from the Stilo MP as MPV-style estates are currently very in fashion, and hope that interest generated by the MP will rekindle interest in the poorly received saloon.

The Stilo MP, Fiat claim, is a class leader with its optimum use of rear luggage space, front folding seats, rear sliding and rotating seats, novel individually opening rear window and general allround versatility.

Ferrari

With Ferrari and Maserati not attending, a new Enzo Supercar has been loaned to the organisers and is mounted on a revolving stand in hall three. The 6.0-litre 660bhp V12 F1-technology derived Supercar is one of the shows main attractions.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini have brought one of their 6.2-litre V12 GBP£165,000 Murcielargo supercars to the British International Motor Show.