Fiat Stilo / Multi Wagon
2003-11-19 11:48
The stylish Stilo 3-door
What's more you can specify the sort of options that have until now been the province of a privileged few - such as keyless entry, park distance control, and a radio/CD with the ability to play MP3 files.
Fiat has launched the Stilo - which loosely means "style" - in four versions for now, with more to follow later.
There are two 3-door hatchback versions - a 76 kW 1.6-litre petrol and an 85 kW 1.9-litre common rail turbo-diesel, as well as two similarly powered versions of the Multi Wagon MPV/estate.
The cars are modern and well designed, and all come well stacked with features.
There are two trim levels, Active and Dynamic. The 1.6 models have Active trim and the 1.9 versions Dynamic.
The Stilo Multi Wagon
Active specification
Active models have central locking, smart front and rear windscreen wipers, heated electric door mirrors, and electric windows for front seat passengers with a one-touch function. The 1.6 Active has 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/65 tyres.
There is an LCD multifunction information centre in the centre console along with a FIAT CODE immobiliser and My Car, a control reconfiguration system.
Follow-me-home headlights, climate control, front puddle lights, a height and reach adjustable steering column with electric power steering featuring a CITY mode, and a height adjustable driver's seat are all standard. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split.
Safety features include ABS with EBD, multistage front airbags for driver and passenger, side and window airbags. Electric headlight adjustment, a radio/CD combination with 6-speakers, interior dimming lights and an exterior temperature display complete the Active package.
Dynamic models add an anti-tow alarm, colour-coded door mirrors and handles, 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 205/55 tyres, driver's seat lumbar adjustment, a storage compartment under the driver's seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, a rear ashtray, an adjustable front armrest with an oddments compartment and a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever.
Good looking
The car is a good-looker with a dynamic front-end featuring bold air intakes. High tech. light clusters with integral fog lamps) are made out of clear, non-faceted glass.
The tail lights are identifiable in the daytime and from a distance by a red central column while at night they look like a forward-pointing arrow.
The new model is 4.18 metres long, 1.78 metres wide and 1.47 metres high, but interior dimensions indicate five people can be carried in relative comfort.
The car comes with a 305-litre luggage compartment that is easy to load.
Inside there is a two-tone trim treatment with pale shades at the top, dark at the bottom, with hints of imitation titanium finishes.
In the car we used on the brief ride and drive (a 1.6 Active) we noted that general standards of fit and finish were high, but that the centre console plastic was hard and sharp-edged and out of keeping with the rest of the car, while the dashboard was trimmed with a soft rubbery material which we felt was unpleasant to the touch.
The car seemed lively on the road, with crisp handling, but it was difficult to properly assess performance given the short ride.
The 1.6-litre 16-valve 76kW petrol unit features the latest engine technology available to Fiat Auto and offers a lightweight construction with good low-down torque and fuel economy.
Drive by wire
It has an electronic accelerator which gives faster reaction time when you floor the pedal, and at the same time helps cut exhaust emissions, especially when the engine is cold.
Fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, Fiat says the Stilo 1.6 Active accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 185 km/h. The combined fuel consumption figure is 7.3 litres/100km with the out-of-town cycle dropping as low as 5.7 litres/100km.
But the flagship 3-door Stilo is the 1.9 JTD Dynamic has a high output 85 kW version of the well-known JTD motor - as fitted to the Multipla. Maximum power is at 4 000 r/min, but unlike many other turbo diesel units, the JTD motor revs freely to the red line without apparent drop off in power. The 255 Nm of maximum torque is developed at just 2 000 r/min.
Fiat claims 10.2 seconds for the zero to 100km/h sprint, and top speed a remarkable 192 km/h. Fuel consumption is naturally low, the JTD sipping 5.3 litres/100km on a combined cycle, the urban and out-of-town cycles quoted at 7.2 and 4,.2 litres/100km respectively.
Front suspension uses an independent MacPherson strut configuration refined through the adoption of newly designed coil springs and wishbones with front and rear bushes in rubber and metal.
Rear suspension
At the rear is a semi-independent suspension with a torsion beam. A very light anti-roll bar with a hollow cross-section has been fitted to increase structural rigidity.
Brakes are ventilated discs at the front; solid discs at the rear and features Bosch 5.7 ABS as standard. The advanced system features four active sensors, four channels and contains an electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD).
The Fiat Stilo is fitted as standard with a Brake Assist device which automatically increases braking effort in an emergency.
A Fiat CODE II immobiliser that changes the access code each time the Stilo is started maintains security. Selective central locking by remote is also standard and the doors lock automatically at speed above 20km/h. If the doors are not opened within 30 seconds of being unlocked by remote, they will lock again automatically.
The Fiat Stilo comes with a vast array of standard features. Fog lamps are integrated into the headlight clusters, the exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable and heated, and the steering wheel adjusts for reach and height.
Instrument panel
The instrument panel features an alphanumerical LCD display that can display short messages on a rolling 14-character screen and also repeat radio and phone function information.
The integrated audio system incorporates a CD frontloader and tuner and six speakers.
The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is part estate, part multi-purpose vehicle and is a distinct model of its own rather than a station wagon version of the hatchback.
Styling differences abound and the large glass areas and spacious interior make for an ideal family car. The tailgate opens to access up to 510 litres of cargo space.
The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon?s new-concept offers a level of flexibility and modularity unprecedented for the segment that is truly inspired by its MPV soul.
The two rear seats fold down independently. This makes the luggage compartment hugely versatile because it can offer a different load capacity and even a different shape as and when required.
Other assets include various closed storage compartments and a front seat that folds down to form a table to accommodate long loads or act as a work surface.
Folding table
An airline-type folding table pulls down from the front seat squab so that children can draw or adult passengers can write or work on a laptop.
There is not one but two roomy closed compartments on the dashboard (the lower one is cooled by the air conditioning), while there are front and rear armrests with interior compartments, a roomy container under the drivers seat, generous pouches, bottle holders and cup holders.
The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon luggage compartment is also one of the roomiest in its class. Up to 510 litres of luggage can be loaded. This regular, easily accessible compartment is shaped to accommodate the whole family?s suitcases and bags with rational ease.
Fiat says the Stilo Multi Wagon 1.6 Active accelerates to 100km/h in 11.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 183km/h. The combined cycle returns fuel consumption figures of 7.6 litres/100km with the out-of-town cycle dropping as low as 5.9 litres/100km. In and around town, the 1,.6 Multi Wagon will use 10.5 litres/100km.
The 1.9 Multi Wagon has a top speed of 190 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.3 seconds. Fuel consumption figures are similar to those of the 3-door.
There's a 36-month/100 000 km dealer warranty, three years on paintwork and five years on anti-perforation.
The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.
Services are required at 20 000 km intervals for all Fiat Stilo versions.
Prices
- 1.6 3-door Active R154 900
- 1.9 JTD Dynamic R189 900
- 1.6 Multi Wagon Active R172 900
- 1.9 JTD Dynamic R206 900.
Leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and sports styling trim are optional.