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NEWS RELEASE
FIAT HEADS OFF-ROAD WITH THE SEDICI
What do you get when you multiply 4 x 4 x Italy?
You get a very stylish four wheel drive called the Fiat Sedici or, to translate, the Fiat 16.
Fiat’s entry into the compact 4x4 market brings together the company’s remarkable history of designing small cars with large interiors, the skill of world’s leading car designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, and Fiat’s engineering expertise in 4x4 and engine technology to produce a new small four wheel drive SUV that is compact on the outside and spacious on the inside, which is uniquely stylish in a class usually devoid of style and which offers low fuel consumption and impressive performance.
These are the winning features of the new car that will be world-premiered when it is made the official car of the Twentieth Winter Olympic Games, due to be held in Turin next February. The car's European market launch will coincide with this sporting event.
The Fiat Sedici stands out from the herd of off-road cars due partly to confidentstyling features such as its innovatively designed tail-lights, its uniquely dynamic mid-line, its well-proportioned rump and the muscular bulk of its sides.
The new model is available in two specifications (Dynamic and Emotion) with two power units (107 bhp 1.6 16v and 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet) and reconciles apparently conflicting qualities: plenty of passenger room despite a compact size; the handling of a saloon with the off-road qualities of an SUV and original exterior styling with interior design geared to maximum practicality. This means that the Fiat Sedici is the ideal solution for the motorist who requires a car to serve more than one purpose. The car is now seen as a versatile product that can adapt to different activities: work, relaxation, culture and leisure time.
The Fiat Sedici has thus been designed and built for drivers who wish to make a statement by driving a sophisticated car with elegant lines yet are also seeking a compact, easy to drive, safe car that will slip through town traffic with ease.
The new Fiat model allows its customers to make the most of their free time, particularly if they love nature and wish to indulge their taste for adventure and challenge.
The vehicle boasts an all-terrain look plus a special adaptable four wheel drive that allows the driver the freedom of changing from a 4x2 drive to a 4x4, thus ensuring this vehicle consumes less fuel than other off-road vehicles in the same category. And more, a Fiat Sedici equipped with the spirited 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet turbo diesel engine that assures outstanding performance, traveling comfort and respect for the environment.
The Fiat Sedici simultaneously ensures thrills and driving satisfaction by carefully juggling style and sophisticated engineering. Its vigour arouses a zest for life while satisfying the desire to travel in complete freedom.
Fiat wishes to play a leading role in the development of the SUV by offering an off-roader for car buyers in this sector. This steadily growing market segment rose from a share of 1.7 per cent in 1992 to the current level of 6 per cent for the entire European on-road vehicle fleet. Back in 1992 the segment was made up of vehicles that were configured for out-and-out off-road driving but the original generation of off-road vehicles was later supplanted as a result of two events.
The first occurred in 1994 with the arrival of the first compact SUVs combining the qualities of true 4x4 off-roaders with up-to-date and original design making them suitable for city driving. These were followed in 1997 by deluxe off-roaders: with their wealth of equipment and extremely generous dimensions, the ideal response for demanding, sophisticated customers in a continual quest for unique products with a strong personality.
Both sub-segments, particularly the compact SUV sub-segment, are now experiencing growing interest from the public and the scenario is changing quickly. The size and features of the Fiat Sedici slot it into the compact SUV category but it stands head and shoulders above the crowd for its absolutely elegant exterior styling and very appealing standard equipment package.
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For further information:
Fiat media web site:
Chris Swann / Edward RoweGeneral Manager ~ Fiat / Public Relations Manager
Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd / Ateco Automotive
Ph: (02) 9701 8035 / Ph: (02) 9701 8015
Mob: 0400 166 147 / Mob: 0407 913 244
Fax: (02) 9701 3533 / Fax: (02) 9701 3555
E-mail: / E-mail: