Fiat Seicento

A Seicento replacement on its way is likely to feature the upcoming Fiat/GM 1.2-litre DI turbodiesel as part of the engine range. In addition, the 1-litre 3-cylinder GM engine used in the Corsa will join the Fiat 1.2-litre 60bhp and 80bhp FIRE engines in the power unit choice. The new cars are forecast be built on a GM Corsa-based platform which is promised to be class-leading in safety terms after an intensive crash-testing programme. The new car will only be available in 5-door format, and the Seicento replacement will be roomier than the tiny current car. In the meantime, the current Fiat baby consistently sells at the top of its small segment here, powered by 1.1-litre 54bhp units. It’s a pretty basic driving machine, and only has power steering in the ‘Sporting’, but for a youngster starting out with a limited budget, it offers, well, just that - a start. Stars: 4/10

Fiat Punto

The core car for Fiat is also the biggest seller in its important segment in the Irish market. Now in its second generation, and likely to be around for quite a few years to come, like the rest of the Fiat range it sells primarily on value, but it is also modern, economical, and a reliable regular transportation. All the main seller models are powered by the FIRE 1.2-litre petrol engine that’s not a ball of fire, but is pretty unburstable. For more fun, a 1.8-litre Abarth version will fill out any speed fancy, and an 85bhp detuned 1.9-litre JTD is also a respectable performer as well as giving outstanding fuel economy. During the summer, I drove a rental basic model halfway down Italy and it proved every good thing represented by the nameplate. Stars: 7/10

Fiat Stilo

Just marking its first year in Ireland, and representing the road Fiat wants to go, though perhaps not as successfully as they wished. The deal is a lot of added value and a clearly-defined ‘stairway’ to different sets of extra goodies. The two styles of the 3-door and 5-door are aimed clearly at younger and more mature market areas respectively, but in both the style theme is strong and bold. Fiat made much of the interiors as a new generation for for the brand, and lots of the elements work. The smallest 1.2-litre cars have 6-speed gearboxes as standard. Other options include 1.6-litre petrol, a supercar 2.4-litre Abarth, and a set of 1.9-litre 115bhp JTD oilburners that are arguably the best in the bunch. A good-looking wagon is due soon. Stars: 8/10

Fiat Multipla

They’re sticking with this peculiar-looking but most practical 6-seater MPV in the Scenic size. Wider so that each of those seats are individual and full-sized. You have to decide whether you can live with the front end, or whether you can live with the sniggers of your neighbours if you do take the bold step. Once you do, you will be rewarded with a vehicle that is one of the best drivers on the road, has one of the airiest cabins, and is a mobile conversation piece for those times when thought dries up. Multipla really works well in either the 1.6-litre petrol or 1.9-litre JTD turbodiesel versions, and a number of detail improvements have been made during the year. But they still haven’t ditched that extraordinary dashboard conglomeration. Stars: 8/10