15 September 2001: The new Fiat Stilo, officially launched at Frankfurt this week (above), will come to Ireland in time for January with a choice of four engines - 1.6 16v, 2.4 20v, 1.9 JTD. and a 1.2 16v ... Ireland is the only market to have this last version at launch.

The 1.6 16v engine, derived from a similar well-proven unit used in other Fiats, develops 103 bhp at 5750 rpm and has a drive-by-wire system (an electronic throttle controlled by the ECU) producing a smoother drive and reduced fuel consumption. A longer stroke and reduced bore cuts fuel consumption, increases torque and lowers overall weight. The performance figures are very good for a car in the category - accelerating to 100km/h in the 5-door version takes 10.9 secs. and 10.5 secs. in the 3-door.

The Stilo is actually two cars with one name. There is a 3-door Stilo, with a rock-solid presence on the road, and a 5-door Stilo appreciably taller with more restrained styling. The bonnet is the only body-panel common to both. In the 3-door the roofline and seat positions are lower than in the 5-door. In the Stilo 5-door the boot can be made 22% larger by sliding the rear seat forward.

The 2.4 20v engine is used only in the Stilo Abarth and develops 170 bhp. The Abarth name is always associated with high-performance Fiats participating in rallying and other competitive events so this version comes with Formula 1 style gear-changing by way of paddles mounted on the steering-column and Selespeed sequential gearbox.

The 1.9 JTD version uses a Common Rail diesel power plant. This develops 115bhp at 4000rpm.

The 1.2 litre16v unit develops its maximum power of 80 bhp at 5000rpm and uses drive-by-wire technology to optimise fuel efficiency and torque delivery. Using an aluminium engine block base, the engine is quiet and vibration-free. This version will come with a six-speed gearbox as standard.

The first versions to reach Ireland should be here by late October/early November for customer events planned around the Fiat dealer network.

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