16 September 2002: Fiat's new Stilo wagon will be available in Ireland in the early part of next year, according to Fiat Auto Ireland. The vehicle's pre-production cars are currently under final testing (above).

The Stilo wagon will replace the Marea Weekend, which has continued production since the Stilo replaced the Bravo/Brava for the strong wagon market in Italy - in many models, up to 50 percent of derivates sold are estate-type cars.

The Stilo wagon will be launched sale in some markets in November. No indication has been given that it will be seen at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, but it may well make an appearance.

As yet there are no details of engines, though it is unlikely that the base 1.2-litre petrol unit will be asked to pull a relatively heavier car.