Fiat Stilo

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Fiat Stilo

Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	2001-2007
Predecessor	Fiat Bravo/Brava
Successor	Fiat Bravo
Class	Small family car
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Layout	FF layout
Length	4.18 m (3-door) 4.25 m (5-door) 4.57 m (estate)
Width	1.78 m / 1.76 m
Height	1.48 m / 1.53 m
Similar	Citroën C4 Ford Focus Peugeot 307 Renault Mégane Volkswagen Golf

Fiat Stilo

The Fiat Stilo is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Fiat since 2001. The Stilo was unveiled in 2001 to replace the Fiat Bravo/Brava.

[edit] Overview

It is available in both 3- and 5-door hatchback versions, as well as a station wagon called "Stilo MultiWagon". The Stilo has a 4* Euro NCAP safety rating. Originally, its petrol engines were the 1242 cc DOHC 16 valve engine also powering the Punto and Lancia Ypsilon with an output of 80 bhp (60 kW) combined with a 6 speed manual gearbox, a 103 bhp (77 kW), 1.6 L with a 5 speed manual gearbox, a 133 bhp (98 kW), 1.8 L, again with a 5 speed manual gearbox and a 170 bhp (127 kW), 5 cylinder, 2.4 L engine combined with Fiat's Selespeed 5 speed semi-automatic gearbox, also used on the Alfa Romeo 147. The 2.4 L engine was reserved for the hatchback versions. An 8 valve, 1.9 JTD unit with 115, 120, 130 or 16 valve 150 bhp diesel unit were/are also available.

The Stilo's styling received mixed reviews, with many journalists and enthusiasts criticising it as being too bland and too German-looking. Critics also attacked the car's excessive weight and its semi-rigid rear axle, which was seen as a step backwards from the acclaimed set-up used in the Bravo/Brava and which resulted in handling many found uninspired and uninvolving. The engine range, particularly the 1.2 litre petrol, was also criticised for being underpowered. The car's fuel economy was also seen as poor for its class, a result of the car's heavy weight and the transmission, which used very long gear ratios. Another point of criticism was the Selespeed gearbox, which was seen as too slow in its reactions and particularly inappropriate for the high-powered Abarth version. Nevertheless, the car won praise for its high levels of grip (aided by the unusually wide tires) and its brakes.

In the UK, different trim levels available are/were: Active, Active Aircon, Blue, Dynamic, Sporting, Abarth, GT, Prestigio, XBOX limited edition, Michael Schumacher and the Schumacher GP, with general modifications by British car specialists, Prodrive.

The Stilo was the first car worldwide to use the TRW Column-Drive Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) technology later introduced on the 2003 Nissan Micra & Renault Megane.

As the Stilo model range has aged, the amount of equipment from the options list has now been lessened. The Stilo was originally offered in some markets with a radar guided cruise control option; it included sensors in the front bumper and rear of the car to adjust the speed of the car according to other vehicles' speed. This was soon dropped as it became apparent that other interferences were creating undesired results for the driver. A keyless entry, named 'Easy Go', push button start, similar in function to Renault's, Mercedes' and BMW Mini's systems, was also an available option.

For MY2006 the Stilo was updated with a new front grille, different seat fabric, a relocation of the electric mirror controls from the window control console to just behind the gear stick, removal of the centre arm-rest (which when in the downward position prevented comforable use of the handbrake as in the Audi A3) and the deletion of the rear air vent.

The Stilo was ultimately a sales disappointment. An extensive advertising campaign using Formula 1 stars Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello did little to aid the car's sales. In 2004, the 1242 cc engine was dropped in favour of the Punto's 1.4 L unit, increasing the car's power to 95 bhp (71 kW), again combined with the 6 speed gearbox. Also, the taillights were altered and the Abarth version gained a manual gearbox instead of the Selespeed.

[edit] Stilo specifications

Capacity	1242–2446 cc
Power	80–170 HP
Max. speed	170–215 km/h
Acceleration	0–100 km/h: 13.8-8.5 seconds

[edit] The Stilo in rallying

The launch of the Stilo has also meant that Fiat has returned to the World Rally Championship. The 187 bhp Fiat Stilo was the Italian company's representative for the 2004 season.

[edit] The Brazilian Stilo

Only available in a 5 door hatchback version, the Stilo was launched in Brazil in 2003. The engines were the Family I GM engines 1.8L with 8 (103hp) and 16 valves (125hp) versions. For export, the engines chosen are the italian made 1.8 16v VIS engine with 133hp and the 1.9 JTD Diesel of 115cv specially for Argentina and Uruguay.

Later, an Abarth and a Schumacher special edition's Stilo was added; the first with the 2.4 20 valve engine and 170hp, the second with Family I GM 1.8 16v engine.

In 2006, the Stilo gained a flexible engine capable of using petrol and alcohol; a 1.8 8 valve engine with 110hp; but that engine, a GM-sourced power plant, will be replaced in 2007 by a new 1.8 16v Torque derived, that will be produced in Argentina in 2007.

In the Americas, the Stilo will not be replaced by the Bravo which only will be available in Chile and Venezuela in 2007. The brazilian model will receive a facelift in late 2007, including front, rear and interior revision.