Fiat Sedici 1.9 Turbo Diesel Eleganza
Despite more bad press, we in Britain are still privy - just - to freedom of choice and if we want an SUV with 4X4 capabilities, we can jolly well go out and buy one. But it does not have to be a 6-litre engine powering the machine. For instance Fiat have introduced their proven 1.9 litre Turbo diesel turbo into the heart of their first ever SUV - the Sedici.
Meaning ‘sixteen’ in Italian (come on, what is 4 times 4?) the Sedici is a compact SUV that genuinely combines off-road ability with all the versatility and practicality demanded by the modern family.
The simple line up consists of two trims, Dynamic and Eleganza both with a choice of the 1.6 litre petrol engine or this new 1.9 Turbo diesel. With prices starting from just £12,495 for the 1.6 Dynamic rising to £15,495 for my test car, the 1.9 diesel mated to the more extravagant Eleganza trim, makes the Sedici a fierce competitor in this highly sought after segment.
The Sedici is actually lower and shorter than the average SUV’s, but so obvious in its exterior styling, it is an SUV. Very muscular in design with a bold distinctive face, deep bonnet and flared wheel arches further accentuated by its large front grille that confirms its from a Fiat clan, flanked by large curved headlamps that un-usually flow upwards and outwards beneath the bonnet line. To profile and the masculinity continues with not just privacy glass but the quarter light windows and large door mirrors.
With the combination of a raised driving position, height adjustable drivers seat, rake adjustable steering wheel with radio controls and deep front quart light windows, drivers of every shape and size will find their ideal driving position coupled with excellent all-round visibility and a great command of the road ahead. The interior is pretty basic with no ‘wow’ factors but contains the essential equipment such as front and rear electric windows, electrically adjustable colour coded door mirrors and automatic climate control.
Fiat’s proven 1.9-turbo diesel engines has a top speed of 112mph, races from 0-62 in 11.2 seconds and achieves 42.8 mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emission of 174g/km. This engine has undergone some significant changes to increase its performance and fuel economy plus reducing noise levels and vibrations, but I still found the engine very noisy which in fairness drowned out the children’s squabbles.
But I have to say, the stability is very good and the new suspension has been designed to combine high levels of on-road ride comfort as well of pretty impressive off-road performance as I found out while visiting a friend of mine who lives two miles up a steep windy completely un made dirt track. I think she got fed up with me visiting her every day of that week as I tested the off road capabilities of this Sedici. She has not retuned my phone calls for a while! This is further enhanced by the rack and pinion electric power steering that only provides assistance when needed which has the overall effect of more stability and control. With ABS along with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Stability Programme, safe cornering should be ensured.
The Fiat Sedici is fitted with a new on demand 4X4 system with three operating modes easily activated by a switch down near the gear lever. For city and motorway driving you simply select 2WD which makes the Sedici drive on only the front wheels thus ensuring better fuel consumption for everyday journeys. If you come across dirt tracks or wet roads, then simply change the mode to AUTO and because the roads are wet, there is less grip for the tyres, so by selecting AUTO the system goes 4x4 which distributes the power between the front and rear axles wherever it is needed most. If the road conditions are muddy, snowy or you fancy some sand dune blasting then select LOCK position and the drive becomes permanently distributed 50/50 between the front and rear axles bringing you safe and secure starts in these somewhat extreme conditions. The system remains engaged until your speed reaches 37 mph at which point AUTO mode engages automatically. It’s a very clever yet simple design but the problem with 4X 4’s is remembering what mode does what, especially as you rarely drive on snow or mud etc. But I have a cunning plan, more cunning than a fox’s tail, to put little post its in the car which will remind you.
Safety wise, the Sedici is equipped with driver and passenger airbags plus front side airbags as standard with the optional extra of full-length curtain airbags. If you want your child in the front, the passenger airbag can be de-activated while the three rear seats have Isofix mountings. Securing the Sedici is the proven Immobiliser and my test car falls into insurance group 8.
To be honest, I was not too sure about Sedici at first, but like most Italians, it grew on me after a while. I appreciated the compact dimensions especially with all this banging on about banning larger cars, plus the ease of drive, high levels of comfort and the simple way even a driver such as me, could change the modes to suit the road conditions. The icing on the cake will have to be value for money not just a liberal and highly competitive price tag, but the further savings on fuel consumption and low insurance quotes.
Jackie Violet