Fiat Stilo
Ratings
2 stars
Summary
Not recommended. Fiat's alleged Focus rival felt off the pace when it was introduced in 2001 - and the subsequent years have been anything but kind.
Review
Fiat's fans used to appreciate the brand for its idiosyncratic quirkiness - in the same way that its critics railed against its cars' creaks, rattles and occasional freak electrical fires. The Stilo was meant to change all of that - abandoning Fiat's once-proud differentness for a straight-laced attempt to beat Ford and Volkswagen at their own game.
It failed - and these days the Stilo resides right at the bottom of the family car food chain. It's not that it does anything particularly badly - but in no area does it manage to rise above the segment average. The square-edged styling looked dated when the car first appeared and a subsequent facelift has done nothing to enliven it. The cabin is decently spacious, and very well-equipped towards the middle and top end of the range, but the materials feel very low-rent compared to rivals. On the plus side, the commodious Multi Wagon estate is massive - one of the biggest station wagons in the segment.
Dynamics are similarly unexciting. The Stilo drives with an unobtrusive, dull competence - riding reasonably well but cornering unenthusiastically. Refinement is reasonable at motorway speeds. It's a car that gets the job done, no more than that.
Few stars emerge from the lacklustre range of petrol engines - although the charismatic five-cylinder engine in the range-topping HGT is compellingly different if you can afford its hefty pricetag and considerable thirst for unleaded. Sensible buyers will opt for one of the excellent JTD turbodiesel engines, with the 120 bhp 1.9 litre version being the pick of the three units on offer.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
The Stilo's dated styling isn't going to win looks of admiration in the carpark.
Handling
3 star
Decent ride quality but roll-prone, uninterested cornering.
Comfort
3 star
The cabin's ergonomics are far better than on previous Fiats, but taller drivers will still struggle to find a comfortable position.
Quality & Reliability
2 star
Not in the same league as the current pick of the family hatchback segment. And fighting relegation from the division below.
Performance
3 star
Insipid petrol engines fail to raise excitement, with the notable exception of the growly 2.4 litre five-cylinder. JTD diesels are far better - powerful, frugal and reasonably refined.
Roominess
3 star
Hatchback offers decent space by segment standards - the MultiWagon estate is massive.
Running Costs
3 star
Steep depreciation knocks the Stilo's otherwise low running costs. The JTD diesels are very frugal and servicing costs are reasonable - if you can find a decent Fiat dealer, of course.
Value for money
3 star
Basic models get sold at some very attractive prices, but have to make do with stingy kit and lacklustre engines. More expensive versions are priced too close to far more accomplished rivals.
