Fiat has always been at its most confident in the small car sector, so when it comes to mid-sized (by European standards) cars has often been, less sure.

The Stilo proves it still has some progress to create. The vehicle’s looks are relatively anodyne, so much so it lacks any flair whatsoever, and it is dynamics will also be under-inspiring.

An earlier lack of choice in the engine range harmed the model’s reception (now there is a 133PS 1.8 litre unit which makes life better) and also the addition from the Stilo Wagon (an estate version) towards the range has helped, however the overall impression is of the under-achieving model. Fiat can perform better than this.

Fiat’s world car, based heavily about the 178 platform manifested in Europe since the old Brava/Bravo.

This isn’t a car to create the world burning, simply one to supply affordable transport towards the masses outside the western world.

Fiat’s rationale would be that the 178 model family is versatile, and ‘able to exploit all sales opportunities’. In short a differentiated response from the single project, that reflects the requirements and characteristics of every market.

It is hard to spot the difference between this and also the Albea. But in a part of the world brought up on Ladas and Polonezes, Siena seems to be awash with leading edge cool.

In some countries Fiat has managed to comer the youth market using its Seicento. This car combines an acceptable degree of accommodation, a driving sensation which makes the vehicle feel quicker and sharper compared to figures suggest, and clean, uncluttered looks.

Regrettably the most popular Sporting version (sold for some time with Michael Schumacher badging) no more features in the range; instead there’s merely a single 54PS, 1.1 litre engine offered. About the credit side this power unit creates affordable driving.

Handling is predictable – there isn’t enough power for any driver to get into challenge with this car-and ride comfort is higher than may be expected in this type of small car.

Clever marketing – a lot of which involves the supply of easy credit – has ensured a higher number of Puntos show up on the roads of Europe.

The vehicle is a perfectly functional mode of transport; Fiat seems to have resolutely resisted any make an effort to push this car beyond its natural boundaries of providing transport for the masses.

And that’s why the most powerful engine is a 100PS diesel. Despite its unadventurous engine range the vehicle is offered having a comprehensive choice of traction and braking aids, which help make sure the Punto is a safe and reliable type of transport for small families. There’s also a hot Abarth-inspired three door, that is very exciting on fast roads.

Tailored for the South American market, Palio is a mid-sized (by Fiat standards) model, the best claim which is that it’s been styled by Giugiaro.

Despite its modest exterior, the packaging is nice; side airbags, rain and dusk sensors, an onboard computer, along with a CD and MP3 file player are standard features.

The performance is geared more to functionality than excitement, with reliability and sturdiness not to mention the ability to operate on low octane fuels in remote regions, at the top of its listing of attributes. Unexciting to European eyes, the Palio hits the location where it counts, in Latin America.

In its first generation form Multipla gave the impression to be styled with a seven years old child drawing with over-sized crayons.

However, because of a revised front-end, it looks even less strange. Despite its looks the very first Multipla gained an admirer base, mainly amongst school-run mothers who appreciated its spacious interior and high command driving position.

Neither of these virtues happen to be lost, and also the car still provides tremendous carrying capacity (filled with apparently a large number of storage slots) along with a surprisingly good driving experience.

Addititionally there is an LPG version offered in some markets, for individuals who wish to adopt a greener social stance.

Considering Fiat was traditionally perceived as being a trendsetter in the section of city cars, it is surprising that it has had the organization this long to go in the compact multi-use vehicle market.

Developed alongside the brand new Panda, and sharing a worthwhile number of key components (sufficient to keep development costs in check) Idea is cleanly-styled, while offering a really European choice to those who may think about purchasing a Yaris or the other small city cars, but don’t want a Far-Eastern product.

A high-command driving position, flexible interior and clean styling needs to be sufficient to fulfill most buyers.

It appears like a van because it is at heart a van, and it is Fiat’s equivalent to such inspiring machines since the Citroen Berlingo.

Doblo includes a certain simple elegance; sliding rear doors, a lift-up tailgate along with a versatile system of seating in the square box of the passenger compartment all seem sensible within this budget sector from the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) market.

The driving experience is entirely acceptable enthusiasts do not need to apply – there is a good choice of two petrol or one diesel engine; the second is a 100PS unit with abundant torque that ideally suits the chassis.

Ideally suited to traditionalists, vegans and hilt farmers – although not an automobile to attract the young urbanites, preferring the idea of the IDEA.

Fiat’s only sporting car at the moment is the Barchetta, a concise two seater roadster offered only in left hand drive.

The marketplace potential for a RHD variant is insufficient to sustain this type of development. Neither especially quick nor exceptionally sharp, Barchetta includes a substantial group of followers due to the pretty looks nor is its ability to feel faster than it.

Power develops from a 1.8 litre engine with sufficient capacity to satisfy most drivers, and also the chassis is adequate to permit satisfactory progress on winding roads.

The name, by the way, originates from Italian for ‘little boat’ because the car emulates the feel of an upturned skiff.

Reaching out to the Eastern bloc in the days prior to the 2004 broadening of EC membership, Fiat used this reworking from the Brava sedan to spearhead its campaign.

Built in Turkey and sold there and in Poland, the vehicle is functional and modestly-powered; the strongest engine available is a 103PS 16v unit.

Proven and paid for (and therefore it may be sold at competitive local prices) the Albea feels just like a decade-old European design, however the local markets like it, apparently.

Fiat has always done well with reiterations of old ideas in the eastern bloc – but EU expansion might force a rethink of this policy, and much more modern cars may be the result.

This car perhaps explains why Fiat is financially stretched; the new Panda is really good, this type of comprehensively effective city car, how the observer might wonder why the organization still bothers using the Seicento as well as Punto.

Creating the micro- sports utility vehicle (SUV) format, Panda offers buyers 1.1 and 1.2 litre petrol or perhaps a 1.3 litre turbo diesel options. There is a selection of manual or sequential automatic transmissions, and complicated chassis settings.

Accommodation is extremely flexible, the inside design is bright and funky, handing and performance is good, and also the car is definitely an altogether worthy winner of the plaudits which have been coming its way.

Troubled by financial shortfalls with no longer the mighty force it was previously, Fiat is desperately attempting to reinvent itself – and as is so often the case, is overlooking its corporate shoulder for inspiration, if it is latest show car; the Trepiuno, is definitely an indicator of the form of Rats in the future, we can expect a return to compact city cars – but which bristle using the technology that today’s drivers expect.

The ugly-bug Multiple has gained a brand new change which counters the ‘cartoon car’ styling of the original model and the Idea gives Fiat an important player in the compact MPV marketplace.

But it is in the core range, using the un-inspiring Stilo, that Fiat reaches its most vulnerable: there are rumours that the replacement has been rushed to remedy poor sales in this vital market sector.

Fiat is a long way from having financial stability, but its special place in the Italian culture means it is unlikely to become permitted to fade, in order to be a subsidiary of the foreign group.