THERE have been many times of triumph over the years for the Turin car giant Fiat, not least the company's participation in the original 1969 cinema epic 'The Italian Job'.
Currently, Fiat UK is celebrating again, this time applauding a highly successful sales year in 2009, having recorded its best annual market share (3.02%) since 2002.
According to figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 60,337 Fiat cars were sold in the UK last year. This compares with 55,325 sold in 2008.
The 12-month period includes sales of more than 24,000 Fiat 500s, dramatically up from 15,000 last year. In fact, the popular city car had an especially good December - finishing the month as the country's ninth best-selling car. Abarth cars also recorded healthy sales of 1,381 units to make a significant and growing contribution to FGA UK's burgeoning sales story.
Fiat also enjoyed success in the used car market in 2009 with some impressive residual value increases across most models and derivatives. The demand for good value, economical cars meant Fiat were well placed, with some of the UK's most popular cars in the Fiat Panda, Grande Punto, 500, Bravo and Sedici.
All stand neatly in line at your local dealership awaiting the March 1 new registration watershed.
Also making its bow at Fiat's 170-strong dealer network is the Fiat Punto Evo range. This latest new car from Fiat Group Automobiles UK is available with a choice of five low emission Euro5 engines. There are five generous trim levels, Active, Dynamic, GP, Eleganza and Sporting, from which to choose in a 22-car range and all come with the fuel saving Start&Stop system fitted as standard.
Fiat Punto Evo delivers plenty of kit for your money and on-the-road pricing ranges from £10,995 to £15,295.
Meanwhile, also strutting its stuff down showroom way is the super stylish pink version of the Fiat 500. From January 19 there are just 500 available. With an on the road price tag of £11,700, the Pink Fiat 500 gets an additional £1,500 of kit including the Start&Stop system.
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw