FIAT is pitching its new Idea mini MPV model into a head-to-head battle against rival mini-MPVs from Ford and Vauxhall without any price advantage.
Traditionally renowned for undercutting the opposition, Fiat has announced prices starting at just under £10,000 for the new Idea.
This puts it on a par with Vauxhall's Meriva and Ford's Fusion, whose entry models, like the Idea, have 1.4-litre petrol engines.
Initially at least, the Idea comes with a choice of only two engines - the 1.4 petrol and a 1.3 litre multijet diesel.Prices rise to virtually £12,500 for the well-equipped 1.4 Eleganza model, which buys similarly-endowed versions of the Ford and Vauxhall, each of which boast more powerful 1.6-litre engines.
This makes the 1.3-litre diesel version the best bet, with prices starting at £10,895 for the Idea Active, rising to £12,145 for the Dynamique.
This serves to give the Fiat the price advantage it needs against Vauxhall's 1.7-litre Meriva CDTi Life model at £13,470 and Ford's equivalent 1.4-litre TDCi with fancy trim at £13,250.
The new Fiat Idea is on sale here from Saturday, February 21.