IT'S Fiat's first venture into the highly competitive sports utility vehicle market, and although the Sedici will never compete with the gas-guzzling big guns, it's a certain rival for many more established rivals.
For in the soft-roader market, the Sedici's smooth and attractive lines along with storage capacity and handling all add up to a winning formula.
Italian for 16 - that's the total sum of 4x4 - the Sedici boasts a great range of features including CD player, air con, electric front and rear windows, remote central locking and roof rails.
It also handles well both in and around town and on the open road.
My only criticism is that at times the 1.6-litre engine lacks a little zip and appears quite sluggish - and that without a heavy load on board.
But that aside, the Sedici has plenty to offer. The driving mode can be manually switched from 2WD to 4WD with the simple flick of a switch and the all-round visibility is excellent, making parking an absolute breeze.
Although looking neat and compact from the outside, the cabin is both spacious and well-designed with all controls easy to hand and seats and steering wheel easily adjusted to find the perfect driving position.
Added to this, the Sedici benefits from a host of safety features including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, front and side airbags and a code-key with immobiliser.
This model is the Eleganza but for diesel fans there are two 1.9 multiJet engines to choose from too, which will clearly offer that little extra oomph.
And with an excellent insurance rating and great fuel economy its easy to see why the Sedici has already turned heads and proved a buyers' dream in the ever-fashion-minded Italian market. And sales are soaring in the UK too since its launch earlier this year.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Sedici 1.6 Eleganza 5dr
Price: £13,495
Mechanical: 107bhp, 1,586cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 173g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust