THE FIRST thing you notice about the Stilo Multiwagon is that it looks much bigger than the hatchback on which it is based.
The main reason for the larger look, apart from just being an estate, is that it is two inches taller than the other models in the Stilo range.
It is meant to bridge the gap between a small people carrier and a normal estate, and overall it does not a bad job of it. It is quite attractive to look at, and it can certainly move five people in comfort in a roomy cabin.
What lets it down, is that because of their design, the rear seats do not fold flat and so the Multiwagon cannot carry as much as the Focus or Astra estates. The adjustable rear seats however, do offer a 60/40 split and they also feature an armrest which contains cup holders.
The front seats, which are very comfortable, feature picnic trays on the back which can be used airline style by the rear seat passengers. Other neat features include plenty of storage space and more cup holders, as well as a lockable glovebox.
The car I tried out was the all-singing 1.9 JTD Dynamic. It is powered by the excellent 1.9-litre turbo diesel, which offers great performance from a really gutsy engine which can accelerate the car from 0-60mph in just 11.2 seconds and, if you can find anywhere legal, it will reach 118mph.
It sips fuel at a claimed 50.4 mpg average and also has a low CO2 emission rating, making it a good buy for business users.
I found the handling to be OK rather than exciting, and there was a fair bit of noise at higher speeds.
Automatic air conditioning, advanced braking systems and traction control are all standard in this version, and as an added bonus Fiat had fitted the Connect navigation system to this car, a £1,200 extra.
It provides both GPS and a trip computer and also operates the onboard phone and all the entertainment equipment. In addition it also allows you to talk to the Connect control room, where the operator (a real live human one) will provide you with navigation settings or even hotel information at your destination at the touch of a button.
A very smart piece of kit, but you have to be smart to master its array of buttons and controls. You certainly don't want to be messing about with it when you're driving.
Certainly this estate version is the best car in the Stilo range, thanks to its handsome lines and comfort levels.
It seems to offer good value for money and the power plant is its best feature. But I just wonder if Fiat has done enough to tempt people away from the big sellers in the sector, which might offer higher residuals a couple of years from now.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Stilo Multiwagon 1.9 JTD Dynamic
Price: £14,395
Mechanics: 115bhp 1,910cc four cylinder turbo-diesel, driving front wheels through 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 118mph
0-60mph: 11.2 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 149g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint