REVISED EXTERIOR STYLING & BRIGHTER INTERIOR

As with a person, you can find out a lot about a car at your first meeting. Beginning with the design: on the Stilo M.Y. 04 it is European in flavour with a few touches of unmistakable Italian flair. For this reason, many distinctive model traits have been retained on the new range, while others have been updated to adapt to changing tastes and new trends.

This is why the Fiat Style Centre designers focused mainly on the five door saloon and the rear end in particular. Now the rear bumpers are no longer grooved to ensure a cleaner look. Doing away with the sharp edges also contributes to the impression of solidity and protection typical of the model.
 
The 5 door saloon (in all available specifications) offers body coloured mouldings at the side and on the bumpers. This extra touch of elegance sits well on this sophisticated, up-to-date car that is also so sturdy and solid in appearance. The tail-lights share the same exterior shape as their predecessors but their interiors have been redesigned and the lights are differently distributed.

This is partly because they now incorporate the foglights that are no longer positioned beside the number plate on the Stilo M.Y. 04 (5 door). Now the tailgate features a more linear design that confers an overall appearance of greater amplitude and balance. The styling changes on the Stilo 5 door end here. Both saloons now feature the round Fiat logo placed in the middle of the tailgate.

The new 2004 range offers seven brand new body colours that replace the same number of shades in the current range: these add up to 13 non-metallic and metallic colours. Non-metallic shades are as follows: the new Pole Blue and Imola Yellow in addition to the current Titian Red and White. No fewer than 5 new metallic shades are available: Crono Grey, Vitality Blue, Cosmopolitan Blue and the distinctive Techno Grey and Polar Blue. The last two shades are also 'lenticular', i.e. the colour particles are spherical and bind to one another in such a way that they offer greater coverage and more shine.

All the shades are inspired by world trends for clothing, designer products, lipsticks, shoes, magazine pages and works of art. Stylish shades that drape rather than overwhelm a shape, in exactly the same way as a garment. Shades that emphasise the dramatic changes in cross-section displayed by the powerful body, and the contrast between light and shade on ends and flat surfaces.

Lastly, the 3 door saloon features 16" alloy wheels in a new, more aggressive and sporty design. Brand new painted wheel hubs are also available on the whole range (except on the Actual specification).

Now let's move on to the interiors, where the designers have made significant changes. Firstly, the 5 door and Multi Wagon versions adopt new two-tone interiors with paler parts on the lower side of the facia and tunnel. This stylistic change aims to increase the brightness of the passenger compartment and highlight the perception of great interior space still further. The 3 door version retains the current facia (black) that emphasises the spirit of this sporty, go-getting car. On this version, customers can also request two-tone interiors (except for on the 2.4 engines, which are sporty through and through). Versions equipped with the 2.4 20v engine are made even sportier by satinised Kiron grey finish on the ventilation outlets, radios, CONNECT Nav+ and dual zone climate control system. This particular colour treatment is an option on all other 3 door specifications (it is standard on Dynamic versions too in Italy).

While personality is the term that best encapsulates the exterior shape of the Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04, the term that best sums up the nature of the interior is practicality. Whichever version you choose, the passenger compartment always meets the needs of customers who demand a comfortable environment, user-friendliness, controls that are easy and intuitive and plenty of space.

All versions in the range share great travelling comfort while the interiors guarantee maximum practicality of use. For example, all the features and parts that can improve quality of life on board are arrayed on the facia. Many of these have previously only been seen on higher segment cars: from an instrument panel with multifunction display to a dual zone climate control system with a wide range of audio and infotelematic devices.

From the very first glance, the Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 looks like a car of quality and substance. This property, known as 'perceived quality' is the set of impressions we gain when we see and touch the passenger compartment of a car. When we observe the parts, make ourselves comfortable on the seats, hold the steering wheel and seek out the storage compartments, we can appreciate the pleasing feel of the environment and the quality of the trim and finish.

The overall impression comes from a blend of a thousand different aspects: these include the shape of items, their constituent materials, individual colours and colour matches and the tactile sensations they arouse. Stimuli that all play an equal part in determining overall perception. For this reason, the Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 designers worked long and almost obsessively on the details, on each individual detail. The basic premise is clear: to ensure that everything you see and touch looks and feels good.

The Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 employs top-quality materials and fine finishes to offer everything you would expect from a car destined in many cases to become the main family car. It offers many materials typical of higher segments: from the fine upholstery on the seats and panels to the facia in slush-moulding. This special process guarantees a more even surface finish and assures a more opulent feel than with conventional methods.

The Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 interior trim selection matches body shades and offers a different type of cloth for each version. The trims feature 3-D effects that mirror the car's exterior shape. This approach reflects present-day tastes for household furnishings, where fabric type and consistency is more important than colour.

The cloth used on the seats serves to distinguish between the different specifications. Sometimes the effect centres on colour contrasts, sometimes the effect of one shade against another and sometimes a high-tech upholstery is chosen to suggest the idea of sportiness. In particular, the new range offers brand-new fabric colours that make the passenger compartment still more stylish and sophisticated.

The Actual and Active now come with two different cloth trims (the first known as Daniela, the second Doria) , both chunky-looking and featuring two colour shades, light grey and light grey/blue with patterns reminiscent of the best 'neckties'.

Trim on the Dynamic and Abarth specifications is a top-quality, elegant flock: 'Ercole' for the first level, available in two colour matches (light grey - blue and light grey - dark grey); 'Kaiman' for the Abarth level, with a blend of light grey and dark grey shades. Lastly, customers can choose light grey/anthracite leather upholstery that may be more or less sporty according to the version. These are the stylistic changes made to the Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04, while all the distinctive traits so much appreciated by customers have remained unchanged. All the strengths of the 3 or 5 door saloon and the Multi Wagon are summarised below:

Stilo 3 door: youthful, sporty and hi-tech

The Fiat Stilo M.Y. 03 (3 door) is a sporty car with taut surfaces and architectural lines. The basic shape consists of two overlying parallelepipeds that join at the waistline where a strong muscle underscores the prevalence of metal over glass. The car is projected aggressively forward by a rear end that apparently extends from the upper body, which looks as though it has been set into the lower body and then pushed toward the front of the car. This styling motif creates an ultra-modern looking boot that sits ahead of the car's rear profile.

The tall, dynamic front end features big air intakes and light clusters that are highlighted by longitudinal surrounding motifs. The car's lines flow from the front pillars and pass smoothly over the bonnet before running between the grille and headlights to come to a halt at the bumpers and create a stylistic unity.

The basic features of the Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04's physiognomy are completed by light clusters that make the car immediately recognisable. These high-tech design creations are compact (foglights are included) and made out of clear, non-faceted glass that allows a clear view of the underlying mathematically-modelled reflectors. The front lights are overlaid by two brighter points that stand out like gemstones against the diamond-faceted headlight. The tail-lights are identifiable in the daytime and from a distance by a red central column while at night they look like a forward-pointing arrow.

The side incorporates a side moulding that does more than simply lighten the car's appearance - it is actually a stylistic motif in its own right. In the same way, the sculpted sill on the lower part of the car makes the structure look much sturdier and is also an unmistakable sign of sportiness.

Outstanding comfort and roominess. The model is 4.18 metres long, 1.78 wide and 1.47 high. These typical sports car measurements do not affect car roominess or comfort. The car is therefore suited to youthful, dynamic customers who also find the exterior shape to be the maximum expression of distinction and personality. The shape and breadth of the passenger compartment means that all the space can be used to the full. The front seats, for example, score outstandingly well for all percentiles on the SAE scale (1-99).

In practice, this means that people of all sizes can be seated in comfort. Plenty of space is also available in the rear, where even the tallest passengers can be seated in great comfort. Carefully selected seat and steering wheel settings (vertical and longitudinal) mean that everyone can find their ideal driving position. The end result is a passenger room coefficient of 90%, one of the best in its segment.

But on-board comfort also means being able to arrange all your luggage with ease. So the car comes with a 305 litre luggage compartment that is easy to load and big considering this is a sporty 3 door version. Plenty of space means that everyone, even tall people, can undertake long journeys without getting tired.

Stilo 5 door: family, comfort and value for money

Compared to the previous version, the Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 (5 doors) retains the same exterior dimensions (4.25 metres long, 1.75 metres wide and 1.52 metres high) and also the broad front end with its wide, protective bumpers that convey a sensation of prestige and safety, due above all to the shape of the air intakes.

The same impression is created by a muscular waistline that does not drop down to the front and rear bumpers after running along the side of the car, but hugs the entire car in a hoop-like embrace. The glazed areas are tall and extensive while the luggage compartment gains visibly in width. The handle is at waist level to make it easier and more instinctive to grasp.

The 5 door version therefore has an unmistakable shape that is designed to meet the varying needs of European customers, as is borne out by the exceptional level of comfort on offer. This version combines the conventional hatchback formula with benefits more typical of an MPV: the car is easy to get in and out of, there is plenty of room inside and it is driven from a high position that ensures a sense of greater control. The Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 (5 door) also takes interiors into a new dimension with a level of flexibility and modularity unprecedented in the segment.

The two rear seats slide forward and backward, recline and fold down independently. This makes the luggage compartment hugely versatile because it can offer a different load capacity and even a different shape as and when required. The rear of the passenger compartment can be adapted by altering leg-room and backrest position for maximum occupant comfort. These assets are complemented by a ski tunnel, various closed storage compartments and a front seat that folds down to form a table to accommodate long loads or act as a work surface.

The term 'next generation interior' very aptly describes the brand new way the passenger compartment is outfitted and the way the best possible use is made of all the available passenger and luggage room. The Fiat Stilo M.Y. 04 is the first car in its segment to offer all the practicality and flexibility of an MPV in a standard medium-sized compact car. Not to mention the fact that the new model offers an interior space that amounts to a volume of no less than 3.33 m3.
 
A simple description of the passenger compartment cannot fully convey, however, exactly how much this car will benefit customers day-to-day. Some examples are required.

We have all had to carry very long items that are not particularly heavy. And we can all remember how much time we wasted trying (ineffectually) to load them into our car. With the Fiat Stilo 5 door, all you have to do is fold down one of the back seats and the front seat and the problem is solved: items can be stowed away safely in a few minutes while leaving plenty of room for the driver and passengers. How many times have you said that the ideal solution would be to have two cars: one for everyday use and the other for long trips when the family is all together and suddenly you have to pack an improbable amount of luggage? Well, the Fiat Stilo 5 door version is two cars in one. When the back seats are pushed right back, the resulting luggage compartment is one of the roomiest in its category. If you want, all you have to do is push the seats forward and the amount of space available for bags and luggage beats everything else in the segment.

When you return to everyday life, simply push the rear seats fully back and recline the backrest. Four people can now ride stretched out in the greatest comfort as though they were aboard a bigger car with all the attendant creature comforts: armrest, glass-holder and holders for wallets, mobile phones or spectacles. An airline-type folding table pulls down from the front seat squab so that children can draw or adult passengers can write or work on a laptop. If you want to relax, all you have to do is sit in the back, recline your backrest and fold the front seat down to stretch out and relax as though you were on a recliner.

These Next Generation Interior features are complemented by oceans of room for stowing everything you need to take with you. Not one but two roomy closed compartments on the facia (the lower one is cooled on cars with air conditioners). Front and rear armrests with interior compartments, a roomy container under the driver's seat, generous pouches, two bottle holders and five glass holders.

The Fiat Stilo 5 door luggage compartment is also one of the roomiest in its market band: up to 370 litres when the rear seats are moved forward. Even in this position, the rear seats can still accommodate three people. This regular, easily accessible compartment is shaped to accommodate the whole family's suitcases and bags with rational ease.

Stilo Multi Wagon: family, leisure and the great outdoors

Its name is the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon. A name born of two very different motoring concepts that have found an ideal balance and blend in this model. All the stylistic elegance and handling of Station Wagon versions plus all the versatility and modularity of an MPV: reconfigurable seats, opening rear window, a particularly comfortable driving position and greater ease of access. The final result was given even greater appeal by equipment and devices until recently exclusive to cars from higher segments.

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is set to be one of the most comfortable cars in the segment at 4.51 metres long, 1.75 metres wide and 1.57 metres in height with a wheelbase of 2.60. Not to mention the generosity of a 510 litre luggage compartment that can be expanded to 1480 with the rear seats folded down: a record figure. The car's designers really excelled themselves by taking the winning features of the 5 door version (roominess, comfort and versatility) as their starting point and going on to create a station wagon of huge aesthetic impact and great personality.

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is not simply the family version of the Stilo model. It is a new way of perceiving the car as a function of its application, as an item that can be converted into the right car for the right situation as the need arises. The Multi Wagon design is based on the distinctive traits of the Stilo 5 door version: comfort, roominess, safety, versatility and rationality - all for an overall running cost that is one of the most competitive in the segment, indeed the market as a whole. Yet everything is reworked according to a completely new philosophy of style and content with its own distinctive features.

First and foremost, the Stilo Multi Wagon is a card-carrying Multi Purpose Vehicle. Because it is higher than 3 and 5 door cars, for example, the driver sits in a different position in relation to the ground (H point) for improved ease of access and greater mastery of the road. And more. Simply climb aboard to discover that the Stilo Multi Wagon is able to meet all customer requirements because it has its own distinct personality and extraordinary versatility. It is convenient to get into and out of the model and also possible to adapt the interior space to your own changing needs because the front seat folds down and the two rear seats can slide backwards and forwards and recline independently. A veritable multifunction car that also offers the great advantage of more compact exterior dimensions.

Yet the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is also a Station Wagon through and through. In its shape and convenience, in the way it evokes the idea of travel, freedom, movement and journeys. Be they long or short, for fun or work, with family or with friends. Or even on your own, towards distant horizons, perhaps with all your sports equipment on board.

The space is only to be expected, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the innovative solutions and systems that ensure the car's occupants well-being, driving comfort and safety. Because the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is still a Stilo and, like the saloon, is self-evidently a no-nonsense good-looking car with stacks of personality and attributes that are now permanently encoded in the DNA of any Fiat: innovative design, cutting-edge technology available to all and clever solutions to make life simpler and better. The market thus welcomes the arrival of a car that plays the high-tech card and also offers highly innovative ideas and high quality standards. A car with so much it has everything. A quick glance at the standard equipment and options list will bear this out.