28.11.2003 REAR END COSMETIC TREATMENT AND NEW MORE POWERFUL ENGINES FOR THE FIAT STILO IN BOLOGNA

Fiat will present a mildly restyled five door Stilo at next week's Bologna Motor Show as the carmaker attempts to revive the unloved saloon's flagging fortunes. While the three door version has been generally accepted, the five door has struggled, with particularly its rear coming in for criticism.

At the front the bumper rubbing strips have been colour coded, while the rear end sees the same treatment along with single colour light clusters that now incorporate the fog lamps which were previously located on either side of the registration plate. Overall the minor changes help to tidy the rear end.

However it is under the bonnet where the most significant changes are to be found. On both the three and five door versions a new petrol and diesel engine are offered. The 95bhp 1.4-litre 16V unit which made its debut in the new Ypsilon earlier this autumn is joined by the highly reputed 140bhp 1.9 Multijet 16v diesel, receiving its first Fiat application, after being the exclusive preserve of Alfa Romeo thus far.

The revised models go on sale in January with the Stilo 1.4 16v priced at €14,350, the 1.9 Multijet 16v at €20,300 while the diesel will also be added to the Multiwagon range, with a starting price of €21,950.