FIAT STILO MULTI WAGON

The new Stilo Multi Wagon goes on sale in the UK on Saturday 15 February, completing the Stilo range first introduced here in the spring of 2002.

More than just a standard estate car variant, the new car's seating flexibility and all-round versatility combine the appeal of the popular MPV format with superior driving dynamics, and one of the most spacious luggage compartments in its class.

With a model line-up embracing three trim levels - Active, Active Air Conditioning, and Dynamic - four engine options, and priced from just £12,095 to £14,395 on-the-road, the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon benefits from the high-tech specifications, unrivalled safety and outstanding value for money of the current Stilo range. Its generous 510 litre luggage compartment - expanding to 1480 litres with the rear seats folded down - will appeal specifically to families, those who use their car for business purposes, and people who need more interior space for leisure pursuits.

The new Stilo Multi Wagon is taller than the Stilo 5-door hatchback - a feature that allows the driver's seat to be raised so as to provide easier access, greater comfort and improved, all-round visibility.

Convenient access and interior flexibility have been a design priority. The 60/40 split rear seats can both slide backwards and forwards, and recline, independently. The front passenger seat also folds flat to maximise loadspace.

The Multi Wagon's luggage compartment has flat sill access, and the lowest loading height in its class. Minimal wheel arch intrusion creates a regular shaped boot lining and ensures that all available space can be used to the full. The tailgate opens to above adult head-height and incorporates an independently hinged rear window.

The new car's comprehensive equipment levels correspond to those of the Active and Dynamic Stilo hatchbacks, including Air Con; a new model addition offering air conditioning for just £300.

All models come with Dualdrive electronic power steering, central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, four airbags, a six-speaker stereo, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, multi-function remote control central locking, and 'My Car' personalisation of the car's functions.

Dynamic specification adds dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel and gear lever, single slot CD player, 16" alloy wheels and Brake Assist.

A wide range of options includes leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, electrically adjustable front seats, a choice of CD stereos, a full-length Sky Window louvered glass sunroof, and Fiat's innovative CONNECT telematics; an on-line system that connects the driver to an extensive range of services via a live phone link to an English speaking operator, as well as including an impressive satellite navigation system.

CONNECT NAV + incorporates voice commands with a 7" colour display screen, and is complemented by a Dual Band GSM phone with WAP Internet access, satellite navigation and a CD sound system that will play MP3 music files.

The Stilo Multi Wagon is available with a choice of four power units, all mated to 5-speed gearboxes: There are 1.6 litre (103 bhp) and 1.8 litre (133 bhp) 16v petrol units, and both 80 and 115 bhp versions of Fiat's proven 1.9 litre JTD common rail direct injection turbodiesel.

The 1.8 16v Multi Wagon has a top speed of 124 mph and will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds, whilst the 80 bhp 1.9 JTD records in excess of 50 mpg over a combined cycle.

The arrival of the Multi Wagon will be of considerable interest to a UK fleet market which has grown steadily since 1996. Fleet buyers currently represent well over 50% of the C segment, with estate car sales figures currently running at approximately double those of the private sector.

The new car, competing against rival estates such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 307 SW, Citroën Xsara and Toyota Corolla, is expected to account for some 20% of all Stilo sales in the UK, with an anticipated sales split of 65/35% in favour of diesel powered versions.

The multi-purpose C-segment Stilo Multi Wagon effectively combines the flexibility and versatility of an MPV with the dynamic characteristics and load capacity of a station wagon.

DESIGN

The Stilo Multi Wagon is an important addition to the Stilo range, satisfying the needs of potential customers who require even more space than the existing Stilo 5-door hatchback.

Styling
Though sharing the crisp lines and broad, purposeful front stance of the Stilo 5-door, the Multi Wagon is no afterthought estate. A bold, waist-high fold sweeps the full length of car from bonnet lip to horizontal tail-light clusters. Integral, aerodynamic, body-coloured roof rails, and tinted glass combine with door pillars finished in black to emphasise the clean homogeny of the design.

Life on board
The new car is 40 mm taller than the 5-door Stilo, allowing for a raised driving position and tall, generous glazing for greater all round visibility and comfort. A height-adjustable driver's seat allied to both extensive reach and rake adjustment to the steering wheel offers a comfortable, ergonomically adaptable driving position.

The reclining, sliding rear seats offer full, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and full size head restraints for three adults.

The visual and tactile quality of the Stilo Multi Wagon's cabin finishes mirror those of the 5-door hatchback: The roof lining and front pillars are clad in cloth, and slush moulding of the fascia ensures an even, soft-touch surface finish throughout. A titanium paint finish picks out the door handles, gearlever, handbrake button and the surrounds to the large, clear rev counter and speedometer dominating the analogue dials and multifunction display within the driver's instrument binnacle.

Luggage compartment

Although only 266 mm longer than the Stilo hatchback, the new Stilo Multi Wagon provides 140 litres more luggage space with the rear seats up and 360 litres more with them folded.

The wide tailgate is opened with ease by a convenient, electrically operated central handle located beneath the number plate. The tailgate incorporates an innovative opening rear window, operated by pressing a switch above the number plate light. Gas struts raise both rear window and tailgate to a sufficient height to allow an adult to stand comfortably beneath them.

Access to the Multi Wagon luggage compartment is extremely easy, via either
rear doors or tailgate, thanks to the lowest loading height in the car's class. Rear suspension dampers have been inclined to keep wheel arch intrusion to a minimum, offering clean side walls and maximum loading width. And the top of the rear bumper, sheathed to prevent scratching to paintwork, forms an entirely flat sill at loadspace level.

Seating flexibility
The rear of the passenger compartment can be adapted to alter leg-room and backrest positions for a combination of maximum comfort, loadspace shape and load carrying capacity.

The rear seats, asymmetrically split 60:40, can be specified to include a sliding facility and a ski tunnel. Either seat may be slid forwards or backwards through an impressive 160 mm, reclined by up to 30 degrees or folded down independently. Sliding both rear seats fully forward increases the luggage compartment volume by 40 litres to 550 litres yet, even in this position, the seats will still comfortably accommodate three people; whilst folding both rear seats down increases luggage capacity to an impressive 1480 litres.

Additionally, as an option, the front passenger seat may be folded forwards to form a flat work surface, or maximise carrying capacity by accommodating very long objects.

Storage
Extensive cabin stowage includes two dashboard compartments (the lower one cooled on air-conditioned cars), front armrest with an interior compartment, generous door pockets, two bottle holders and five cup holders.

SAFETY

Benefiting from 15,000 hours of computer aided design, 120 crash tests, 100 HyGe slide simulations, over 200 tests on components and sub-systems and the involvement of eight specialised suppliers, the Stilo Multi Wagon is one of the safest cars in its class.

PASSIVE SAFETY

State-of-the-art passive safety is provided by a chassis designed to absorb impact with maximum efficiency. No less than eight airbags are available, including two, 2-stage bags, five three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, five full size head restraints and an integrated Fire Prevention System.

Front airbags
The standard equipment driver and passenger front airbags can be ordered as Multistage units incorporating occupant classification sensors and designed to operate independently of each other, when they are ordered together with rear side airbags. An impact of moderate force is recognised by the system, which opens only to the first of two stages whilst, during more serious collisions, full deployment takes place. The airbags may, however, be activated independently of each other, dependent on the nature of the impact. In every case, braids inside the bags ensure maximum bag dimension and final shape are as non-invasive as possible for occupants.

The front passenger airbag may be deactivated manually via an ignition key switch on the fascia. A dashboard warning light indicates this condition. Though the pretensioner remains active, a rear facing baby seat can therefore be safely fitted.

Side airbags
The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon comes with two side airbags as standard. They are located inside the seat squabs to ensure optimum efficiency regardless of occupant stature, position and seat adjustment. Two rear side airbags are optional.

Side curtain airbags
Full length, optional side curtain airbags, located under the roof rails, deploy to provide protection to passengers' heads in the case of side impact. Opening from top to bottom to remove the risk of secondary damage to occupants' arms on activation, the bags are faster to inflate and less invasive than comparable systems in this segment.

Central control unit
These comprehensive passive systems are supervised by a central control unit which constantly monitors signals from various sensors throughout the new Wagon: Two-way accelerometers and central panel sensors are responsible for activating the side
and curtain airbags. A Crash Severity Algorithm identifies crash severity and controls the Multistage front airbags. An Early Crash Sensor located behind the radiator grille allows the front airbags to deploy fully even before the occupants have begun to move. And seat belt fastening detectors recognise an un-harnessed passenger, modifying the airbag deployment to compensate for the higher risk of injury and deactivating the seatbelt pretensioner.

Regardless of impact, the central control unit will not activate a passive safety system if the relevant occupant is in no danger of striking the interior. The unit will continue to function in the event of electrical system failure.

ISOFIX attachments
The Multi Wagon is fitted with ISOFIX attachments to guarantee the correct use of child seats. The bracket sizes and settings are to European standards to ensure the seat may be re-used in any other car.

Central locking with deadlocks
The new Wagon's central locking system is equipped with a range of functions that may be customised via the My Car control panel. Options include staged door unlocking, with first driver and then passenger doors unlocked by pressing the key fob remote control twice in succession, independent locking of the boot and doors, and automatic locking of both boot and doors when the car exceeds 13 mph.

Deadlocks, fitted as standard across the Multi Wagon range, set the interior door handles and all lock linkages to neutral, rendering any tool used to force door and lock mechanisms ineffective. To minimise the risk of an individual being locked inside the car, the deadlocks can only be activated by a second press on the key fob remote locking button.

ACTIVE SAFETY

Via self-ventilating front discs and standard disc brakes at the rear, the Stilo Multi Wagon offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems on the market today: ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends. ABS
An advanced BOSCH ABS system, featuring four active sensors, four channels and a 12 valve control unit, is fitted as standard across the Multi Wagon range. The system is complemented by an Electronic Brakeforce Distributor (EBD) that governs braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking and ensure full control of the car in all situations. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating.

ASR and MSR
The Multi Wagon can be equipped, as an option, with a sophisticated Anti Slip Regulation system (ASR) to restrict wheel slip in cases of reduced grip. ASR traction control works at any speed, and prevents the driven wheels from slipping by adjusting torque according to available levels of grip.

The MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Reelung) cuts in when a gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. The system restores torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up.

Both ASR and MSR are available when ESP is ordered as an option, along with Brake Assist.

Brake Assist
On Multi Wagon models without ESP, emergency brake assistance takes the form of Emergency Valve Assistance (EVA) a mechanical system located inside the brake servo. On vehicles fitted with ESP, the function is carried out electronically by the ABS control unit and is known as Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA). Both systems carry out an identical function with equal efficiency.

ESP
All 1.8 litre petrol versions of the new Wagon come with a permanently engaged Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) - optional across the rest of the range - which activates to help control the car when stability is at risk.

Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, lateral acceleration and steering wheel input, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeering or oversteering slide. The system restores stability by applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, and simultaneously reducing engine power. Engine power reduction is carefully modulated to ensure a minimum of performance loss and, hence, continued driving satisfaction.

MODEL RANGE AND EQUIPMENT

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon will become available in six versions from launch, as follows:

EQUIPMENT
Including a new Air Con specification level - of particular interest to fleet buyers - which offers air conditioning for an additional cost of just £300, the Stilo Multi Wagon's equipment levels correspond to those of the Active and Dynamic Stilo hatchbacks, and include the following:

Active
* Foglights
* Black, electrically heated door mirrors
* Driver's seat with height adjustment

* Two front cupholders
* Asymmetrically split folding rear seats
* 12V socket in luggage compartment
* Dualdrive electronic power steering
* 'My Car' personalisation of car's functions
* Trip computer
* Central locking with deadlocks
* Stereo radio cassette with six speakers
* ABS with EBD

* Multifunction remote control
* Four airbags

Dynamic
In addition to the Active specification, Dynamic adds:

* Dual zone climate control
* Heated / refrigerated glove box

* Single slot CD player
* Leather steering wheel and gear lever
* Opening rear tailgate window
* ESP stability control (with 1.8 litre engine)

My Car
All Multi Wagon owners will benefit from the ability to customise a number of on- board functions with 'My Car', a fast, intuitive system with a comprehensive choice of settings accessed via a control panel to the right of the steering wheel.

The MODE key accesses a set-up menu which may then be scrolled through by pressing the adjacent UP and DOWN keys. Once the desired setting has been selected within any sub-menu, pressing the MODE key again for two seconds will confirm the selection.

Amongst its myriad functions, 'My Car' allows the driver to disengage the driver's door lock independently of the remaining doors, to automatically re-lock the car 30 seconds after all doors are closed, to lock and unlock the tailgate independently of the doors, and to programme the automatic locking of all doors as the car pulls away.

Additionally, 'My Car' allows for the regulation of a speed limit warning buzzer, the automatic, speed related volume adjustment to the stereo, the sensitivity of the dusk sensor, the repetition of radio information on the multifunction display and the activation of the single trip data computer.

Cars fitted with Fiat Auto's CONNECT system display the settings menu on the unit's centre console screen, with the exception of the speed limit and dusk sensor options which are permanently viewed on the driver's multifunction screen.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon's comprehensive standard equipment package is further enhanced by a range of innovative, exclusive options such as electrically controlled seats with three position memory, a segmented glass sunroof (Sky Window), xenon headlamps, and Fiat's ground-breaking CONNECT system including voice recognition, satellite navigation, a Dual Band GSM phone with WAP Internet access, and a CD sound system that can play MP3 music files.

Xenon headlamps
The safety benefits of xenon headlights over conventional halogen lamps are evinced by simple statistics: Light intensity doubles, as does the longevity of the lamp itself. Xenon headlamps also consume less energy and distribute the light beam more effectively.

Due to their brighter, far reaching illumination, the Wagon's xenon headlamps are combined with an automatic ride corrector which compensates not only for static changes due to axle load variation, but also dynamic changes caused by acceleration and braking.

Sky Window
A first for this segment, the Sky Window combines a five segment glass roof with a sunblind that slides to the rear independently on aluminium rails.

Via a five position, overhead control selector, the glass panels may be opened in increments to a full aperture of nearly one and half square metres in just 10 seconds. The sun blind may be either withdrawn automatically in conjunction with the glass panels, or fully retracted independently to allow maximum light ingress from a solid glass roof.

Both glass panel and sunblind operations are governed by an anti-obstruction override. And both segment closure and opening may be controlled via the remote key fob.

CONNECT

The CONNECT system, located in the centre console of the Stilo Multi Wagon, is a ground-breaking, on-line system that connects the driver to an extensive range of services via either manual control or voice commands.

At the heart of the system is a live telephone connection to a call centre manned by operators who, through automatic vehicle recognition, will always speak the driver's language.

Operators can provide the driver with information on traffic and weather conditions en route, find a bank, book an hotel or recommend a restaurant, and will even book airline tickets on request. If necessary, they will even guide a driver step by step to a destination, send out a recovery vehicle, or jog the memory over diary appointments and anniversaries.

Information on a requested destination is transmitted by the operator to the Wagon's CONNECT system and displayed in the form of an icon on the screen. This information may then be opened, stored in the unit's directory, or entered directly into the satellite navigation system for immediate guidance. In the case of a restaurant or hotel, the operator can either make reservations at the driver's request or furnish a phone number for future reference.

Two levels of CONNECT system are available:
* CONNECT NAV is fitted with a 192x80 pixel LCD graphic display. It includes an RDS radio with CD and MP3 music file playing functions, a trip computer, Dual Band GSM phone with hands-free operation and WAP Internet access, GPS independent navigation using pictograms and an SOS button linked to the Contact Centre for receiving information and assistance. The system can also control an optional Blaupunkt 5-disc CD changer, if fitted.

* CONNECT NAV+ comes with a wide, 7", full colour active matrix display screen. As well as the functions of CONNECT NAV, it offers a map navigation system, atlas function and voice activated commands for the telephone and a voice memo.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

The new Stilo Multi Wagon goes on sale in the UK with a choice of 1.6 and 1.8 litre, 16 valve petrol engines, or 80 bhp and 115 bhp, 1.9 litre JTD common rail direct injection turbodiesels. All are mated to 5-speed manual transmissions.

It is worth noting that, in the UK, two diesel estates are sold for every petrol version; a ratio that is expected to be reflected in Multi Wagon sales in both fleet and private buyer markets.

1.6 16v petrol engine
* 1596 cc
* 4 cylinders, 16 valves
* Power: 103 bhp @ 5750 rpm

* Torque: 107 lb.ft @ 4000 rpm
* Top speed: 114 mph
* Acceleration 0-62 mph: 11.4 seconds
* Fuel consumption: in town:          26.9 mpg
                                 out of town:   47.9 mpg
                                 combined:       37.2 mpg
* CO₂: 181g/km

The 1.6 litre 16 valve unit has undergone structural changes to improve fuel efficiency, increase torque and reduce weight.

A longer stroke, a more compact combustion chamber, pistons that are 20% lighter and a reduction in timing system friction through the use of only one spring per valve improves fuel economy, gives increased torque at low speeds and improves driving flexibility.

Engine weight has been reduced by 4 kg through changes to the crankshaft, pistons, crankcase, mountings and auxiliary components. A new, flexible, compressor drive belt removes the need for a tensioner and ensures the component lasts as long as the engine itself.

Drive-by-wire electronics, a high chamber density catalytic converter that is active even when the engine is warming up, and the replacement of HT leads with pencil coils further abet smooth driving, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Transmission
The 1.6 litre unit is mated to Fiat Auto's C514 5-speed manual gearbox which has undergone improvements to the gears, synchronisers, lubrication, inner gear linkage and clutch control.

Baulk-ring Borg Warner synchronisers are fitted to all the gears. First and second gears come with dual cone synchronisers requiring 40% less engagement effort than a single gear type. A selection travel limiter has been added to safeguard against the involuntary selection of reverse, and make fifth gear easier to engage. Lubrication is dynamic, with oil flows channelled through holes in the casing, to reduce wear and increase efficiency.

1.8 16v petrol engine
* 1747 cc
* 4 cylinders, 16 valves

* Power: 133 bhp @ 6400 rpm
* Torque: 119 lb.ft @ 3500 rpm
* Top speed: 124 mph
* Acceleration 0-62 mph: 10.8 seconds
* Fuel consumption: in town:           24.1 mpg
                                 out of town:    44.8 mpg
                                 combined:        34.0 mpg
* CO₂: 197 g/km

Lighter drive components and the adoption of a steel cylinder head gasket, allied to a weight reduction of 3 kg, has decreased noise levels whilst boosting the mechanical efficiency of the 1.8 litre unit. The adoption of a lighter piston has lowered the engine centre of gravity displacement by 10%, further reducing vibration.

The engine is equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle control, a close-coupled sports exhaust and a variable geometry intake system giving outstanding flexibility and a power delivery curve that makes 90% of torque available at just 1800 rpm.

Transmission
The 1.8 litre power plant is mated to Fiat Auto's C510 5-speed manual transmission. This unit also benefits from a dual cone, first and second gear synchroniser, and a high efficiency reverse selector. Lubrication is again dynamic.

1.9 JTD (80 bhp)
* 1910 cc
* 4 cylinders
* Power: 80 bhp @ 4000 rpm
* Torque: 145 lb.ft @ 1500 rpm

* Top speed: 106 mph
* Acceleration 0-62 mph: 13.8 seconds
* Fuel consumption: in town:          37.7 mpg
                                 out of town:    61.4 mpg
                                 combined:        50.4 mpg
* CO₂: 149 g/km

The 80 bhp 1.9 JTD engine matches the design of the 115 bhp unit, the only differences being that this engine lacks an intercooler and is fitted with a fixed geometry turbine instead of a variable geometry unit.

Transmission
This engine employs the C510 5-speed manual transmission, as fitted to the 1.8 litre petrol unit.

1.9 JTD (115 bhp)
* 1910 cc
* 4 cylinders
* Power: 115 bhp @ 4000 rpm
* Torque: 188 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm.
* Top speed: 118 mph
* Acceleration 0-62 mph: 11.2 seconds
* Fuel consumption: in town:          37.7 mpg
                                 out of town:   61.4 mpg
                                 combined:       50.4 mpg
* CO₂: 149 g/km

The 115 bhp 1.9 JTD engine is a development of Fiat's proven common rail direct injection turbodiesel family. Certain refinements have been made to the original, highly successful mechanical configuration to boost performance and lower both fuel consumption and emissions.

Turbocharging is managed by a new generation, variable geometry turbocharger. This unit regulates the exhaust gas flow through a moving vane distributor that optimises turbine operation to ensure high engine flexibility at low speeds and a simultaneous increase in power and torque.

Transmission
The 115 bhp JTD engine is fitted with a new gearbox, designed by Getrag and optimised for the Fiat Stilo. It features reduced axial dimensions, baulk-ring synchronisation, dual cone synchronisers on first and second gear and dynamic lubrication to ensure exceptionally low noise levels.

SUSPENSION

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon features similar front and rear suspension to the Stilo hatchback range, offering great driving ease and precision, outstanding roadholding and the highest standards of passenger comfort.

Front suspension
The front suspension employs an independent MacPherson strut configuration refined through the adoption of new-design coil springs, wishbones with front and rear bushes in rubber and metal, and a new beam design equipped with body attachments that are stiffer at the front and more flexible at the rear.

Rear suspension
The rear set-up comprises a lightweight torsion beam axle, with inclined hydraulic dampers to minimise luggage compartment intrusions. This system combines minimal weight and bulk with improved comfort and handling characteristics.

Hydraulic bushes attaching the axle to the body not only admit less noise and create less vibration, but also create a toe-in effect at the wheels for maximum stability. Angled damper positions reduce wheel arch intrusion into the luggage compartment to a minimum.

A folded steel twisting beam allied to a hollow cross-section anti-roll bar combines optimum torsional stiffness with an optimised front and rear weight distribution.

ends...

For further information please contact:

PETER NEWTON Public Relations Director

or

Puneet Joshi Press Officer

Fiat Auto (UK) Limited

Tel: 01753 511431

Fax: 01753 516871

E-mail addresses: peter.newton@fiat.com/puneet.joshi@fiat.com

This press release is also available on www.newspress.co.uk