Fiat Sedici (06-11) - Review

The Sedici was initially launched in April 2006 with one engine - a 1.6-litre petrol with 107bhp. With an on-demand four-wheel drive system and slick five-speed gearbox it sprints from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, but it needs to be revved hard to get that performance out of it. It can be noisy as a result and also lacks response when pulling in-gear. A few months later a 1.9-litre MultiJet diesel was introduced and it is easily superior to the petrol. It's actually slower on paper, with 0-62mph taking 11.2 seconds, but it comes with a six-speed gearbox and the shorter ratios mean it feels relaxed and builds speed more easily. In August 2008 a front-wheel drive version of the Sedici was launched - it's the cheapest model in the range and comes with the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Performance is identical to the four-wheel drive version but emissions are lower (making it cheaper to tax) and economy is marginally better at 42mpg compared to 40mpg.

The Sedici has a relatively firm ride, with an almost sporty feel to it. It results in a reassuringly composed feel when steering the Sedici through a series of bends and there's not too much bodyroll either. It's also competent off-road too. Although it doesn't have an extra set of low ratio gears, it can be switched to 'automatic' four-wheel drive mode or even locked in permanent 4x4 mode. The Sedici has almost as much ground clearance as a Land Rover Freelander and enough power in four-wheel drive mode to cope with mild inclines and wet fields. Locking 4WD sees the Sedici make light work of moderately muddy conditions.