Insurance is likely to be one of the biggest costs – even the lesser powered cars are group 17 – rising to group 20 for the 20v Turbo models. The turbo cars get through front tyres quickly while Fiat parts can be expensive. Avoid repairs and maintenance at Fiat dealers though and find a reliable specialist. There are plenty about and they not only charge less but offer a better service too.

The standard 16v model averages an acceptable 30mpg but the 20v turbocharged cars are more thirsty, capable of 28mpg while emitting 240g/km of CO2.

There are few mechanical problems but numerous niggling electrical faults are commonplace. Early 16V units are painfully impractical to have serviced: even basic maintenance requires the engine to be taken out.