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Fiat Stilo Hatchback engines, drive and performance

2002 - 2007 (change model)
Performance rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

The 1.2 is too small for this class of car and can really struggle, especially when fully laden. The 1.4 makes life a bit easier and is suited to town driving. 1.6 sounds good and is easy to get along with – it’s the best petrol engine if you mix town and motorway driving. The 1.8 is quick, but isn’t pleasingly quick. Five-cylinder 2.4 provides plenty of power for straight-line acceleration, but is out of place on twisty roads.

The 1.9 JTD is an impressive engine – powerful, refined and very economical.

Softly sprung for gentle family motoring. It steers well and parks easily, but there’s a bit too much bodyroll. Three-door is stiffer and more sporty, has a more agile feel and more responsive. Roadholding is good, the ride is comfortable and at times it can feel quite entertaining. The five-door feels more wieldy, because of the extra height and slower steering.

Rivals from Ford, Volkswagen and Vauxhall offer a more rewarding drive. Limited edition Schumacher version has an optional GP suspension set-up that significantly improves the handling.