Fiat has gone four-wheel drive mad. At this year's Geneva Motorshow, a third of its huge stand was given over to the 'QUATTROXQUATTROXTUTTI' tag, which sounds full of typical Italian flamboyance, but actually just means '4x4 for everyone'. We're already familiar with the Panda 4x4, but with the proliferation of the SUV it was only a matter of time before Fiat produced another. This offering is not actually in the form of a traditional SUV, instead combining elements of a hatchback, MPV and SUV in one car. The name means sixteen in Italian (four times four; get it?).

Reading Fiat's press material on the Sedici, it is clear that the new car is intended to be a jack of all trades. Fiat claims that it is compact and stylish on the outside, yet spacious and practical on the inside; it supposedly drives like a regular car yet can tackle more demanding terrain. We quite like the styling, drawn in collaboration with Italdesign and shared with Suzuki's new SX4. The Sedici is quite distinctive, yet pretty. The roof rails, rear underbody protection and large Volvo-esque grille give the car a purposeful look, the same in spirit as the Allroad Audi estates thanks to its generous ground clearance.

The interior of the Sedici is typically no-nonsense Fiat, which means practicality above tactility. All seats are comfortable and spacious and the boot is a decent size too. At launch there are just two trim levels (Dynamic and Emotion) and two engine options (1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre turbodiesel), though full UK prices and specifications have yet to be released.

Shane O' Donoghue - 22 Mar 2006