New Fiat Sedici

The New Fiat Sedici, Italian for sixteen, is what you get when you multiply 4x4 and says everything about the car’s off-road ability. It adopts a new on-demand 4x4 system with central differential that combines the performance of a true off-roader with the driving comfort of a road vehicle. As road conditions decline and grip is lost, the system acts as a 4x4 transmission, automatically modulating torque distribution between the front and rear axle to increase vehicle safety.

At the touch of the button, you can select one of the three operating modes (2WD, AUTO and LOCK) without the need for a separate gear lever. In 2WD mode, only the front wheels transmit torque which is better suited for normal driving conditions (dry road) and achieves the lowest fuel consumption possible. In AUTO mode, the distribution of torque between front and rear is controlled automatically. In LOCK mode, torque distribution is locked to ensure prompt, stable take-off under extreme conditions (sand, mud and snow). Under these conditions, the torque distribution ratio is 50 to 50 between front and rear axles. This mode is maintained up to 37 mph and then transfers to Auto mode to ensure a more comfortable drive.

Power
The Fiat Sedici comes equipped with a powerful and flexible 1600 cc petrol engine: this is a 4 cylinder inline unit with a bore of 78 millimetres and stroke of 83 mm (four valve per cylinder) that develops a power output of 79 kW (107 bhp) at 5600 rpm. The new engine is ideal for town driving and twisting roads and was developed with particular attention to performance and fuel consumption. It owes its qualities to a variable timing system that helps optimise torque and power at any speed.

The new engine is also fitted with a VVT (Variable Valve Timing) system that allows the intake and exhaust valve timing to be varied. This system optimises cylinder filling and also allows internal EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to be implemented by making intake and exhaust valve opening overlap for a considerable improvement in emission and performance.

Safety
From the outside, the Fiat Sedici conveys an impression of a solid, reliable and sturdy vehicle. This sensation is confirmed by the model’s build qualities, beginning with a body designed to the most up-to-date impact resistance standards: a rigid passenger compartment to protect occupants and high impact-absorbing capacity areas in exterior parts.

As far as preventive safety is concerned, the new model offers an ideal driving position to ensure drivers do not tire even on long runs. The instruments are easy to read and the controls easy to reach and operate. The passenger compartment is noiseless, the visibility is outstanding, the climate control system and the interior and exterior lighting are effective. These qualities do not ensure outstanding quality of life on their own but help the driver remain more alert and therefore ensure more complete control under all road conditions.

On the active safety front, the Fiat Sedici offers the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program(ESP) as an option, a system that cuts in under near-limit conditions when car stability is at risk and helps the driver to control the car. This combined with an electronically-controlled active differential plus a state-of-the-art braking system with ABS complemented by electric brakeforce distributor EBD. This divides braking action over all four wheels to prevent the rear wheels from locking and ensures a balanced car response under all conditions.

To ensure maximum passive safety, the new model also offers up to 6 airbags – 2 front bags, 2 sidebags and 2 curtain-bags (the latter are an option on top-of-the-range versions) – all controlled by an electronic control unit that assesses crash severity by means of sensors calibrated by means of a series of crashes conducted in the laboratory. Other standard features include front seat-belts with pretensioner and load limiter, three-point rear seat-belts, energy-absorbing steering wheel and ISOFIX attachment on the rear seats.

from £12850