In the year 2001, Fiat began to produce the Stilo, a small family automobile. It was unveiled as a successor to the Fiat Bravo and Fiat Brava vehicles.
The Fiat Stilo is available in numerous versions, including as a three door or five door hatchback, and as a station wagon. For its safety features, the Fiat Stilo received four stars from the European NCAP.
The styling of the Fiat Stilo was the subject of mixed reviews. Many critics felt that the design of the car was too German looking and bland. The excessive weight of the car was also attacked, as was its semi rigid rear axle, which many viewed as a step backwards from that of the Bravo. A lot of people found the Fiat Stilo to be unappealing for these reasons.
But the critics did not stop there. They also attacked the Configuration range, feeling that it was underpowered. The fuel economy of the vehicle was also considered to be quite poor for its class, owing to the heavy weight and transmission of the vehicle. The Selespeed gearbox was viewed as rather slow in its reactions and not appropriate for a high powered Abarth version.
The Fiat Stilo still won praise for its brakes, however.
