THE Stilo, Fiat Auto's new mid-size three and five-door hatchback, is due to be launched in the United Kingdom early next year. It made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and has recently gone on sale in Italy, Germany and France, with Spain to follow shortly.

Designed and styled in-house by Fiat Centro Stile, it is set to become a major competitor in a European segment that is worth almost four million cars per year, including almost 600,000 units or 25.7 per cent of the UK market in 2000.

The full range of engine options will be available, including JTD and 170 bhp 2.4 litre five-cylinder petrol units.