FIRST LOOK: Fiat Croma

Selling large cars has never been one of Fiat’s strong points, so the launch of the Croma is a brave move. The original Croma saloon launched in 1985 was poorly received by the UK market.

Maybe that is why it has steered away from a traditional saloon and instead created a stylish blend of estate, MPV and hatchback.

Fiat Auto UK has modest expectations of the Croma due here at the end of the year. The importer last month announced a business plan which has Punto, Panda and Idea at the core.

It is aimed at taking the pressure off its low volume larger models, which are planned to account for less than one in five sales next year.

Built on the same platform as Vectra and Cadillac BLS, the Guigaro-designed Croma will use GM-sourced petrol engines (136bhp 1.8 16v, 147bhp 2.2 16v) and Fiat’s own JTD turbodiesels (120bhp and 150bhp 1.9 Multijet and a new 200bhp 2.4 Multijet). Diesels have a six-speed gearbox; petrols a five-speed manual.