The Sedici is reasonably able off the road and on it, though the two-wheel drive Suzuki SX4, which is essentially the same car, undercuts it on price.

What's new? A small SUV, like the Suzuki SX-4 - the pair are same underneath and both are built by Suzuki in Hungary. Suzuki’s alternative is 2wd or 4wd; Fiat is offering 4wd only. This is the first time we’ve driven the Sedici in the UK.What's it like? The 1.6-litre Sedici is a pretty decent thing: it rides reasonably, steers and handles tidily and the engine, though not a paragon of refinement, is respectably punchy. This is a guilt-free 4x4, too: at 39.8mpg on the combined cycle, the Sedici’s fuel consumption is at least as good as a regular small family hatch’s. It’s also pretty handy off-road: light and agile, finding traction where you wouldn’t expect it to.There’s no low-ratio, though, and the anti-lock doesn’t work below 4mph, so slippery, lengthy descents are not the Sedici’s strength.Should I buy one? By all means. The Sedici is about the same size inside as a modern supermini, feels well assembled and is able dynamically. Certainly there is no notable reason to avoid it. 

Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes. 

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