Fiat Sedici Review (2006 to date)

Quick Summary

The Sedici is shaping up to be a very smart used buy indeed. While the depreciation curve is still rather steep, in a year or so there should be some very attractively priced examples around that will shrug off British weather and driving conditions like few other compact cars.

Overall:

Models Covered: Sedici – 2006-to date, five-door hatchback (1.6 petrol, 1.9 diesel [ Dynamic, Eleganza] )

SUITE SIXTEEN

On the face of it, the UK market probably was never crying out for a Fiat family hatch with four wheel drive but it got one anyway and, once sampled, it has to be said that the Sedici is really rather good fun. Fiat's problem is that it had difficulty getting enough people to give it a go and it hasn't been a notable success. Not that it has cost Fiat much, the Sedici effectively being a restyled and rebranded Suzuki SX4. It's well built and has slipped under the popular radar which tends to spell a very good used buy.
Used Fiat Sedici for sale

History of the Sedici

A classic example of manufacturers sharing a platform to keep costs down, the Sedici project is a minor diversion for Fiat. Aware that they needed a lifestyle product that didn't fit into the rather tired established categories, Fiat cast around for a partner and came up with Suzuki. A deal was struck which involved Suzuki getting access to Fiat diesel engines and Fiat took thirty per cent of the 60,000 cars that rolled out of the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary and rebadged them Sedicis. Only sold in the European market, the Sedici is an accomplished product and one that is quite unlike any other Fiat currently sold – for obvious reasons. It appeared in British dealers in April 2006 and while it puzzled many, it's well worth a look if you can turn up a used example.
Used Fiat Sedici for sale

Fiat Sedici Road Test

Though it's no Land Rover Freelander, this compact Fiat is endowed with some rather serious off-road artillery. It's been fitted with a clever on-demand 4x4 system which features an electronically controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes – 2WD, AUTO and LOCK – activated via a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console. This simple, intuitive, electronic solution does away with the need for any cumbersome and intrusive transfer box gearlevers. At the heart of the new 4x4 transmission is an electromagnetically operated dry multi-plate clutch coupling system that modulates the transfer of torque electronically, according to demand from either axle.In 2WD mode, used during normal driving conditions, the 4x4 system transmits all engine torque to the front axle, reaping the benefits of a traditional front-wheel drive transmission – improved fuel economy, less mechanical wear and lower emissions. When driving in adverse weather conditions, or on surfaces with low levels of grip, the Sedici driver can select on-demand 4x4 simply by setting the transmission control switch to AUTO. In this mode, the transmission employs the ABS anti-lock brake sensors to detect relative slip levels between front and rear axles and, generating electrical pulses which activate the electromagnetic clutch plate coupling system, intervenes where necessary. The system's AUTO setting automatically modulates torque distribution between the front and rear axle, transmitting all torque to the front wheels under the majority of normal driving conditions, whilst optimising torque transfer to the rear axle when the sensors detect low grip, or in anticipation of loss of traction during acceleration.As its name suggests, LOCK splits engine torque equally between front and rear axles, to ensure prompt and stable take-off in mud, snow, sand or other adverse conditions. This 50:50 torque split is maintained up to speeds of 37 mph, above which the system automatically reverts to the AUTO mode. The Sedici's combination of short 895 mm front and 720 mm rear overhangs and high 190 mm ground clearance make it surprisingly well suited to challenging off-road conditions, with approach, departure and break-over angles (the maximum angle of incidence that may be undertaken without the body touching the ground) of 20.3, 31.1 and 18.1 degrees respectively. The car will also readily climb gradients of 33%.Most of the time of course, you'll be using the car on tarmac and here, it's as quiet and unassuming a companion as any other modern family hatch. The 1.6-litre petrol powerplant has 107bhp at its disposal and plenty of poke (sixty from rest is 10.8 away en route to 106mph) while the manual gearbox is light, slick and positive. At the pumps, owners should return around 40mpg in regular use. The 120bhp diesel is all torque with 280Nm of the stuff coursing through the wheels at 2,050rpm (the petrol manages 145Nm at 4,000rpm). It can sprint to 60mph in 11.2s but feels quicker than the petrol in real world driving. Top speed is 112mph and you should get around 43mpg.
Used Fiat Sedici for sale

Buying a Fiat Sedici

The Fiat Sedici is a little unusual if you're accustomed to contemporary Fiats insofar as it's basically a Suzuki. This means that although the cabin doesn't feel as plush as modern Fiat products, the electronics and the basic engineering is likely to be more durable. That said, probably the highlight of the range is the Fiat-sourced 1.9-litre diesel engine and these just go on and on. Make sure you have a good look under the car at the exhaust system and the suspension for signs of over enthusiastic off roading. Reject anything that looks as if it's been passed over a belt sander.
Used Fiat Sedici for sale

Fiat Sedici Typical Pricing

Although most of the cars around at the moment will be ex-demonstrator models, private Sedicis are starting to filter onto the used market. For the time being expect to pay around £8,800 for a 1.6-litre Dynamic model and £10,750 for a 1.9 Dynamic. Insurance is relatively cheap with groupings ranging between 7 and 9.
Used Fiat Sedici for sale

Fiat Sedici Parts

(approx based on an 1.6 Dynamic inc VAT) Spark plugs are £7 a piece while rear brake pads tot up to £45 per pair while fronts are £55 a set. Expect to pay around £15 for a fuel filter and £9 for an oil filter.
Used Fiat Sedici for sale