The new Fiat Sedici, which goes on sale in the UK tomorrow, is Fiat's first entry in the compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) market.

In a steadily growing segment, the market share for vehicles with off-road capability has risen from 1.7 per cent in 1992 to the current level of more than six per cent for the entire European fleet, and the compact SUV arena continues to attract increasing public interest.

The new Fiat Sedici Italian for 16, in reference to its 4x4 drivetrain designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in conjunction with Fiat Centro Stile, is the end-product of a recent collaboration between Fiat Auto and Suzuki. Built at Suzuki's new Hungarian production facility, the new compact SUV made its international public debut at the recent Winter Olympic Games, held in Fiat's home city of Turin.

The new Sedici, priced from £12,495 on-the-road, will be available from launch in two trim levels Dynamic and Eleganza and powered by a 107 horsepower, 1.6-litre, 16-valve petrol engine mated to a five speed manual transmission. Later this year, the range will be extended by the arrival of a second powerplant Fiat's 120 horsepower 1.9 MultiJet turbodiesel, allied to a six-speed manual gearbox. Successfully combining SUV off-road performance with the dynamic agility of a front-wheel drive hatchback, the Fiat Sedici is fitted with a new, on-demand 4x4 system which features an electrically controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes 2WD, auto and lock activated by a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console.

The equipment specification includes anti-lock brakes, four airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows, air conditioning and an eight speaker radio/CD player fitted as standard.

The standard equipment package is boosted by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options such as tinted rear windows, leather upholstery, a Safety Pack incorporating full-length curtain airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), an MP3 player, a five-disc, centre console-mounted CD changer and Fiat's Connect NAV+ satellite navigation system.

The Sedici is expected to attract 1,000 buyers within its first 12 months on the UK market, with the Eleganza model accounting for more than 80 per cent of sales, and an equal overall split between petrol and diesel engine choice.