FIAT is poised to package luxury car equipment and features into a new kind of family car when it introduces the Stilo range later this year. The three and five-door hatchback models will boast pacesetting technology in packages that have distinctly different driving characteristics, claims Fiat Auto marketing chief Juan Jose Diaz Ruiz.

'Stilo will move our brand upwards with a combination of quality and innovation. This is a third millennium car that will be a big success,' said Ruiz when the Bravo and Brava replacement models made their public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The duo will reach Britain at the start of next year and the five-door will be positioned to challenge the growing mini-MPV segment. Petrol engines in the Stilo are likely to range from 1.2 to 2.0 litres and there will be two common rail turbodiesel engines, including the established 1.9-litre JTD unit. The rear seat can be moved backwards or forwards and it has taller styling to provide extra interior space.

All versions of the Stilo will be available with eight airbags and VDC - electronic gadgetry that cuts engine output when sensors detect the onset of a loss of tyre grip. Other safety features include anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and adaptive cruise control, which operates via radar to adjust speed relative to traffic conditions, will also be on offer.