A front-wheel drive version of Fiat’s Sedici compact SUV model has just gone on sale throughout Fiat’s 168-strong dealer network.

The new Sedici 4x2 has all the style and versatility of its four-wheel drive counterpart, but without its depth of off-roading capability. This means that the cost has been kept down to a highly competitive level.

At just £9,999 OTR, this newest addition to the Sedici range is designed to compete aggressively against competitors in an increasingly spirited and buoyant sector of the car market.

“The compact SUV segment is one of the best performing in the UK market,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat UK. “And the choice available for the consumer is expanding, regardless of the current economic situation.

“The rise of the 4x2 SUV is especially notable in the small to medium sector, and we are delighted to offer an excellent proposition of our own in this area. Sedici 4x2 is stylish, versatile and offers fantastic value for money with its incredible price.”

The new addition to the Sedici range comes with a proven 1.6-litre 16-valve engine and is based on the current Sedici Dynamic trim level, but with front-wheel drive transmission instead of the all-wheel drive system.  Inside, the only difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 vehicles is the absence of the drivetrain switch button on the central console next to the handbrake.

A host of standard equipment, including four airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, ABS anti-lock brakes, power steering, air conditioning and front fog lights all feature as standard on the new two-wheel drive car.

Additionally, the new entry comes with a limited-edition introductory offer of free extra equipment worth £875. The equipment includes: free metallic paint (Hard Rock Black), free dark tinted rear windows and free 16-inch alloy wheels. Just 120 of the introductory offer cars were available as Sedici 4x2 went on sale.

The Fiat Sedici 4x4 was launched in the UK in April 2006 and was the company’s first entry into the compact SUV market sector.