FIAT'S POCKET ROCKET (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY CLAIRE EVANS

Introductionword count: 152

The Fiat Coupe is one of the finest affordable sports coupe you can buy. It may be far removed from other Italian legends like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it shares their most important ingredient: passion. And just like the greats, the Coupe is a car that's been visualised, designed and created by enthusiasts. It comes in two guises: the standard 2.0-litre 16v or 20V model and the flagship Turbo 16v or 20v. The two later five-cylinder 20v models are worth the extra money - particularly the 220bhp Turbo variant, which really offers supercar performance on a budget. A real flyer, it will reach 60mph from rest in under seven seconds. When new, this Fiat cost a shade over £20,000, but now the earliest four-cylinder turbo versions can be yours for as little as £4,700, thanks to the unadventurous nature of many British motorists, which has helped prices reduce on the secondhand market.

Modelsword count: 25

Models Covered: 1995-2000: First generation Coupe - 1995-1996 2.0 16V, 2.0 16V Turbo Second generation Coupe - 1996 - 2000 2.0 20V, 2.0 20V Turbo

Historyword count: 169

When the Coupe was first unleashed onto Britain's roads in June 1995, it was offered with a choice of two 16-valve powerplants: a normally aspirated 2.0-litre and a Turbo. These were superseded in December 1996, by the livelier 20-valve units. At the same time the model was given a minor makeover, making it easy for potential buyers to check at a glance which version they're looking at. Post 1996 cars feature Fiat's horizontally slatted corporate front grille and a high level brake light at the rear. Smaller details set them apart on the inside, too. These included a new centre console, uprated stereo and an improved heating and ventilation system. After this, Fiat sensibly chose not to alter this car's winning formula. It did however, for a short period at the end of 1998, augment the line-up by offering enthusiasts a Limited Edition version fitted with a six-speed gearbox, uprated brakes, leather trim, air conditioning and a push-button starter. The Coupe was finally discontinued in the Summer of 2000.

What You Getword count: 264

Coupes are lifestyle machines, so they come well equipped enough to ensure that you can impress your neighbours and work colleagues. This means even the cheapest version has driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, electric front windows and powered mirrors. Also included are front fog lamps, remote control central locking and power steering. However, a sunroof or (until recently) air conditioning was optional, so it's worthwhile hunting down a car with 'air' because it's a desirable feature and helps when the time comes to sell on. Sit yourself behind the chunky three-spoke wheel and there are designer cues everywhere. First and foremost of course is the body-coloured metal strip that wraps itself around the entire cabin. Then there's the Pininfarina signature on the dashboard and the drilled throttle pedal, all evidence that Fiat and Pininfarina set out to design the car they wanted to design. Fortunately, the traditional Italianate driving position (aimed at gawky individuals with long arms and short legs) doesn't materialise once behind the wheel. The sports seats, steering wheel and pedals are all well sited and the wheel is both height and reach-adjustable. Despite those sweeping lines, this is a reasonably practical car - by coupe standards anyway. All right, so there isn't a rear hatch, but you can fit more than a jack and a warning triangle in the boot - though the opening could be wider. And, as long as they're not too tall, you can just about get two adults in the back - though they'll be pretty familiar with each other by the end of the trip.

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