Performance ****
The engine range includes a 1.6-litre with 103bhp 1.8-litre with 133bhp and a 1.9-litre diesel rated at 80bhp or 115bhp. The 1.6 is a free-revving motor, but struggles a little on motorways and hills, calling for plenty of gear changes to keep up with the flow of traffic. Diesels offer long-range economy with easy-going driveability.
Ride & handling **
Fiat has redesigned the rear suspension to provide more room in the load bay, but it doesn’t improve the wagon’s ride or handling over the hatch, both of which remain only average. Steering lacks feedback, while body control through bends is not the best.
Refinement ****
The Stilo engines impress with their smoothness and, while some are audible under acceleration, the sound you hear is a pleasant rasp. Wind noise gradually becomes more of an issue the faster you go, but it's only obvious once you reach motorway cruising speeds. Road noise is apparent over rough surfaces.

Buying & owning **
The Wagon costs an extra £500 over the five-door Stilo hatch, which represents a good deal of extra metal for your money. List prices are competitive against rivals, while you should be able to negotiate a healthy discount, too. Running costs should be reasonable, but we don’t expect the Multi Wagon to hold on to its value well.
Quality & reliability ***
Fiat has made an effort to get closer to the likes of VW, and it's been fairly successful, with good-quality switchgear and soft-touch plastics. Reliability, too, promises to be good. The Stilo's predecessor fared well, and as with most Fiat’s if things do go wrong, it should be relatively cheap to repair.
Safety & security ****
The Multi Wagon looks after its occupants well, with twin front and side airbags on all models and window and side rear ’bags available as options. Anti-lock brakes are a standard fitment across the range and there’s emergency brake assistance on top-spec cars. Deadlocks and a unique-fit stereos are fitted to all versions, while an alarm is available as an option.

Behind the wheel ***
Having both a reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver's seat makes for a comfortable driving position. The seat is high, however, and if you’re tall you could occasionally find yourself ducking down to get a clearer view out of the windscreen. Plastics give a quality feel, but the overall design is rather fussy and can require more concentration.
Space & practicality ****
The Multi Wagon offers a large, practically shaped boot space with a low floor that makes loading heavy items easy. Passenger space is plentiful, while sliding rear seats are a £235 option, but don’t fold flat like the standard tumbling bench arrangement so are best avoided. A separate opening rear windscreen is standard on higher-spec models.
Equipment ***
Three trim levels are available – Active, either with or without air-conditioning, and Dynamic. All versions have electric front windows and remote central locking, but only Dynamic versions have alloy wheels, climate control and a CD player. Options include reverse parking sensors, a CD changer and Fiat’s Connect system, which incorporates satellite-navigation, roadside assistance and information services.