Autoblog

Fiat has announced the on-sale date for its UK-bound Sedici softroader. The little all-wheel-drive supermini hits showrooms on April 22, with base versions stickering for £12,495 (nearly $22k in USD).

That's a substantial £2500 (almost $4,400) more than its Suzuki SX4 twin, but it comes standard with AWD, whereas the Japanese-branded model puts the power down through the front wheels (all-wheel-drive and diesel variants are expected later in 2006). In a surprise announcement, Suzuki let slip that it will sell the SX4 in North American showrooms just last month.

Regardless, the Fiat Sedici will roll onto forecourts with a 107 bhp 1.6-liter four-pot, followed by a larger 120 bhp 1.9-liter turbodiesel this summer.

Arguably a bit spendy (even taking into account Blighty's inherently inflated auto pricing structures), at least the Sedici is well-equipped. Entry level 'Dynamic' models have front/side airbags, air-con, power front windows/locks/mirrors, and a CD player. Those with a little extra graft (£13,495 or $23,635) have the option of going 'Eleganza,' which adds automatic climate control, 16" alloys, power rear windows, and redundant audio controls on the steering wheel.

[Sources: WhatCar?, Fiat]