FIAT is an anagram of Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino which means Italian Automobile Factory of Turin and the city has been the company's home throughout its history. Original founder Giovanni Agnelli, ran the company for 46 years until his death in 1945 and the Agnelli family involvement has continued up to the present day. The Fiat Group also control other famous Italian marques including Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari and Maserati.

It's Fiat's small cars that have been the cornerstone of its success down the years with forays into manufacturing larger vehicles often proving less profitable. The themes of the original Cinquecento or 500 of the 1960s have been reprised by an all-new 500 model of late but many motorists will also have fond memories of the Uno, the Punto and the Panda.

Fiat's recent models have shown significant strides in terms of build quality and engine technology with the Multijet common-rail diesel engine range proving particularly successful. Fiat has fashioned itself into a modern, youthful and desirable brand with a wide range of models that runs from citycars and superminis through compact MPVs and 4x4s. All hold value for money as a key concept and all display that distinctive attitude and design flare that could only be Italian in origin.