Fiat - Marea & Weekend

Marea has a lot in common with the Bravo/Brava hatchbacks, sharing some engines and a common chassis. It's hardly surprising that it's enjoyably spirited to drive.
Fiat's image as a builder of small cars does Marea no favours, but look beyond UK buyers' preconceptions and you'll find a bargain. It's roomy enough for the family, and although the Weekend estate isn't common, it's practical with good load space.
Keen drivers will be won over by precise, taut responses, confident handling and grippy roadholding that make the best of the eager engines. The basic 1.6 is lively; other petrol units include the zestful 150bhp 2.0 20v. Turbodiesels are enjoyable, too, especially the five-cylinder 2.4 also used in the Alfa 156. Fuel economy is good, and overall running costs are very reasonable.
Safety is only so-so (Bravo scored two NCAP stars). Older cars can look tired, although reliability is not an issue.