Overview
Originally, its petrol engines were the 1242 cc DOHC 16 valve engine also powering the Punto and Lancia Ypsilon with an output of 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) combined with a 6 speed manual gearbox, a 103 PS, 1.6 L with a 5 speed manual gearbox (The 1.6 was also available with a 6 speed manual gearbox, but these are quite rare) a 133 PS, 1.8 L, again with a 5 speed manual gearbox and a 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp), 5 cylinder, 2.4 L engine combined with Fiat's Selespeed 5 speed semi-automatic gearbox, also used on the Alfa Romeo 147. An 8 valve, 1.9 JTD unit with 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp), 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp), 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp), 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) or 16 valve 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) and 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) diesel unit were/are also available.
The Stilo's styling received mixed reviews, with many journalists and enthusiasts criticising it as being too bland and too German-looking (somewhat ironically as the styling of the preceding Bravo and Brava had been criticised for being too "Italian"). Critics also attacked the car's excessive weight and its semi-independent rear torsion beam suspension / twist-beam rear suspension, (like a previous generation Volkswagen Golf), which was seen as a step backwards from the acclaimed fully independent rear suspension used in the Bravo/Brava, and which resulted in handling many found uninspired and uninvolving. Although the Bravo/Brava IRS was prone to suspension bush wear. The engine range, particularly the 1.2 litre petrol, was also criticised for being underpowered. The car's fuel economy was also seen as poor for its class, a result of the car's heavy weight and the transmission, which used very long gear ratios. Another point of criticism was the Selespeed gearbox, which was seen as too slow in its reactions and particularly inappropriate for the high-powered Abarth version. Nevertheless, the car won praise for its high levels of grip (aided by the unusually wide tires) and its brakes.
In the UK, different trim levels available are/were: Active, Active Aircon, Blue, Dynamic, Sporting, Abarth, GT, Prestigio, Xbox limited edition, Michael Schumacher and the Schumacher GP, with general modifications by British car specialists, Prodrive.
The Stilo was the first car worldwide to use the TRW Column-Drive Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) technology later introduced on the 2003 Nissan Micra & Renault Megane.
As the Stilo model range has aged, the amount of equipment from the options list has now been lessened. The Stilo was originally offered in some markets with a radar guided cruise control option; it included sensors in the front bumper and rear of the car to adjust the speed of the car according to other vehicles' speed. This was soon dropped as it became apparent that other interferences were creating undesired results for the driver. A keyless entry, named 'Easy Go', push button start, similar in function to Citroen's, Mercedes's and BMW Mini's systems, was also an available option.
For MY2006 the Stilo was updated with a new front grille, different seat fabric, a relocation of the electric mirror controls from the window control console to just behind the gear stick. The entry models also had the centre arm-rest removed (which when in the downward position prevented comfortable use of the handbrake as in the Audi A3) and the deletion of the rear air vent.
The Stilo was ultimately a sales disappointment. An extensive advertising campaign using Formula 1 stars Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello did little to aid the car's sales. In 2004, the 1242 cc engine was dropped in favour of the Punto's 1.4 L unit, increasing the car's power to 95 bhp (71 kW), again combined with the 6 speed gearbox. Also, the tail lights were altered and the Abarth version gained a manual gearbox instead of the Selespeed.
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