THE launch of Fiat's new sporty Stilo was timed to coincide with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher chalking up his first Grand Prix victory of the year, but so far "Schuee" has not managed to come up with the goods.

However, not to be put off by this (surely!) momentary lapse of performance, Fiat's new limited edition Stilo, aptly named the Schumacher. has still gone on sale here, only 200 of them, and available in any colour as long as it is Ferrari red!

The three-door Stilo Schumacher is available in two different configurations: either standard or GP. Prices start at £15,767 on the road for the standard version, rising to £16,995 for the GP.

The standard model is fitted with a 170bhp five cylinder engine, and is kitted out with a new, specially commissioned bodykit, has exclusive kick plates and pedals, a powerful hi-fi sound system with steering wheel audio controls, CD, MP3 player and subwoofer, anti-lock braking, electronic stability and traction control, dual zone climate control, Schumacher logos, and a plaque numbered appropriately from UK001 to UK200.

The GP version features a unique UK-based chassis development undertaken to bring the car to the level of best in class. Carried out in conjunction with Prodrive, the high- profile UK specialist automotive engineering concern, this intensive programme has led to the production of an aftermarket handling package known as the Stilo GP kit. Much of the road testing was carried out on UK roads.

The kit includes front and rear road springs manufactured by Eibach, Bilstein front struts and rear dampers, 18-inch OZ Superturismo alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, and a stainless steel rear silencer with twin outlet pipes.

The kit was created to produce a more sporty car, both in terms of looks and driver involvement, and designed to appeal to customers wanting something special in the hot hatch market.

Stilo Schumacher GP has a slight nose-down stance compared with the standard car, (approximately 25mm lower at the front, and 17mm at the rear), with uniform wheel arch clearances front and rear. It is powered by Fiat Auto's twin overhead camshaft five-cylinder 20V engine.

Overall, the Stilo Schumacher GP is meant to give customers the option of creating a more sporty looking and handling car, capable of taking on other head-turning performers such as the Ford Focus ST170 and Vauxhall Astra SRi turbo.

Dealers: Peter Chapman Motors, Thornton Road Industrial Estate, Pickering (phone 01751 474488).

Piccadilly Fiat, Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough (phone 0800 085 8555)

Updated: 09:18 Friday, May 27, 2005