20 Jun 01
Italian saloon-car styling didn't get any more angular than this, but under the boxy shell of the Fulvia lay superb refinement and attention to detail. It might have lacked 'luxurious' wood and leather trim (it seemed a bit austere inside for the high price) but the Fulvia offered an out-of-its-class drive with a superb ride and a solid, over-engineered luxury feeling to everything, from the way the doors shut to the action of the gearchange. The engine was a smooth, free-revving gem that would serve in the rally-winning coupe (although it struggled a little in early 1098 cc form in the sedan) while front drive and disc brakes all round made the Fulvia brilliantly driveable too. Later five-speed 1298 cc versions were the best, but you'll struggle to find one that isn't rusty.
