Fiat is determined to be taken seriously in the off-road market. At the Bologna motor show, it revealed a 'Hummer-like' concept called the Oltre.
It is based on the Iveco LMV, a new military vehicle but boasts a luxuriously trimmed leather cabin.
It tips the scales at seven tonnes and is five metres long, while its styling combines military themes with American SUV cues. However, it's really a PR exercise to draw attention to the new range of 4x4 Fiats launched at the Bologna show.
First up is the new Fiat Sedici, built in conjunction with Suzuki. It's the size of a large family hatchback - but in SUV guise - and the name comes from the Italian for 16 (as in 4x4 - very smart). It is due to be launched in February.
The Sedici is available in two specifications and with two power units: a 107 bhp 1.6-litre 16v petrol and 120 bhp 1.9-litre Multijet diesel). It also features an adaptable four wheel drive system that varies between two and four-wheel-drive.
Fiat also introduced its Panda Cross, a new edition to the Panda 4x4 range, with a more chunky look. and the addition of an electronic differential lock with LD (Locking Differential) function as standard.
Meanwhile Suzuki is set to launch its product from the Sedici joint venture - the SX4 - at the Geneva Motor show next March. Billed as a crossover hatchback, the SX4 includes a number of physical and design differences from its Italian counterpart; such as the chunkier wheel arches that now feature on both the new Swift and Grand Vitara.
The SX4, due to be luanched in April will also have the option of a low-cost front-wheel-drive variant. The range will come with a choice of two petrol engines - a 99bhp 1.5-litre unit and a 107bhp 1.6-litre - or a Fiat-derived 1.9-litre DDiS diesel.
Prices will be announced next year.