Designed in Italy at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Centro Stile, and developed in Turkey together with Tofaş R&D, one of FCA's largest research and development centres, the new model will be manufactured in the Bursa plant in Turkey.

The new sedan is currently known as “Fiat Aegea Project” in recognition of the strategic importance of FIAT Chrysler Automobiles’ Turkish operations since the first joint venture between what was then known as Fiat Group and Koç Holding commenced in 1968.

Sales will commence in Turkey in November 2015 and will gradually expand into more than 40 countries in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region. The possibility of UK version of the FIAT Aegea Project is still under evaluation at this time.

The front end of the Aegea project is characterised by a sculpted bonnet, with central ribbing that stretches across the roof to create a continuous line, and a broad grille with chrome-effect accents, flanked by swept-back headlamp clusters.

At 4.5m in length, 1.78m in width and 1.48m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.64m, the Fiat Aegea Project has been designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably and cater for their luggage as well, with a load capacity of over 510 litres. A range of efficient engines will be available – two MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines and two petrol units with power outputs of between 95 and 120hp. Available with manual and automatic transmissions (depending on engine) it is worth noting that the diesel engines are particularly fuel-efficient: upwards of 70 mpg (comparable to that of a city car) is possible.

Inside, the Fiat Aegea project benefits from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Uconnect™ infotainment system equipped with a five-inch colour touch screen; hands-free Bluetooth calling with audio streaming, SMS text reader and voice recognition; AUX and USB ports with iPod integration; steering wheel controls and, on request, a rear parking camera and TomTom satellite navigation.