The compact sedan made by Fiat's joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile was launched last week. Equipped with a 1.4-liter T-JET engine, it has two transmission options: 5-speed manual and six-speed dual clutch.

The Viaggio produces peak power of 110Kw/5500rpm and offers maximum torque of 230Nm/3000rpm. It can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 207km/h. The model is 4679mm long, 1850mm wide and 1471mm high. Its wheelbase is 2708mm.

Retailing between 108,800 and 158,800 yuan, the Viaggio goes head-to-head with a slew of other models including the Volkswagen Sagitar, Ford Focus and Honda Civic.

Fiat has high hopes for the Viaggio, its first China-made model since the Italian carmaker's joint venture with Nanjing Automobile stopped production in 2007.