Fiat is a very good make. Today alas, they have a range which is a little bit too shy. But the Panda II and Idea are very good cars. Though, we are waiting for the new Croma, hoping that it will be a success, like a Laguna, a 3series, a 407 or a Passat.
I'm currently in Italy, in Torino, for 6 months and there are many Fiat here.
Your Tipo 1.4 could be comparated to a 307 1.6 or a Golf 1.6 because these new cars are more heavy.