It’s fitting that Fiat should support and sponsor this sparkling event – Viva Italia is a celebration of the very best in Italian products, fashion, travel, entertainment and cuisine that go together to make Italy such a fascinating country. The show runs from Friday 5 October to Sunday 7 October at London’s National Hall, Olympia.

As well as two examples of the new Fiat 500, which has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from both the media and public, Fiat’s show stand will also exhibit the company’s successful new Grande Punto supermini, the Panda city car and the sporting new Bravo hatchback, launched here in July.

The sporting Grande Punto became Europe’s best-selling car after its international launch in 2005, and has proved very popular with UK buyers since its introduction here in early 2006. A large model range includes two petrol and two diesel engines, a choice of three or five doors, and eight trim levels.  The car on display will feature an advanced new T-Jet 120bhp version, which has just gone on sale in the UK.

Fiat’s evergreen Panda provides a variety of engines and trim levels to offer something for everyone when it comes to town cars. Topped by the responsive 1.4-litre 16-valve 100HP variant, the broad range also includes a 4x4 version and a choice of economical petrol or diesel engines featuring ultra-low exhaust emissions.

Brought from drawing board to production in just 18 months, the mid-size Fiat Bravo hatchback has already created great interest and critical acclaim, and has just become available here with the 120bhp version of Fiat Group Automobiles’ new T-Jet engine, increasing the UK range size to 15 versions.