FIAT AUTO will introduce direct injection petrol engines in 2002 offering company car drivers access to lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Fleet director Richard Hogarth confirmed the introduction of the new technology in response to criticism that some Alfa Romeos will be subject to high tax bands under the new emissions-based company car tax system to be introduced in April 2002.

V6 models in the 156 and 166 ranges will be taxed at 35 per cent of their P11D prices under the new system, meaning high mileage drivers could see their annual company car tax bills increase by 133 per cent.

Hogarth said: 'The V6 engine will certainly continue in our range, and people who are able to choose Alfas are normally able to choose a PCP scheme or opt for cash-for-car.

'Alfa Romeo will always be our sports brand and we will continue to offer cars that are extremely aggressively priced and focus on the benefits of our JTD 156 and forthcoming JTD 147.

'But in the middle of 2002 we will see the first Alfas with direct injection petrol engines, which will be significantly more powerful than conventional petrol engines while being more fuel efficient and offer drivers the advantages of lower carbon dioxide emissions.'