Just a quick question,
Is the bonnet made of steel? I thought I'd read somewhere that it was a composite material but I may be getting confused in my old age.

Steel

If in doubt, try the old magnet trick, unless it is full of body filler.

A magnet is usefull when purchasing used cars. Just run it over the bodywork to check for thick areas of body filler which could indicate repairs (rust or crash damage)

I suppose a mixture of steel and body filler could technically be called "composite"

It is steel, and will rust quickly if unchecked stonechips are allowed to fester. It's also damned heavy too. Which is why a chap on here, based in Poland (Mariusz) is developing a glass-fibre bonnet instead, plus you cannot get replacements from Fiat anymore as the bonnet press machines in Italy have all worn, and can't create a good enough bonnet shape.

the bonnet is galvanised so it takes rust a lot longer

i didn't think they had heard of galvanising in italy!!
must be a new thing!!

Wouldn't a lighter bonnet cause less grip on the front as there would be alot less weight? Or am I being a twit?

Although a fibreglass bonnet will be lighter, the overall heaviest weight at the front end is the Engine itself. Compared to the weight of the bonnet, having a light one shouldn't cause issues with grip.

My 1988 Croma has about 40% of body parts galvanized and has no sign of the dreaded "tin worm".

My 1993 Sedicivalvole Tipo has no signs of rust either.

Its just pre Tipo models that were not galvanises