Fiat Freemont: Is this suitable for India?

27/01/2011 - 08:30 ,  ,   Kaustubh Shinde

Fiat is all set to unveil the Freemont SUV at Geneva Motorshow in March – its first product that is a result of the Fiat – Chrysler JV. The SUV will be on sale in Europe by the beginning of June this year.

Fiat

The Freemont is a 7 seater SUV built on the Dodge Journey platform. Fiat has slotted its own engine under the bonnet – a 2.0-liter MultiJet turbo diesel with 140 or 170 horsepower. Initially the SUV will only be available in front wheel drive but a four-wheel drive and auto-equipped 168bhp model will follow suit.

The SUV is equipped is equipped with:

  • Airbags
  • Active head restraints
  • Electronic stability control (ESC) with all-speed traction control
  • Electronic roll mitigation and brake assist
  • New driver-side knee blocker airbag
  • Supplemental side-curtain airbags covering all three rows
  • Supplemental front-seat-mounted side airbags
  • Our’s-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
  • LATCH child seat anchor system
  • Trailer sway control.

This SUV is (as of now) only limited to US and Europe. But Fiat needs a SUV under its portfolio in India. After all, all the major manufacturers have got one already under their sleeves.

Fiat

Currently, Fiat India only has 2 products under its portfolio – Linea and Punto. Clearly, a portfolio which is this small in not a sign of a company that wants to play in the long run.

And considering Fiat’s plans of establishing a fully dedicated sales network India, a SUV like the Freemont must find its way pretty soon.

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