IAB Report - Fiat India plans 4 launches in 2014
Indian Autos Blog can reveal that Fiat India has plans to launch four models as part of this year's plan to increase its market share. Unlike Hyundai or Tata Motors, specific-to-India models would not come.
Fiat Punto Avventure
The biggest launch this year is the Fiat Punto Avventure soft crossover that we revealed this morning. The Avventure would have an updated exterior complete with additional plastic body panels, rugged bumper, new alloy wheel and exposed spare wheel for visual enrichment. The mechanical kit of the Punto hatchback would be retained.
Fiat Punto Abarth
The second model is the Fiat Punto Abarth. Powered by a 1.4-liter Multiair engine with 162 hp and 250 Nm of torque, this CBU model can touch 100 kph from a standstill in 7.9 seconds.
Fiat Linea facelift
Fiat is also planning a facelift for the Linea, and test mules have been spotted plenty of times revealing the details. The 2014 Linea is the same vehicle Fiat launched in Europe in early 2012, and suffice to say that it has taken Fiat excruciatingly long to launch a bunch of cosmetic updates to a car that's been on the market for five years, and competing in a segment that has stayed robust despite the market downturn.
The Linea facelift will come with added features like cruise control and reverse parking sensor. The dashboard will be updated for a modern feel, and expect some mild changes to the cabin color, trim and upholstery.
Fiat Punto facelift
The Punto facelift is the final model in the year's business plan. Fiat could either use the same design language from the latest Punto in the European market, or carry out minor changes instead.
To avail the duty cut reserved to small cars, Fiat cannot use bigger engines (1.4-liter T-Jet is available to the European Punto), but can have sporty-looking variants.
