5 things we know about the Fiat Toro - IAB Picks

Here are 5 things we know about Fiat's upcoming Toro pickup which was spotted undisguised in Brazil recently:

Market launch in early-2016

According to Brazilian reports, the Fiat Toro will have its market launch only in early-2016. Though it was initially planned to launch in mid-2015, various deadlines were extended, and as a result, a launch during February 2016 is on the cards, reports Autoesporte.

'Barn-type' rear door

Unlike other pickups, wherein the loading deck door opens downwards, the Toro has sideways opening 'barn-type' doors, to facilitate easier loading. Fiat aims to pitch the Toro as a lifestyle pickup truck, and naturally expects owners to carry adventure equipment like surf-boards and ATVs.

Based on the Jeep Renegade platform

The Fiat Toro is not based on a ladder-frame chassis, instead it uses a modified version of the Jeep Renegade's monocoque Small-Wide platform. The monocoque chassis is expected to give the Toro superior ride and handling characteristics, further justifying its title as a SUP (Sport Utility Pickup).

Engines

The Toro is likely to be powered by a 2.0-liter Multijet turbo-diesel engine and a 1.8-liter E.torQ flex-fuel gasoline engine. The Toro will use manual and automatic transmissions.

Aims for the Renault Duster Oroch

The Duster Oroch is a key rival for the Fiat Toro, and straightaway the two pickups share a couple of similarities: They're both monocoque pickups and they're aimed at the same audience (lifestyle pickup buyers). The Duster Oroch went on sale in Brazil last month with prices starting at R$ 62,290 (INR 10.18 Lakhs).