Fiat X1H is expected to cost under BRL 30,000 in Brazil - Rendering

Will serve as Fiat's entry level product in Brazil.

During the first half of 2016, Fiat will announce the launch of a new sub-compact hatchback that is currently codenamed as Fiat X1H. It's expected to replace the Fiat Palio Fire and Fiat Uno Vivace.

According to reports, Fiat will commence the production of the X1H in January at the Betim factory, and will be sold exclusively in South America from the first half of 2016, and price it from below BRL 30,000 (INR 5.22 lakhs). In the product family, the X1H slots under the Fiat Uno, and could share more than its platform, which include windshields, roof stamping and front doors.

The engine lineup is likely to comprise of the 1.0-litre engine from the Fiat Palio Fire, which is capable of 73 bhp with regular petrol and 75 bhp on ethanol, at 6,250 rpm, which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. A 12-valve turbocharged version of the same engine is also considered, reportedly. Both variants of the engine are rumored to feature a stop-start system for lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy.

While the front-end of the platform is from the Fiat Uno, the rear section is, reportedly, developed from scratch, and features an all-glass tailgate. Fiat has put focus on reinforcing the chassis for better crash test results, says Auto Esporte.

[Source: Auto Esporte]