Report - All-new sub-4m Fiat mini SUV could make 2016 Auto Expo debut

Ford EcoSport competitor from Fiat to use a new engine.

According to an Autocar India report, Fiat is developing an all-new SUV based on the company's 326 platform (used on the Palio). The compact sub-4 meter SUV is codenamed X3U, and is likely to be showcased at the 2016 edition of the Auto Expo, as engineers are already putting final design touches on the car.

Sources have told the publication that the X3U will come with class-leading ride and handling (that the Palio was also famous for), an aggressive styling and a new 1.5-liter diesel engine. The new 1.5-liter unit would essentially be a modified version of the 1.6-liter Multijet engine available on Fiat products internationally. By reducing the displacement to under 1,500 cc, Fiat would be able to take advantage of the small car excise duty benefits which would reportedly save the company INR 15,000 on each car.

The engine would output above 100 bhp, as even the current 1.3-liter engine produces up to 92 bhp on the Punto Evo Sport and Linea. The SUV could also get an automated manual transmission (AMT) as Fiat already has the technology for such a system.

Also read: Fiat Avventura engine details and specifications revealed

It is learnt that the upcoming Avventura, which is more of a soft crossover, would put Fiat in new light as an SUV maker, and thus serve as a buildup to the X3U. The Avventura launches in India early next month.

Competitors: Ford EcoSport, VW Taigun, Tata Nexon

Expected Price: INR 6 - 10 lakhs, ex-Showroom

Launch date: 2016

[Source - Autocar India]