Fiat India planning on launching Fiat Punto Adventure

Fiat India is planning to get aggressive with its launches and is eyeing a share of the compact SUV pie, with a vehicle that may sort of pass off as one. Remember the old Fiat Palio Adventure, with the butch cladding, foot step and roof rails? Fiat is planning similar treatment on the Fiat Punto, apparently, launching it as the Fiat Punto Adventure.

The Fiat Punto Adventure isn’t a compact SUV as such, but will cater to buyers who want the look and road presence of an SUV. It will come with higher ground clearance (the Punto already has one of the best ground clearance measurements among hatchbacks in India), a lot of cladding, the new Fiat Punto Evo’s front-end treatment and probably bigger wheels. Also read: Upcoming Fiat Punto spy shots

Reports on the Internet say this vehicle will probably be launched next year, but it’s unclear whether Fiat would undertake extensive body changes. We assume it will mainly be kit, on the same lines as the Fiat Palio Adventure a few years ago.

The Fiat Punto Adventure would likely go after buyers who are eyeing compact SUVs such as the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport. The Punto Adventure will likely be powered by a 1.3 litre diesel engine putting out 90 bhp of power (the same engine as the Punto Sport) and a 1.4 litre petrol putting out similar levels of power (the engine from the petrol Fiat Linea). Also read: Fiat opens exclusive dealerships

Earlier there were reports that Fiat was planning on bringing in the Fiat 500X to position it as a compact SUV, the investment required to launch such a product would be too much for Fiat to handle at the moment, given its existing growth strategy of ramping up its own dealer and service network. Fiat’s sister company Chrysler will be bringing in the Jeep brand as well in October this year, with the Cherokee and Wrangler as its first two SUVs. Also read:Jeep to enter India with Cherokee and Wrangler

Fiat is also planning on launching a refreshed Punto this year, as well as a new Linea next year, and is also introducing a performance-oriented Punto – the Punto Abarth later this year. Also read: 165 bhp Fiat Punto Abarth coming to India

Source: CarDekho 

Image source: Leoandradedesign