Fiat Crossover In India To Be Launched, Along With Jeeps In 2014

Fiat India, which presently sells only the Punto hatchback, Linea sedan and the lower end, Classic version of the sedan plans to expand its lineup next year, starting with a crossover and two Jeep models, which of course will be imported.

The new crossover model wearing the Fiat badge will, however, be the big seller, which is said to be the first of its kind model to be launched by the Italian automaker in the country.

Also Read: Fiat Linea & Punto Absolute Edition - Details & Price

"While the Jeep models will be launched next year we will also surprise the market with a crossover", confirmed a source from the company." a company representative confirmed to BS

The said Fiat crossover, however, is unlikely to be an all new model and it is more likely to take the same path as the VW CrossPolo, which is a raised and rugged version of the Polo hatchback. The Fiat crossover in question is likely to be derived from the Punto hatchback. The vehicle is also liekly to be powered by the same 1.3 liter diesel engine from the Punto.

What's important is that Fiat will manufacturer the crossover locally at the Ranjangaon facility, which it shares with Tata Motors. The crossover will also extensively source parts locally, allowing it to be priced competitively.

The crossover aside, two other smaller Jeep SUVs which will be assembled locally and a compact SUV bearing the Fiat name will also be launched, but the exact timeframe for these launches is not know.

Coming back to the Jeep SUVs - Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler - which will be imported. The two models were supposed to arrive in late 2013. However, owing to depreciation value of Rupee and adverse market conditions the launch has been delayed to 2014.