Upcoming new Fiat cars this year

Strolling back the years, when Fiat India began its journey in 1997 with the introduction of its most sorted Fiat Padmini that was manufactured from 1964-2000 by Premier Automobiles Limited, under license from Fiat, brought many accolades for the Italian brand in India. But, the same performance, except Fiat Uno to some extent, was not reflected in any other Fiat product launched in the Indian car market till date. There are several reasons behind the company's sales graph observing a sharp downfall specifically in Indian auto industry. Well, it can be brand's less prudence involvement to understand the local market, which is ultimately lowering their sales number here. On the other hand, there's no denying with the umpteen potential the brand bounds, and it had proved its worth in the market earlier. In terms of top-class engines and a sharp reflection of Italian craftsmanship, is what Fiat products have been till date. Take their styling and design elements, each model is simply a synonymous with luxury and a perfect reciprocal of Italian design. But, now it seems like company is not able to cover up their losses faced, and sustain the fierce competition existing in the market. Lets just study several reasons behind Fiat's not-so-happening journey, and what are brand's future plans.

Talking about 2014, Fiat plans to bring in three new vehicles, while recently they launched the facelift Linea to revive the sales number of the sedan. Rest other new vehicles ready to arrive this year includes- Fiat Avventura, Fiat 500 Abarth and Fiat Punto facelift. The product planning is the key for any brand to survive the existing high levels of competition, and supposedly, Fiat lacks in this department. Particularly for the Indian car market, the company hasn't introduced any entry level car, which is one such segment where possibility of failure becomes less. And if still the brand wants to play with its premiumness itself and not bow down to sell small cars, then it has to work upon its product planning epecially on the pricing aspect which plays a significant role in India. Fiat Punto, is one model positioned in the premium hatch segment, but this could not put up a great show for the company reason being its high prices. If Indian mentality to put into consideration, then this segment offers better product with more features at lesser price in comparison to Punto. Moving to next product, Fiat Linea, the sedan that fights against strong contenders like, Honda City and Hyundai Verna. Here, the scenario builds up with Linea lacking the needed engine performance as expected out of C-segment cars. Now, let us throw some light on the upcoming vehicles this year.

Fiat Punto Avventura

Fiat Punto Avventura was first unveiled at Auto Expo'14, and is expected to be the first of the rest three vehicles to be launched in India. We can expect this vehicle to arrive in May or June 2014. Based on Punto hatch, this crossover model gets some of the exciting features, more accessories and a sporty appeal. The compact looking model is undoubtedly a sportier and agressive looking model with roof rails, rear-mounted spare wheel, side cladding and others. Mechanically, the car gets the same engine options as in its hatch sibling. With a 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel unit, it delivers max power of 90bhp and 200Nm of peak torque. The petrol version could also be expected with this car. Avventura can be priced in between Rs. 6-7 lakh.

Fiat Abarth 500

The performace oriented version of Fiat 500 is being developed, which will be an amazing hot-hatch in the form of all-new Fiat Abarth 500. The car will source its power from a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit, that will generate two power outputs- 135bhp and 161bhp. It is expected to be loaded with several exciting features like leather wrapped steering, sport seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, decals and others. The launch can happen anytime around festive season, and we expect the price to be in between Rs.20- 25 lakh.

Fiat Punto facelift

The company also seem to be high on bringing the facelift of its flagship hatch, Punto, expected to arrive anytime in the third or fourth quater this year. There will be several exterior upgrades like new bumper, refreshed head and tail lamps while interior could be shared with the new Linea. Whereas, the car will remain unchanged in the engine dept, and will continue be offered with a 1.2-litre & 1.4-litre petrol, and 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine. As mentioned above, pricing was the factor behind Punto's not-so-successful journey. So, this time we can expect the car to come with revised prices, somewhere in between Rs. 5-6 lakh.