Italian carmker Fiat will launch at least three new products this year. The company has recently introduced the facelifted version of its flagship sedan Linea in the Indian car market. Fiat India seems aggressive with its product plans, and is set to introduce the facelift version of Punto hatchback by mid-2014. Additionally, the company will later launch the Avventura crossover and performance oriented Abarth 500.
It has been a while since Fiat has been testing the Punto facelift on the Indian roads, indicating a near launch. The new model looks sportier than the current generation model. The vehicle share some of its styling cues with the Avventura, showcased at 2014 Auto Expo. Features like air dam and prominent lines on the hood are directly lifted from the crossover sibling. The vehicle also gets smoked headlamps. The rear profile of the updated Punto gets tail lamps with LED inserts and fog lamps. Its side profile has outside rear view mirrors with turn indicators and new 14-spoke alloys. On the inside, the Punto sports beige and black colour scheme, and has several comfort and safety features. The features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, power steering with audio switches, leather seats and others. Mechanically, the Punto facelift remains unchanged- 2 petrol engines and 1 diesel mill.
Based on the Punto hatchback, the Avventura crossover is likely to make its Indian debut by the end of this year. The vehicle sports tail-gate mounted spare wheel and a handle for better grip. To make it look sporty, the company has given lots of plastic cladding; larger wheels, roof bars and high ground clearance making it look aggressive. It will compete against the likes of Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Cross Polo.
The third product to come this year, Abarth500, will compete against the likes of Mini and Volkswagen Beetle. It is likely to be launched by the end of this year or by early 2015. Initially, the vehicle will come as completely built-in units. Later, the company might locally assemble the car at its production plant in Ranjangaon.
