Fiat India is gearing up to introduce its two premium brands- Abarth and Jeep - in the country. While the Abarth would make its debut this year, the Jeep brand will make enter our shores next year with the products like Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. Interestingly, Fiat is also contemplating a C-Segment SUV under Jeep brand to rival against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. If reports are to be believed, the new C-Segment SUV would go on sale in 2016.
The Italian maker is aiming to invest Rs. 1500-2000 crore in the country. With this, the company is planning to make India an export hub for Jeep brand in European and Australian market. Adding to it, Fiat is also working on an all-new modular 326 platform which will underpin the next generation Punto and Linea. The C-Segment SUV will come as a replacement for the Patriot/Compass, and will be positioned above the Renegade. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 20-25 lakh.
The new Jeep SUV is likely to be produced at Fiat’s new Ranjangaon factory, off Pune. It is expected that the new model will get both petrol and turbo diesel engine options, and in both manual & automatic gearbox. The vehicle is likely to offer five-seater option; however, the company might add third row to compete well in the C-Segment. The India-made SUV will also be exported to global countries including UK, South Africa and Australia.
