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Old 29th August 2014, 22:39   #1846
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Looking at the vehicle, one notices two major factory made changes between the Evo and the Avventura: the spare mounted wheel and the dials on the dash board. The rest of the changes can be done in a local garage: bigger alloys, roof rails, body cladding etc. One wonders if a large premium would be paid by the customers for these changes. And if not, then is there a point in coming up with a new crossover.

The other distinction points like the projector lamps, LED DRLs, orange trims would have enticed people relatively more to pay a premium.

I would hope that Fiat now creates the distinction by offering safety features like airbags and ABS in the lowest trims of the Avventura, so that atleast the customers who would buy the Evo Emotion would consider the Avventura's base model.

One also hopes that the 205 mm ground clearance has been dealt with appropriately on the suspension and handling front. Most reviews of the EVO mention that though body roll is still under control, it is definitely higher than the older Punto.
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Old 31st August 2014, 00:58   #1847
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Overdrive has got a first drive review of the Avventura out. They seem to be quite positive about it

http://overdrive.in/reviews/2014-fia...a-first-drive/
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Old 31st August 2014, 08:22   #1848
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Find Autocar India's test drive of Avventura here.

http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-rev...ve-390112.aspx
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Old 31st August 2014, 08:50   #1849
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Quote:
Originally Posted by PVPal View Post
Looking at the vehicle, one notices two major factory made changes between the Evo and the Avventura: the spare mounted wheel and the dials on the dash board. The rest of the changes can be done in a local garage: bigger alloys, roof rails, body cladding etc. One wonders if a large premium would be paid by the customers for these changes. And if not, then is there a point in coming up with a new crossover.

The other distinction points like the projector lamps, LED DRLs, orange trims would have enticed people relatively more to pay a premium.

I would hope that Fiat now creates the distinction by offering safety features like airbags and ABS in the lowest trims of the Avventura, so that atleast the customers who would buy the Evo Emotion would consider the Avventura's base model.

One also hopes that the 205 mm ground clearance has been dealt with appropriately on the suspension and handling front. Most reviews of the EVO mention that though body roll is still under control, it is definitely higher than the older Punto.
The suspension has been tweeked as well to enable the car handle bad roads better. Overdrive says that it is noticeably stiffer. Higher body roll is something that has to be expected with a GC of 205 mm. Even the Punto suffers from body roll, though its much in control. I guess this slots somewhere in between the likes of Cross Polo and Ecosport.
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Old 31st August 2014, 09:48   #1850
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

I think Fiat has missed the bus once again by not offering better engine options ( 1.4l T-jet or a better tuned 1.3l multijet).Customers won't be drawn towards the Avventura as it lacks the exclusivity factor of having better engines , better features and looking similarity to the Punto evo (with the black cladding and a rear spare wheel only acting as the distinguishing factor between the two).

Fiat should have at least offered projector headlamps ,DRL's in the Avventura.

Autocar India has done a review of the new FIAT.

http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-rev...ve-390112.aspx
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Old 31st August 2014, 10:00   #1851
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

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Originally Posted by vibbs View Post
The suspension has been tweeked as well to enable the car handle bad roads better. Overdrive says that it is noticeably stiffer. Higher body roll is something that has to be expected with a GC of 205 mm. Even the Punto suffers from body roll, though its much in control. I guess this slots somewhere in between the likes of Cross Polo and Ecosport.
, looks like they have tackled the body roll issue to a decent extent. AutoCar India has also put up their review (link). They indicate that Fiat has used a rear anti-roll bar to prevent body roll along with 205 section tires.

Both OverDrive and AutoCar seem to be relatively happy with ride quality, steering feedback, interiors, seats, and aggressive exterior body fitments The weight has gone up by 65 kgs approx over the EVO (emotion), which would mean 1263 kg for the diesel and 1219 for the petrol. Well this we all know will take a toll on the already sluggish engine-gearbox combination. Wonder what the reviews will say on fully loaded 5 people seated Avventura, especially in a hill section. Hope our Team-bhp review covers this aspect, as I suspect it is going to be a very relevant discussion on this car.
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Old 31st August 2014, 11:19   #1852
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

'Most promising car we've seen from FIAT in a while' - Autocar India.

I like this part. Looks like FIAT have done their homework.

'Our sources tell us they are working hard on undercutting the Ford EcoSport in terms of pricing' - Autocar India.

I dont like this part. No way its going to sell at Ecosport prices!
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Old 31st August 2014, 11:30   #1853
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

While the lack of T-jet option is disappointing for many here, I think the 90 HP diesel makes more sense. They want to position this to a adventure oriented tourer. Getting good quality petrol in remote parts of India can be very difficult thus, the T-jet might be more of limitation than a benefit while touring. I think Avventura might be able to do what Punto and Linea could not i.e. pull prospects from other brands.

With positive messages from Overdrive and Autocar, it seems Fiat's PR machinery has started well on Avventura. Let's hope they follow it up with an aggressive campaign.
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Old 31st August 2014, 11:40   #1854
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

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With positive messages from Overdrive and Autocar, it seems Fiat's PR machinery has started well on Avventura. Let's hope they follow it up with an aggressive campaign.
The less said about the PR machinery - the better! If it has managed good reviews - it should mostly be because of the products itself.

Few days back there was a mailer from FIAT regarding the positive reviews received by Punto Evo. The mailer said - 'rare reviews are interesting' instead of rave reviews!
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Old 31st August 2014, 14:02   #1855
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

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The less said about the PR machinery - the better! If it has managed good reviews - it should mostly be because of the products itself.
The problem of Fiat lies with their marketing strategy ,smaller portfolio and lack of frequent updation of their products.Their products are wonderful (although some may point their lack of performance) and they are backed by a good and ever improving after sales services.Further Fiat's spare parts cost are also substantially lower than it's chief competitors(based on autocar survey)

Fiat needs to improve on the aforementioned issues in order increase the footfalls in their showroom and to improve their dismal sales figures.

Last edited by suhaas307 : 1st September 2014 at 16:50. Reason: fixed quotes
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Old 1st September 2014, 16:03   #1856
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Saw the Punto Evo in the flesh yesterday on the road.
It really looks fantastic & very very premium with all the chrome bits.
The White version i saw had great road presence too. I have a feeling the combination of great looks & really nice interior will lead to some very good sales for the car.
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Old 2nd September 2014, 10:32   #1857
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Some more pics. Courtesy IAB. Looks Nice, ground clearance looks adequate
Attached Thumbnails
Fiat's India strategy revealed-1.jpg  

Fiat's India strategy revealed-2.jpg  

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Old 4th September 2014, 11:26   #1858
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Hello all ,

Autocar India reports that Fiat will be launching a all new sub 4 meters mini SUV in early 2016 to take the Ecosport head on . The mini SUV will be having a 1.5ltr diesel engine .

Source
m.autocarindia.com/Article.aspx?CIID=390166&type=News
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Old 4th September 2014, 12:09   #1859
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

Looking at the tailgate mounted wheel, it will be a task for the entry gate security guards in hotels and malls.
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Old 4th September 2014, 12:33   #1860
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re: Fiat's India strategy revealed

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Originally Posted by tushky View Post
Looking at the tailgate mounted wheel, it will be a task for the entry gate security guards in hotels and malls.
Ah! When i saw your name in the last updated, was hoping it would be a spyshot in another colour, hopefully something other than orange.

Anyways, the spare wheel is not tailgate mounted. Rather - it is mounted on a swing arm via the rear bumper and is not that difficult to open and close the boot!

Fiat's India strategy revealed-1409211772963.jpg

However, owners will probably need to step out and teach the guards about the mechanism till they get used to it!
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