[moralfibre]

It's good to hear that Fiat is jumping in the SUV bandwagon while the market is already cashing on it. Look at the Duster and XUV5OO. What is important for Fiat at this time is "Time to market". They can't be researching for too long as they have done in the past while launching the Palio Multijet, the Punto and Linea. We'd see test cars doing the rounds for more than a year until they were launched and by then most competitors had already established their products by having a great head start. At the same time, they need to look at the feasibility of launching these as "Jeep" or "Chrysler" products rather than carrying the Fiat badge which I am sure creates a lot of apprehensions in the mind of the customer these days.

[Sommos]

Fiat is first concentrating on having its own dealership network of 80-100 by maybe March / June 2013. I think it is required that Fiat consolidates it's service and sales network first before introducing any new models. This would also provide a sense of security to the existing Fiat customers.

It is really good for Fiat loyalists is Fiat decides to bring in fresh models for India. Fiat actually requires to expand its product range across the different segments. I read somewhere that apart from these two models the JEEP is also scheduled for launch in India. But I wont expect any new models from Fiat before late 2013 or 2014 at the earliest.

[rohanjf]

Fiat did mention that they won't launch any new models till March 2013 or so, by when they will have at least 75 Fiat dealers. This means we can expect new models from Q2 of 2013. I am pretty sure they already have imported some models for testing inside their facilities. Pune guys, keep your cameras ready towards the end of the year for some scoops.

Honestly, do you really think 500L will be priced below 10L?! I would rather expect them to price it as a cheaper alternative to Mercedes Benz's B-Class. If it is CKD, it should be priced around what 500 was priced as a CBU, that is, about 15 Lakhs.

500X should then be a cheaper alternative to X1, no? Say, about 25 to 30% cheaper, which I think is good enough for the lack of brand value.

[Vishal.R]

^^Completely agree with rohanjf.

Fiat's best bet for crossover/uv space could be current generation ( Brazil) Palio adventure with MJD engine.

Though earlier version did not see much success in India, but that was different time.

Also current gen adventure looks more SUV-ish.

[ashis89]

Fiat has launched 500 in the past for its iconic brand value and it was a dud(due to the price tag). The 1.3L Multijet engine didn't help either, IMO it should have been powered by some fancier petrol engine(1.4L TJet??).

Beetle launched in the same segment had better success( I am yet to see a 500 in flesh even though I have visited some 10 odd cities in the past 1 year though I have seen over 100 Beetles).

IMO, Fiat is going to repeat the same mistake by launching the 500L and 500X. They will sport price tags due north of 12L INR atleast,as per my guess and will hardly find any takers.

Fiat should look at launching practical,mass selling cars(Panda??) which will help the brand to grab a better stronghold over the Indian car market. And if it continues the way it is doing now, it might just disappear from the Indian market(again???).

[suhaas307]

Here is the rendering of the new Fiat 500X.





High points:

• The 500X is based on a widened version of the Punto's hatchback platform and will be up against the likes of the Mini Countryman

• It will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

• The 500X is expected to debut at the Paris International Auto-show next month (September) and sport a base-price of Pounds 14,000.

• Will come with a range of engine options including the 1.4 and 1 liter TwinAir engines producing 93 and 104 horsepower respectively. Expect it to be powered by MJD engines if and when it makes it to India.

Source

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Here is the rendering of the new Fiat 500X.

Quite funky indeed. But more than the 500, the design elements give some cross vibes of the Punto Evo and Suzuki SX4 (Fiat Sedicci).

[vb-saan]

First-drive report of the Fiat 500L 1.6 Multijet – from Autocar UK. I must say, quite a quirky and distinct looking MPV. Nice

[ACM]

These are at least distinct and unique looking and if to ones taste will make a good buy. Today so many of the vehicles in a segment look just like their alternatives. A unique look excite some and irritate others but it is worthwhile to stand out from the crowd to make a mark now.

Personally love almost all fiat offerings (in the looks department) except maybe the panda.

[vb-saan]

The 7-seat version of the Fiat 500L has been revealed. In the UK, this will be called the Fiat 500L MPW (for Multi Purpose Wagon), it will be known elsewhere in Europe as the Fiat 500L Living. Quite a good looking car IMO.



Details here (Autocar UK)

[sajusherief]

Not a fan of the white roof downward protrusion between C and D pillar, otherwise this is definitely and eye catcher!

[subraiyr]

Boy, this is a sweet looking MPV. Should give Dusters, Ertigas and Innovas a run for the money. The best part of this is the customization being offered. Sad that Fiat is not even looking at India for this particular beauty. It just might help them lift up their poor performance. Some excerpts below

"Fiat says the 500L Living can be customized to the user’s tastes. To give you an example of what they’re talking about, there are 19 exterior colors to choose from (11 of those are two-tone combinations), 6 interior trims, 15 different types and designs for the alloy wheels and hub caps! Two trim lines (Pop Star and Lounge) will be offered on the car. In all, 282 different combinations are possible!"

http://indianautosblog.com/2013/06/f...ater-mpv-82519

[volkman10]

Fiat, the leading automaker in Brazil, is currently developing a mini SUV to compete with the EcoSport. Codenamed Project 338, the new car will have its inputs based on the market requirements in Brazil.
The benchmark products suggest that the Project 338 is a B Segment Crossover in the making. The segment in question is growing leaps and bounds, not only in Brazil but throughout the world.

The Fiat Project 338 seems to be in the initial phases of development and the first prototypes are expected to surface in early 2014.

http://indianautosblog.com/2013/08/f...v-brazil-93757

[RavenAvi]

Patent drawings of the 500X have been posted by Auto.Sohu.com.

The 500X is expected to hit the production lines by late-2014 at Fiat's Italian factories, and also share it's platform with Fiat's future compact Jeep SUV.


SOURCE - http://auto.sohu.com/20140122/n393962312.shtml (via Cartoq)

[volkman10]

Fiat 500X Hits the Road, likely debut in late 2014.

The debut of this new crossover has already been publicly announced by Fiat and is likely to take place at the Paris Motor Show.

This is a global product, but engines choices will of course vary depending on the market. In Italy, which is Fiat's biggest market, most people will go for LPG versions and small displacement engines. Other European buyers might also be tempted by a 1.6-liter diesel .

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/sp...ris-80983.html