Fiat X1H Hatchback Spied

Fiat’s new entry-level, low cost hatchback codenamed X1H has been spied testing once again in Brazil. The new hatchback is supposed to be launched in the first quarter of 2016, in Brazil and will be eventually replacing the best seller – Palio Fire.

The X1H is built on a new hybrid platform that borrows a major part of its architecture from the 327 (new Uno platform). This new platform has even better strength and will conform to present and future crash test norms.  The X1H has several similarities with the new Uno, as the front doors and windshield are be borrowed from it. The X1H will have a shorter wheelbase though and hence a different rear portion. The rear hatch will be an all glass one, similar to the Honda Brio and the car will be of the size of the VW Up.

The X1 H will be initially launched with a 1.0-litre eight-valve petrol engine and later replaced a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit. This new engine that Fiat is working on, shall produce a power of 80bhp and is supposed to have good low end torque. The spread of the 98Nm of torque will be even and the engine will be tuned to meet requirements of buyers who mainly use the car within city limits and rarely exceed the revs beyond 4000 rpm.

Hence, the car will provide ample torque without having to rev the engine much. Also, there is less frictional loss of power, when the car is driven at low rpms, thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

The rendered images by Carplace give a sense of how the hatch might look

Whether the X1H will make it to India is yet unknown, however, as Fiat India is back to the drawing board trying to figure out all new products for the Indian market, we feel this car will make sense and can offer serious competition to the Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon and Renault Kwid. Fiat has always been a major player internationally when it comes to small cars and has bagged several awards for different cars, from its stables, over the years.

Source: Autosegredos