New Fiat C-SUV in the making

Fiat is planning to launch a compact SUV in 2019. This all-new C-SUV will be positioned above the existing Fiat 500X, in global markets. Image renderings for this SUV have started to appear and speculations for the same are rife. This new SUV will be based on Fiat’s small-wide architecture. It is the same utilized by even the Jeep Compass. The SUV will cater to global markets and the Italian company aims to sell high volumes of this new SUV.

Design

The Fiat C-SUV will be borrowing a lot of styling cues from the Tipo sedan and the Fiat Argo. While the Fiat 500X was more of a crossover styled vehicle, the new vehicle will look like a typical SUV. This SUV will share many mechanicals with the Jeep Compass. It will be built on the small-wide 4×4 architecture. It will share its wheelbase with the Jeep Compass. The overall looks and the silhouette will be very different from the Compass. It will carry more of Fiat’s styling cues is expected to be a handsome looking SUV. While the Jeep Compass has more rugged looks, the Fiat SUV will be more suave and stylish. It will be on the lines of the Honda CR-V.

Interiors

The interiors will also be modern and contemporary. They will resemble the Fiat Tipo and will come with a lot of extra equipment. A new large touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto will be seen in it. It will also get next-gen Blue & Me and navigation. There will also be features like reverse camera, steering controls and a detailed driver info system.

Engine

In terms of engines, the C-SUV will get the 1.4-litre MultiAir2 turbocharged petrol engine. It will also get the 1.6-litre MultiJet turbocharged diesel and also the 2.0-litre MultiJet turbocharged diesel for European markets. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and nine-speed DCT automatic. The vehicle will also get a 4X4 option.

Internationally, the Fiat C-SUV will be positioned between the Fiat 500X and Fiat Freemont SUV. There is also a new seven-seater SUV being built on the Fiat Toro pick-up truck. This will eventually replace the Freemont. While the launch of these are currently unknown.

It is yet to be seen if this SUV will make it to India. While Fiat had announced plans sometime back, the new C-SUV will take time to come to India. As of now the company is focussing on the Jeep brand. The following for Jeep is growing in India, with customers upgrading to the SUV. Also there are first time SUV buyers who are opting for the Compass.