Fiat recently introduced the high-performance brand Abarth in the country with 595 Competizione. Taking further its performance line-up, the carmaker will soon be launching the Abarth version of Punto. But the story doesn't end up here as Fiat is mulling to bring another power packed model. Yes, after receiving the overwhelming response from the Indian customers, the Italian automaker is now planning to bring the Linea Abarth in the country.
Fiat is further planning to develop an Abarth variant of the Linea sedan for the Indian auto buffs. The sedan will adapt the high-performance modules of Abarth Punto while the cost and the time factor are also favorable. If manufactured, the new Fiat Linea Abarth will work on the similar 1.4 liter T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine with the power churning capacity of 145 PS at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. The motor will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The sedan is most likely to get the rear disc brakes, reduced ride height of 20mm and the stiffened suspension. All the changes will increase the sportiness in the vehicle with the already good handling package. Other than this, Fiat Abarth Linea will feature the accents on the grille and the wing mirrors that are contrasting, especially Abarth alloy wheels. The car will also feature rear spoiler and the signature side body decals. Fiat Linea is the slow-selling car in the mid-sized sedan segment and despite the facelift, it hasn’t procured any impressive sales number. The new Abarth may not increase the sales for the company but will surely give the needed impetus.
At present, the Linea sedan is offered in two different styles in the Indian market, one is the classic Linea design and the other one is the modern version called as new Linea sedan. The car maker believes in pleasing the masses and as it has received positive feedback for Punto and Avventura, the Italian autogiant is confident enough to come up with the performance focused Linea as well.
Recently, Fiat launched the limited edition Elegante in the country at the price tag of INR 9.99 lac. The car comes as the top-end trim and gets minor tweaks inside and out. It will be available only for the orders that dealers get from the interested buyers. On the outside, the car receives new white paint with the panoramic black roof color, all black radiator grille, sporty rear and front bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler. On the side profile, the car features a set of 16-inch alloy wheels that are similar to the one seen in the Punto Evo, chrome finish on the ORVMs and the new Elegante decal.
Coming to the interiors, the car gets new seat covers, special carpet mats and the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and new door sill.
Along with this, the carmaker is also planning to replace the Linea sedan for the Indian market. The new Fiat Aegea, a C-segment sedan that was revealed at the Istanbul Motor Show in early 2015, is being planned for the country’s fastest growing auto market. The car maker has plans for selling this product in 40 countries across the globe.
The vehicle will work on the Fiat’s Multijet II diesel engine offered in two different options while the petrol motor is also available in two variants. The engine power output is expected in between 94 bhp to 118 bhp and the mileage figure of about 24 kmpl.
After lots of ups and downs in the country, Fiat is finally setting its pace in the Indian auto space with a bunch of products. If all goes well, the carmaker will certainly secure its fair share in the market.