Fiat launches Punto Evo in India, plans local assembly of Abarth 500 next year

At the Auto Expo 2014 held in February this year, Fiat Group Automobiles India had revealed plans to roll out four new models in India during CY2014 to drive its local growth plans. While the face-lifted Linea model was launched soon after the expo, the second model to hit dealerships is the Fiat Punto Evo which was launched today.

Mechanically, the Fiat Punto Evo continues to be powered by two pairs of petrol and diesel motors. There's a 67bhp 1.2-litre petrol, an 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel in two states of tune – 75bhp and 90bhp. All engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Bookings for the Evo, the latest generation of the Punto hatchback, began this week. The Punto Evo is priced at Rs 4.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the 1.2-litre petrol Active trim variant. The diesel model’s pricing starts at Rs 5.27 lakh for the Active 1.3 going up to Rs 7.19 lakh for the top-end Sport 1.3-litre 90bhp variant.

The third model to come from the Fiat stable within the next 60 days will be the Avventura, essentially a more rugged version of the Punto.

According to Nagesh Basavanhalli, president and MD of Fiat Chrysler India Operations, the fourth model to be introduced in India will be the Fiat Abarth 500 before end-December. It will come in the form of completely built unit kits and would be localised during 2015. He, however, refused to elaborate on the proposed plan for localisation of the Abarth maintaining that it is still being finalised. Till 2018, Fiat India has chalked out a long-term programme for launching new models at regular intervals.

The Fiat Punto Evo has a localisation content of 95 percent. 

“We are now strengthening our product portfolio in India with cars that are designed and engineered keeping Indian conditions and needs in mind. The Punto Evo is a stylish, premium hatchback embodying Italian design flair and making it a preferred choice of style-conscious buyers. We have strengthened our presence in India by opening 116 exclusive dealerships in 93 cities across 23 states which provide world- class service to our customers,” added Basavanhalli.

The Punto Evo comes loaded with a host of features like rear AC vents, soft-touch two-tone dash, ambient lighting, dual-stage driver-side airbags, smart wipers and all four auto-down power windows. Fiat is also offering a 3-year or 45,000km total repair and maintenance programme to customers on the car. The Punto Evo has a ground clearance of 195mm to enable a smooth drive over potholes making it a likely candidate for semi-urban markets as well.

While the sales plan for the Punto Evo is to initially focus on the domestic market, exports to right-hand- drive countries will also be explored. While the Punto Evo retains its Italian DNA in terms of styling, Fiat’s Indian engineering pool has worked on developing intelligent personalised interiors for the hatchback.

With the company’s focus resting on the three pillars of products, expansion of the dealer network and a brand-building exercise, Basavanhalli does not rule out introducing an automatic powertrain in the new models though he refuses to lay down a timeline for it.

The new Linea has received a good response in the market, says Fiat India which is optimistic of cashing in on the upcoming festive season sales on the back of new models hitting the market. 

Also read: Nagesh Basavanhalli, president & MD, Fiat Chrysler India Operations http://bit.ly/1miEuiF