Crossovers are a new trend in Indian automobile market. Amongst a list of new concept vehicles at the Auto Expo 2014, Fiat has showcased its own crossover concept rechristened as 'Punto Avventura'. As per sources, the crossover is based on the Punto hatchback platform. At the event, Nagesh Basavanhalli, President and Managing Director, FIAT Chrysler Automobiles India Operations, said, “The introduction of new products for the Indian market is in line with our long term strategy, which puts us in a strong position to penetrate the market. Today we showcase some of our key products from our future Fiat and Abarth portfolio for India. We are proud to present Avventura CUV (Contemporary Urban Vehicle) first to the Indian market.”
The Fiat Punto Avventura is powered by the existing line of 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine which generates power of about 90 bhp with 200 Nm of peak torque. Sources have also hinted a possibility of 1.4 Litre FIRE Petrol engine being used in the production version. The Italian carmaker has not disclosed if this crossover shall be a manual or automatic transmission driven vehicle. Post launch, the car is expected to compete with the likes of Volkswagen Cross Polo and Toyota Etios Cross.
The interiors carry the same rich and vibrant feel as hatchback version. The crossover is blessed with ample legroom and headroom for tall height passengers. On the exterior, the car sports a matured stance. The rooftop rear spoilers and rear-mounted spare wheel gives it a compact SUV look. Ground clearance is on a higher side as compared to Punto hatchback, and gun powdered silver shade of alloys enhances the overall look of this car. The new grille design and fog lamps on the front fascia of this crossover makes it a cut above the rest in this new crossover segment.
The Punto Avventura crossover concept is expected to be put up for the offering sometime later this year. Certain aesthetics like dual exhaust and protruding tag hooks at the front may not make it to the production version. Pricing for the car may be revealed at a later date.
