Fiat has announced that they will be launching the performance hatch, Punto Abarth, in the third quarter of this year, by September 2013. This is part of the execution of their expansion plans for India. The plan also includes opening of 100 exclusive Fiat showrooms in India by end of 2013 and launch of legendary SUV brand Jeep. Fiat had announced a massive expansion plan few months ago and the Indian car community will be delighted to know that the execution of the plans has begun.
The iconic performance brand from Fiat, Abarth, was one of the most anticipated launches from the Italian company. The first product, the Punto Abarth, is scheduled for launch in the third quarter of this year, which will almost certainly be by September. This car will be manufactured locally, and will result in very affordable pricing for India’s first real performance hatchback. The next product to be launched will be the SUV brand, Jeep. This launch will be scheduled for end of 2013.
The Grand Cherokee will be the first SUV to be launched followed by the Wrangler. These SUV’s will be launched as CBU imports and will be priced a bit higher, but will help Fiat build the luxury SUV brand in India before launching localized products. Fiat also aims at opening 100 independent dealerships across India by end of 2013, 80 of these outlets will be functional by March. The company plans to open showrooms in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in the future.
No One January 11, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Ball is in court of VW and Suzuki.
This will create a segment of its own for sure if it can come within 10L on road.
Polo 1.6 was here, now i hear VW pulling it off, i guess that decision will again has to be considered, and Suzuki’s plan for swift sports now needs to be put into higher gear..
Kedar January 11, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Anupam now thats a great news.
@No One VW is going to launch 1.2 or 1.4 TSi Polo as well.
Ball is in court of Suzuki,
S Pani January 11, 2013 at 7:35 pm
@Kedar
The 1.2TSI or even the 1.4TSI Polo will be no match for the Abarth Punto. The only Polo which can get close is the twincharger 1.4 Polo GTI. But even the Polo GTI is much too tame in comparison to the far more edgy and sharp Punto Abarth.
Kedar January 14, 2013 at 10:07 am
@ S Pani
I know this fact as I drove this Abarth Punto EVO Essesse. I was just forwarding the information about TSi engines.
The car which I drove is in above picture & I clicked that photo in Chesterfield, UK.
I am still doubtful that FIAT will offer 165HP Punto for 8-9 lakh. I think they will launch 1.4 Tjet Punto with some tuning and stiffen suspension.
No One January 14, 2013 at 11:32 am
Then, Lame and shame.. another failure about to happen..
Amjad Khan February 1, 2013 at 10:39 am
Can anyone confirm that new Punto Evo will not be launched in India this year? I am eagerly waiting and totally confused. If the new Evo is not launching soon, I will go for Grande Punto or Figo
Million thanks for anyone who leave a reply
Amjad
Faisal Khan February 1, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Amjad, it is expected next year.
Ashith Kumble March 28, 2013 at 12:01 am
The current punto in india is much better looking than the punto evo that’s in europe. Go for the multijet 1.3 90hp.. I know u will complain about the first and the second gear but once its on 3rd and forward its a concorde. But the plastic alignment internally and their quality may disappoint you, but its the engine and the torque at 3rd gear and afterwards that excites me. Go for it… its built like a tank! In indian roads I can assure you that its the safest car after the great ambassador, only mention here is of buid quality and not the internal safety features.