Fiat India geared up to launch three vehicles this year

Fiat, the Italian automobile major, has some really big plans for India this year. The company will launch as many as three vehicles this year to strengthen its position in the market. The company recently launched the facelifted Linea in India. Other three products that the company is planning to launch are - Fiat Punto facelift, Fiat Punto Avventura and Fiat 500 Abarth. To give a low-down to our viewers on what to expect from these cars, here's our story.

Fiat Punto Avventura

First showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo in February, this year, the Punto Avventura will probably be the first of the three vehicles to be launched. The Avventura is basically a crossover version of the Punto, with more accessories, features and rugged look. However, both the cars share the platform, parts and components. The company will position the Avventura as a CUV (compact urban vehicle).

If compared with the regular Punto hatchback, the Avventura is unquestionably a sportier and more aggressive looking vehicle with features like rear-mounted spare wheel, roof rails, side cladding etc. The Avventura also has a more premium upholstery than the hatchback version. Technically, there will be no changes made to the car, as it will continue to sport the 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel unit, capable of churning out a maximum power output of 90bhp, while yielding 200Nm of peak torque. There will also be a 1.4-litre FIRE petrol engine on offer.

Expected Price: Rs 6 lakh

Expected launch: May-June 2014

Fiat 500 Abarth

Developed by Fiat's performance brand Abarth, the 500 Abarth is basically a performance-oriented version of the regular Fiat 500. Powering this hot-hatch will be a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit, which will be offered with two power output options - 135bhp and 161bhp. So, a buyer will have an option to choose any of the two tuned engines. The 500 Abarth will have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sporty seats, 17-inch alloys, decals and several other features, making it look an aggressive vehicle. The company will also offer different interior trim options to its buyers.

Expected Price: Rs 20 - 25 lakh

Expected Launch: Festive season

Fiat Punto facelift

The company's flagship hatchback Punto too will receive a major facelift, and launched sometime during third or fourth quarter, this year. The facelifted Punto will have revised bumpers with re-worked head and tail lights. The car will receive some significant changes inside the cabin as well. The interior of the car might be similar to the updated Linea, which was launched recently. Mechanically, there will be no changes made to the car. It will continue to come with two petrol units - a 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre, and one diesel engine - 1.3-litre multijet in two states of tune.

Expected Price: Rs 5 to 6 lakh

Expected Launch: Third or fourth quarter, 2014