Fiat will launch facelifted versions of both their cars, Grande Punto and Linea sometime next month, when it will also re-introduce the Linea T-Jet. The facelift of both these cars have been on sale internationally for quite some time. These highly capable and fun to drive Fiat cars have not sold very well even though they boast of decent quality and good value for money. But Fiat is determined to change that with a very comprehensive expansion plan for India which they announced last year.
The Linea facelift will be the same car that has been launched in Turkey. This new Linea will get a completely new bumper design, a new grille and a lot more chrome on the front end. The fog lamp design too will be different. The rear of the cars features a new bumper design, new tail lamps and again addition of a few chrome trims. The vehicle remains mostly unchanged in the profile. The interior sees many changes with a new dashboard design with black and beige dashboard and door panels. The engines will remain the same with a few tweaks for better fuel efficiency.
The Punto facelift will borrow a lot from the Punto Evo. The Punto will get a new headlamp and front bumper design at the front. The fog lamp will be different and so will its placement on the bumper. At the rear the Punto will get new tail lamp design and possibly the logos will be placed differently. The interior too will be upgraded with a different dashboard and centre console design. The engines will remain the same with better tuning for better fuel efficiency.
Fiat could market the updated Punto and Linea aggressively as by the time they are launched in India, Fiat will have a widespread dealership network. Fiat is also working on bringing the Punto Abarth in India later this year, a vehicle which will be used as a brand building tool by the Italian automaker. The company will also launch the first Jeep product in the country.
