Fiat has codenamed the next-generation Punto as X6H. Also, the new Linea debuts at the Istanbul Motor Show on the 21st of May.
Fiat is working on the next generation of its popular hatchback, the Punto. The upcoming car has been codenamed X6H for internal communication. The car will be launched in Brazil by the end of 2016 and will be launched in other markets later on. The production shall take place in the city of Betim in Brazil. The car would feature a new 1.4-litre GSE petrol engine producing roughly 100 BHP of power and 140 Nm of torque. The recently premiered 1.8-litre engine would also find its way under the hood of the next-generation Punto. It will be based on an all new platform which gives Fiat an opportunity to work on a lot of components.
Along with this news, the unveiling date of the next generation Fiat Linea has been revealed. The latest iteration of the Italian car maker’s sedan would debut at the Istanbul Motor Show on 21st May. There is a possibility of the vehicle being displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi too. The car would be receiving new engines in order to bump up the power figures. A 1.5-litre diesel will be added to the Linea to make it more suitable for the segment it competes in. The 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol engine would most likely continue with some minor tweaks for improved power and efficiency.
The Linea and the Punto haven’t really managed to grab sales in India and Fiat is struggling to find takers for the cars. Although these vehicles come with enough USPs, perceptions of customers of poor service network lets down the brand. The Punto, Linea and the newly launched Avventura together manage to sell a paltry 1200 units on a average every month. What Fiat needs in India is a complete image overhaul and some drastic measures to help it survive in the market. We hope Fiat looks into these matters before the launch of the next generation Punto and Linea.
Source – AutosSegredos.com
