The next generation Fiat Linea will be based on the US Wide platform and is being developed with an investment of $520 million with production to commence at the company’s facility in Turkey.
While the India spec current generation Fiat Linea and Punto hatchback were updated earlier this year, work has commenced on the next generation models that will be launched globally in 2017. According to recent reports, Fiat has invested $520 million on developing the new sedan that will be replacing the Linea across Eastern Europe and Turkey where it is currently being sold. With a total of three models being developed including the next generation Linea and the Bravo hatchback, the sedan will be based on the new US Wide platform that also underpins the 500L and Jeep Renegade in the Italian automaker’s lineup.
While official confirmation on the platform to be used is yet to come from Fiat, the company has confirmed that the model will be produced at its facility in Turkey with the production set to commence by 2016 and will continue until 2023. Fiat will launch the new generation Linea by 2017, while its hatched sibling the Punto will be scheduled for an end 2017 launch. Furthermore, reports also suggest that both the cars will get turbocharging technology including VVT and direct injection on petrol and diesel engines that are aimed to meet the new and stringent emission norms as well as to enhance fuel efficiency.
Coming to the Indian versions of the Linea and Punto, Fiat will continue to sell the newly refreshed models for a good two-three years in the country. The company instead has been working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market codenamed the ‘X3U’, which is expected to go on sale by 2016. Positioned above the Avventura, the new model will be competing against the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and the upcoming models in the segment.
Source – Automotive News