Exclusive to the whole list of standard features that were present on the previous generation Linea, which got discontinued due to the falling demand of petrol cars at that particular time, 2013 Linea boasts rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and a music system with remote control as new sorts. And to spot some of the  differences in broad day light, that too with a magnifying glass, ‘rear spolier’ and the ‘T-Jet badge’ differentiates it from the standard outgoing one. Disc brakes and ABS with EBD too are made as standard fitments on the newbie.

Powering the bay of 2013 Linea is the same old wine charmed 1.4L turbocharged petrol motor that churns out 114 PS of power and 207 Nm of torque at a dab.

However, after the price most awaited thing that Indians stride to see is ‘mileage’, and now the Fiat claimed it at 15.7 kmpl with regards to ARAI.

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This CNG jag of Fiat produces 80 bhp, whereas the petrol version of same wobbles out 104bhp whilst of more outputs in the different states of tunes. The Fiat’s 0.9L petrol too had won Engine of the Year in 2011.

Being a twin cylinder 8 valve engine, Fiat’s 0.9L focuses on reduction of weight, frictional and thermal losses. That is not actually the main emphasis of 0.9L displacement here but more to it, the TwinAir CNG consumes 3.1 kg per 100km (around 32.2 km/kg) and emits only 86 g/km of CO2, which we can say is surprising enough for the jury to bestow it with the World’s Green Engine 2013.

Clean and clear in all the aspect, it is no doubt for us that carmaker must have invested a lot of time and money for its development, and the top of all their countless efforts. However, we are thinking when it is going to land in India? As presently we are in a tremendous need for such similar type of categories due to the rising petrol prices.

But for now there is a new development, according to vice president of Guangzhou Fiat, Mr. Jiang Ping the hatchback version of the Viaggio will be making its way in the last quarter of 2013. However there is a leaked sketch that can give us an idea about how it may look like.

According to Fiat’s Mike Manley the new Viaggio will be showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show this year and the production of the vehicle will commence from late 2013 or by early 2014. Viaggio hatch can be the probable model that Manley has described in his words.

The Viaggio hatchback will be competing directly against the Chevrolet Cruz hatchback. Other than the hatchback there is also a crossover SUV planned that will be based on the CUSW platform of Viaggio. The details are still not quite clear but one thing is sure that the vehicle will be making its debut by next year.

It is hoped that both the hatch and the compact SUV will be hiring the same 1.4 Litre turbocharged petrol engine from Viaggio sedan. The engine is available in two tunes; one with 120 bhp and another with 150 bhp. The engine will be coupled with the 5 speed manual or a dual clutch automatic gearbox that will be transmitting the power.

Compact SUVs are quite popular in Indian market and it could be a great addition to Fiat’s product portfolio in India if Fiat ever decides to bring it in.

A variety of novel marketing plans have been rolled out with the assistance on internet, with the intention to hook up better with buffs and prospective clients.

With the help of the social networking site page, Fiat possessors have a chance to list car overhauling dates, by utilizing the Service Tab.

Purchasers who are keen to buy the innovative Linea or Punto can request the same at any of the firm’s franchises. Aside from the above facilities, the social networking site’s page tempts users to ‘Make the Move’, by taking part in a web challenge.

Users have to make a visit at the company’s internet site, notify the Italian firm about three things they want to do, get pals to vote for them and then enjoy Fiat Punto’s test drive.

People who bagged the highest votes will pocket a chance to be the proud owner of a Fiat Punto, whereas several others exhilarating Fiat members are also bag a chance to be the winner on a weekly basis.

It is significant that together with the promotion actions, the number of sales and service channels for the company are also being established crosswise the nation.

With the similar thought in intellect, the auto firm would be kicking off an innovative special franchise in the national capital this week, named Kashyap Fiat.

Mr. Nagesh Basavanahalli, President and MD of Fiat Chrysler Operations India, will be there to kick off the franchise.

While talking on the company’s existing and upcoming growth plans, Mr. Basavanahalli stated, “The company is speedily taking strides to stretch out to current and prospective clients and arriving at the two lakh (200000) affiliate figure on the social networking site, Facebook in just a period of 30 days of its development is indication to the truth that these plans have been accepted in a positive manner. The digital medium lets us to engage with our clients without any problem and offers us and perceptiveness into their insight of the company as well as our products.”

In the exiting year, the company will also be looking at rolling out the international brand Jeep to the domestic zone, by joining hands with Chrysler Corporation.

At the present, the company’s marketing leader, Mr. Sanjay G has given confirmation that the auto firm is making plans to re-introduce its flagship sedan, Linea T-Jet by the coming month (June 2013).

The report also said that Linea T-Jet was the initial vehicle in its section that came fitted out with a petrol engine (turbocharged) in the nation.

The well known automobile company had stopped the T-Jet engine after witnessing a big fall in sale figures owing to the launch of other diesel vehicles within the similar price tag at which the T-Jet was rolled out.

The shortage of independent franchises and meager service has been the key causes behind the negative sales figures of the company’s vehicles in the Indian market.

At the moment, the company has kicked off some franchises in the country and making proposals to swell the total number of its outlets by the end of the subsisting year (2013), which leads the firm to mull over the re-introduction of influential Linea T-Jet.

The car will be rolled out with the similar 1.4-litre engine (turbocharged), which generates 112.44bhp and 207 nanometer of maximum torque. The car’s engine will come coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Italian vehicle producer is also eyeing to launch the said vehicle in 2 trims, which consist of Emotion and Dynamic. Both Emotion and Dynamic versions will obtain a few transformations comprising the augmented ground authorization.

The Dynamic option of the vehicle will boast 185 millimeter (mm) and the second model will boast 190 millimeter (mm)  of ground authorization respectively. It is also anticipated that the well known auto firm might improve the interior as well as exterior of the vehicle to make it appear new and tempting.

Design and engineering:

Extra bucks means a more sporty looks, it is what considered by the Indians and that seems to be true where Swift had taken all the brownies in blow of only this spark itself. Here in the playground, Punto has all the streaks of Italian being written all over it, a good snub nose, twizzed outlook, a very distinct front grille, and such makes it to score above the rest. Punto seems to be the perfect value for money if one goes behind those smoky tail lamps as well. The stealth, beauty, exteriors craftsmanship, a very beautifully carved structure and many other factors make the best bet ever form Fiat.

Hyundai facelift is the moderate than three of them, with sweptback headlamps, a more sleek nose, fluidic lines flowing all over it, very importantly the practicality of its aerodynamics, glamorous appearance, stylish body kit and all makes this one a worth buying product on Indian shores, where boxy design have taken a back seat, not even peeping at all, making to look more futuristic than the rest.

Below of them stands Tata Indica Vista D90, it has traditional looks, yet the same ongoing stance, and more importantly the tall boy fable with ample of exclusive interior space inside, that’s what Tata is all famous for. It is very efficiently priced and if one sees in the efficient way then Tata springs brightly on every of them.

All of the trios have something special and spicy as well, which we can taste differently over the platter, as per their price tags also. One have the space, while other one is bestowed with looks, and the next one maybe doing on its famous tradition and all. On styling trios scores equal pints and does depend on the money which a customer is willing to shell out. Again to remind, their national traditions are clearly seen on their appearance, as differing themselves on the looks solely for that basis only.

Interiors:

Interiors will not have the win-win equation for anyone of them but the practicality is what which they stand frugal for the segment. Tata Indica this time is bestowed with the taste of bit plushness rather than going down the line in its previous generation. A good dashboard, improved finishing, and plastic quality is the thing to be talked about inside of the Indian moniker, but when our things move towards the negative assortment, the power window switch, ergonomics of driver seat: namely pedal position, figures on speed dials door pockets and other takes us on the backseat for giving it brownie points.

Very adjacently ranked Fiat Punto, is dipped smashingly in the Italian accent but we think Fiat has to do a re-inspection on interiors, being an international brand the quality doesn’t matches our expectations. The ergonomics for driving position is looking like an un-thought affair. The combination of steering placement and pedal does not laid comfort in any of the position or height, inclusive of no thigh support at all.

The Hyundai i20 had taken both of them in its simple and sophisticated stride giving us a big blink of reading on instrument cluster, and moreover crispy buttons, dashboard, doorpads makes “i” inclining in the right direction. Legroom at rear seats is not sufficient for the adults but we think kids may find cool enjoying inches alone there in the back.

Tata is very much famous for the space in its car and Indica looks not an exception. With amply of spaces on the backseat, heighted people will all not face any issues, making a comfortable seating arrangement for the three passengers. Disappointingly, the trade-offs for acres on the back is barged against boot space in Vista that we think is good to make the deal appropriate moneywise, and moreover most of the families does not mind in compromising on that, which was scheduled to make city rides most probably rather than a tour.

Engine, Gearbox, and Performance as well:

Talking about engines, Indica and Punto owns a Fiat sourced 1.3L Multijet diesel, wobbling out similarly 89 bhp and 20.4 kgm of torque, and more or less similar gear ratios as well. Both of them actually start performing post 2500 RPM. Factually, the differentiation starts peeping in through the gear shifts. Vista needs the fourth gear before gulping plight of 100 kmph whereas Punto is yelling out a bit more speed in each of the gears due to its beefed up wheels measurement. Dabbing the accelerator to gain fastest hundred, Indica crosses the mark quicker than the Fiat badge, claiming its title at 13.9 seconds, complete two seconds lesser than the Punto. We think Fiat needs to work out on this one too, because having such a bad result in its homemade powerplant doesn’t goes well down in the competition.

Hyundai plays a different league on this ground, fed with a 1.4L jag it does smooth sailing even at 5100 RPM. Coming even down to the pick of 2100 RPM its six speed gearbox helps it to gain hundred easily. The time frame from reaching 0-100 kmph is 12.8 seconds, Hyundai is more refined and silent while touching even the redline on instant hit.

Ride and Handling:

Ride and handling has given us a mixed response, Tata Vista strokes very swiftly on the smooth surfaces, with revised suspension settings, and other such technical tweaks, had made it winning on the trios, but disappointingly it will not grasp the assortment of potholes on our roads. Taking even the Hyundai for same, its softer suspension leaves you aspiring for the better ones at higher revs. The fluidic design which is sloppy on all the curves makes it the most unsafe label for taking top notches under sleeve.

Hopefully, Fiat Punto is the winner amongst all of them, with the compressed yet front leaning ergonomics on outer it has splurged the weight in right direction that this sort of vehicle is needed for.  The big bumps and many more of the instability passes Punto very easily, without making a jerk on the passenger’s front. Steering wheel of Punto is also something to talk about here, its accuracy, and quickness makes it to dive in the corners very easily, whereas the Vista emerges winner in this strata. The stiff setting and hydraulic pumping behind its driving rims makes the impressive drive possible, feels more powerful than before Indica. Hyundai i20 is good for the city clutters, with soft and light clutch, light steering, being assimilated with the super refined engine, gives it a tendency to eat up as much twizzed miles as possible.

Conclusion:

Among all of the three, Punto is the assorted Italian piece of metal, but that doesn’t seems to be fulfilling the power to core, except some powerful notches written on the paper and is not felt in actual. The value for money factor is on the downward plank for it, whereas Tata Indica Vista comeback is the improved and an enhanced one. Making the best choice if asking value for money, it gives you the glow on faces when looked inside of tits and bits, acres of space specifically, yielding the balanced equation from every derivations. Hyundai i20 is the smartest of all but is expensive on the board yet to buy. It appeals in the most lucrative manner, fluidic stances, futuristic looks, comfortable ride in city  and the most fuel efficient amongst all, keeps the purchasing bar open wide for many of us who looks family in every corner being combined with sporty attire in the first marking, just as said in the introduction.

Fuel Sip:

• Hyundai i20: City – 13.8 kmpl; Highway – 19.5 kmpl
• Vista D90: City – 13.0 kmpl; Highway – 17.8 kmpl
• Punto: City – 12.8 kmpl; Highway – 17.6 kmpl

Here it is not the matter of the Volkswagen on our local shores because the conventional king of automobiles in India is Maruti, who had remained unbeaten in a long vested battlefield of metals, to screech down the crown many multinationals had forayed into the arena but disappointingly we had to say, they returned with not so sufficient sales figures on board. To some of the last extents, those foreigners have seen the miraculous changes in the automotive business of India, maybe due to increase in young buyers, and so their will power have resulted in the positive energy making them to pounce once again on the flesh and this is where now Fiat is standing on our land.

Challenging the monarchy rule once again, Fiat had chosen MPV segment, which is presently quite impressed with Maruti Ertiga, with the model plate namely 500XL in its kitty.

500XL MPV is a complete seven seater, and is powered with different jags namely 1.3L Multijet and 1.6L Multijet II diesel whilst of 0.9L and 1.4L Multi-Air petrol.

Well, the bespoken nameplate is still hadn’t got into the production bay but is slated to happen by the end of this month and will make its European market launch in the next 2-3 months.

The picture which one can witness in this post is the first spied image of 500XL which is based on the extended platform of 500L. Though we need not have to worry, as the Italians this time have gotten serious about Indian terrain and hopefully the “Jeep” is going to be their next big launch of this season, of this year. There are other lined-ups too, and our expectations of 500XL with 1.3L Multijet goes strong on the India spec spring board.

Hence, no official words from the makers, lest the Fiat admirers can have a cheers as well. Days doesn’t seem to be too far when we will be covering this launch here on our beloved home-ground.

From the official site of Fiat, it seems that the company will launch the Linea T-Jet in two variants – Emotion and Dynamic. It has also been said that the T-Jet would also power the upcoming Fiat Abarth Punto, which is set to hit the Indian markets by the end of this year.

As its name suggests, the Lines T-Jet will be powered by the very powerful 1.4-liter T-Jet petrol engine, capable of churning out a max power of 115.6PS and a max torque of 207Nm. Handling of the Linea T-Jet has been improved because of its all-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels and 205/55tyres. Price of the Linea T-Jet has not been announced yet.

But in order to capture market space in India, it is not enough for Fiat to launch new models only. The company has to focus a lot on its infrastructure, especially distribution network since its partnership with TATA in the distribution field has ended recently. In this area, the company has already set up an entity called National Sales Company (NSC) under Fiat Chrysler India Ltd.

Apart from opening dealerships across the country, Fiat India has also made its intention clear regarding several other customer oriented services like 24/7 roadside assistance service and mobile cars. Apart from that the company will also be offering its Grande Punto and Linea customers a 3 year/1,00,000km or 2 year/1,50,000km warranty period.

The company is focusing on Tier-I cities now. In most these cities it has dealerships in partnership with Tata. But most of them have chosen either one of the company. By the end of this year, Fiat will also have its own fully-owned service chain.

Just recently in January earlier this year, Fiat had opened its 5th exclusive dealership in Noida in UP. Spread across an area of 4,000 square feet, the dealership in Noida is called Kashyap Fiat. Apart from being a Fiat outlet, this dealership also serves as a one stop point for auto parts. This dealership also has a separate car service area providing customers problem-free car servicing.

With the newly created position, Basavanhalli will now be managing Fiat and Chrysler’s operations in India and will be reporting directly to Mike Manley, the Chief Operating Officer for APAC region. The appointment has been made effective immediately.

The current managing director of FGAIPL, Enrico Atanasio will be charged with the new responsibility at the APAC region that will be announced little later. Speaking on the Enrico’s changed objectives, Manley said that for the short term period he will be assisting Nagesh through the smooth transition of responsibilities and will be help him to integrate better with the new structure to support the continuous development of the company.

In 1994 Basavanhalli joined Chrysler and since then he has held a number of positions with increasing responsibilities in the area of engineering and product planning. He has passed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical engineering from Bangalore University and also holds a Master of Science from the University of Texas and an MBA from the University of Chicago Business School. Chicago Booth Business School awarded him as the “Booth India Business Leader 2009”.

Fiat has confirmed that it will be revealing its 2013 Linea and Grande Punto on 10th of April. The new Linea will come with new alloys, new interior and some change in the 1.4 Litre T-Jet power ratings.