Premier Ltd has been absent from the automotive industry from quite a while, and has been only launching products in collaboration with other brands like Mitsubishi. Now, the Mumbai-based automaker is planning to make a comeback with the new Rio SUV. Interestingly, the upcoming Premier SUV will borrow Fiat’s 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine.
Premier Ltd and Fiat India Ltd have signed a three-year agreement for the Premier Rio SUV to source Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multi-jet diesel engine. While Fiat will primarily supply 28,000 units of the diesel motor for the Rio, this number may vary depending on the demands for the new BSIV compliant engine.
We had previously reported that Premier had started testing the Rio SUV, and it may be in the final stages for launch. Besides having a powerful and refined motor, Rio benefits from the new deal as it gives the compact SUV, a chance to reach BSIV markets.
Although Premier Rio petrol comes to standard of BSIV emission norms, the diesel unit is BSIII compliant, hindering its entrance into BSIV markets. Moreover, the new Fiat Mutli-jet diesel delivers 75 bhp output, 10 bhp more than the current diesel unit. Apart from being eco-friendly, the Fiat’s 1.3-litre multi-jet gives a stunning fuel efficiency of 18 kmpl.
Premier plans to launch a new ad campaign, promoting the upcoming Rio SUV and the 1.3-litre Multi-jet. The TV commercial will promote the Rio as ‘India’s first and only compact SUV’.
With the upcoming Rio SUV, Premier is planning a full-fledged comeback. For the 2012 calendar year, the Indian automaker plans to expand its dealership network from 60 to 100, and establish 200 authorized service stations.
The Premier Rio SUV is in its final stages and deliveries are expected to begin by August or September. There is no word on the price, but we can expect a good sum of Rs 45,000 for the compact SUV.