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Fiat Sedici SUV to launch in India

The Fast Growing Indian market might be having a new addition in the name of Fiat Sedici, a Compact SUV which seems to be a revised version of Sedici sold in Europe by Italian automaker. Manufactured in Hungary by Suzuki Motors, Fiat Sedici is known to be based on SX4 platform.

Presently, Fiat is catering to Indian Market the Linea sedan and the Punto hatchback so; targeting the ever growing compact SUV segment, an SUV will be idol for fulfilling the plans of the management to expand its Indian portfolio.

According to sources, Fiat wants the Sedici SUV to be compact and fuel efficient according to Indian needs. A similar product as Sedici and in the same price range is in consideration by automaker. Most likely, The Company plans to introduce the SUV with modifications which shall make it more suitable for Indian driving conditions.

In collaboration with Suzuki motors, Fiat Sedici was first introduced in 2006 at Geneve motor show. True auto lovers cannot miss to see that the Sedici is a high riding SUV version of the SX4 in India. Fiat Sedici which comes with an optional all-wheel drive, was originally created by world famous designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and with a touch of a button it can switch from 4*2 to 4*4.

The major competitors for Fiat Sedici could be Mahindra & Mahindra and Renault as Mahindra has plans to come up with a mini Mahindra Xylo probably by next year.

While, Maruti Suzuki is working on the Maruti RIII MPV, Renault Duster SUV priced below 10 lakh could be launched by Renault.

Fiat plans to opt for a 1.3 litre oil burner for the Fiat Sedici for the Indian Auto market while the SX4 is with 1.6 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel option with 105PS AND 90 PS respectively.

Very few vehicles offer space for five and are available at an affordable cost so there is an increasing demand for a five –seat SUV. There are other options available like Mahindra Scorpio, fully loaded version costs around 13 lakh in a place like Delhi and a seven seat MPV like the R III but, people who have family of five and want comfort at reasonable price should be looking for the Fiat Sedici compact SUV.

Maruti Gypsy is an alternative if you have nerve to bear the disliking of your family and friends as they won’t be quite impressed by it. The cars to be launched the FIAT Sedici and the Renault Duster can do wonders for both the companies. Fiat looks at sedici as a reviver as the losses for the company for 2009-2010 stood at 290 Cr. Will Sedici be a Savior for FIAT ? We will have to wait and watch.

Some of the popular hatchback models in the Indian auto market are Ford Figo, Maruti Swift, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Beat and Volkswagen Polo. Apart from these popular models, cars going to hit the Indian roads this year are Toyota Etios Liva, Maruti Cervo and New Ford Fiesta.