Fiat may base its future line up on the 500 and Panda hatchbacks. According to a report from Car Magazine UK, the move is believed to have been made based on the fact that in recent times the 500 and Panda have been the good sellers for the Italian automaker. They also say that the entire new range will be unveiled by 2015.
The 500 range currently comprises a convertible called the 500c, the 500L (long wheel base). It will be expanded to include the 500X which is basically a crossover and is expected to replace the Sedici (a rebadged Suzuki SX4 crossover) as well as the 500XL (below), a seven-seater MPV that has roughly the same proportions as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
The Panda range will be expanded to include a Panda XXL and this is expected to replace the Fiat Bravo. It is expected to have a high roofline and estate car like proportions. The report also suggests that the biggest one of the of the lot will be a Panda SUV which is expected to be the same size as a Honda CR-V and will give the Italian automaker a better vehicle for the segment.
Fiat India had announced last year that it was splitting from Tata and setting up its own full-fledged dealerships as well as service network. We believe that as a part of this plan, the newer models will arrive in the Indian market once they are launched globally. While the Punto is likely to be phased out at some point of time due to this move, the Linea is expected to continue as it sold only in developing markets like India, Turkey and Greece.
Source: Carmagazine UK
Picture: Carscoops
