Fiat Argo spotted with minimal camouflage just ahead of launch
Fiat Punto has been in the market for close to nine years now. The car, along with its sedan counterpart Linea, which was known for its bullet proof build and precise handling has been getting a little big on the tooth. The design though has been timeless and even now it warrants a second glance especially in that fiery sexy shade of red.
Fiat has been testing a new hatchback recently to replace the ageing Punto. Recently, the new supermini, which Fiat is likely to christen “Argo”, was spotted testing in Brazil with minimal camouflage. The testing is in the final stage before the hatchback is to be launched this month. The minimal camouflage gives a better look at the small hatchback. The vehicle had been spotted by Quatro Rodas at the Curitiba International Speedway in Pinhais, Brazil.
Like the Fiat Tipo, which is the replacement for Fiat Linea, the Fiat Argo also rides on the small wide platform. Fiat will also use the small wide platform to develop another mini sedan going by the codename Fiat X6S which will replace Fiat Siena.
Fiat is likely to offer its Fiat Argo in three trim levels: Attractive, Essence and Sporting with three different engine options.
The base model is likely to get a 1.0 litre FireFly three-cylinder engine that develops 72 hp power and 102 Nm torque while running on petrol and 77 hp and 107 Nm while burning ethanol. A 5-speed manual transmission will be standard for this variant
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The mid-tier variant will have the 1.3 litre FireFly four-cylinder mill producing 101 hp and 134.35 Nm of power and torque respectively while running petrol and 109 hp and 139.25 Nm with ethanol. Fiat will offer two transmission options for the variant, a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed Dualogic automated manual transmission.
Finally, the top end engine model is powered by a 1.8 litre E-Torq Evo engine tuned to deliver power and torque figures of 135 hp and 184.37 Nm with petrol and 139 hp and 189.27 Nm with ethanol. Transmission options include the 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
While a South American launch of the hatch is confirmed, Fiat India has still not revealed its plans to launch the new hatchback in India. Though the Fiat Punto has a very good fan following in India, Fiat India has been struggling to reach even three digit sales figures in the recent months and it might find it very difficult to convince its bosses in Italy to start shipping the new hatch to India.
