Fiat mid-size SUV breaks cover

Fiat has taken the wraps off a first new SUV for the brand in a while. This new SUV, internally known as Project 363, will go on sale in the South American markets later this year.

• Fiat to select marketing name of the SUV via voting
• SUV shares platform bits with Fiat Argo
• Will rival the Jeep Renegade and the Hyundai Creta in South America

New Fiat SUV (Project 363): What is it?

The Fiat Project 363 has been under development for quite some time. An SUV aimed at emerging markets like South America where Fiat has a stronghold, this model from the Italian brand will help it pave its way in the ever-growing mid-size SUV segment. The company is yet to confirm a marketing name for this new SUV. The brand has held an online poll and asked customers to choose between the names Pulse, Tuo or Domo. 

New Fiat SUV (Project 363): Design and styling

As far as looks go, the new Fiat SUV carries the brand's latest styling theme that is seen on newer models like the Argo and Strada. The SUV features an upright nose with wide wraparound headlamps and a wide grille that has the big Fiat logo in the centre. The bumper features two triangular shaped fog lamp housings at each end. There is a prominent chin separated from the bumper with thick black cladding that runs across the body. It also gets a rugged-looking skid plate upfront to add to its SUV stance. The SUV has an upward swooping window line and a strong character line at the side and also has partial cladding at the bottom. Higher variants will have dual tone paint scheme options as well. At the back it gets stylish taillamps, a sculpted tailgate and a prominent bumper with a dual exhaust setup.

New Fiat SUV (Project 363): Engine and powertrain details

The new Fiat SUV will come with a fresh direct injection 1.0-litre 128hp turbo petrol engine. This powerplant will be mated to an Aisin-sourced CVT gearbox. Additionally, there will be a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine as well, the same motor that powers the South American-spec Jeep Compass and will also see duty in the upcoming three-row Jeep SUV in some markets. There will also be a 1.3-litre 109hp naturally aspirated petrol engine on offer on the base variants.

New Fiat SUV (Project 363): Will it come to India?

Unfortunately, no. Fiat's parent company Stellantis is currently focusing on the Jeep brand for India along with the new entrant Citroen. Under Stellantis, three new SUVs are being planned for India that include the Jeep three row SUV, the Citroen CC21 compact SUV and a derivative of the CC21 that will become the Jeep sub-four-metre SUV for our market.