The compact hatchback, Fiat Mobi, previously known by its codename X1H, has been spied once again ahead of its launch in Brazil this April. The car was spotted undergoing real-world road tests soon after the company recently registered three variant trademarks with the concerned Brazilian authority (INPI) for Like, Easy and Drive, indicating that there will be three trim levels on offer. The Fiat Mobi is based on a platform which derives the front half of its architecture (including roof and front doors) from the Uno. The rear half has been developed from scratch. A crossover-like variant with rough road package (body cladding, roof rails, rugged bumpers, etc) is also believed to be in the works.
After it's launch in Brazil this April, there are high chances that the new Mobi could enter the Indian market by the end of 2016. The build and specifications which the compact hatchback offers can easily rival against the Renault KWID here in India. Fiat India too is currently working on a new platform that will be a hybrid of the new Egea platform and the existing Punto and Linea platform. But an already production ready car like Mobi can speed up matters for Fiat here in India.
Fiat has plans to add new petrol and diesel engines to its existing Indian portfolio. The Fiat brand at the moment is focusing more on introducing Jeep brand at the moment. The company’s R&D team has grown from 30 to 700 in the last four years. The company has plans to introduce several new products in the Indian car market but these products will commence production by the end of this year beginning with Jeep and then the new generation Fiats will follow.
Powering the Mobi, will be a 1.0-litre engine from the Fiat Palio FIRE, which is capable of generating 73 bhp with regular petrol and 75 bhp on ethanol, at 6,250 rpm, and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. A 12-valve turbocharged version of the same engine is also considered, reportedly. Both variants of the engine are rumored to feature a stop-start system for lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy. With a starting price of under 30,000 Brazilian reals (around USD 7500 and INR 5 lakhs), the Fiat Mobi will be locking horns with the Renault Kwid which is getting ready to go on sale in the country towards the end of this year.
Stay tuned for more updates!