After a long time, Fiat has come up with an interesting design concept and we can’t wait for it to see the light of day. The Fiat Fastback coupe crossover concept has been unveiled at the ongoing Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil, signalling that the Italian automaker is getting ready to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks in emerging markets.
The stylish coupe crossover heralds the brand’s next generation design language which is characterized by a gaping front grille that runs across the width of the car (accommodates LED auxiliary lights), high-mounted narrow LED headlamps, sharp chin, expressive sheet metal design with accentuated belt line, flared wheel arches, swooping coupe roof line, and as the name suggests, a fastback rear fascia.
Fiat has kept the interior under wraps as of now. The details of the underpinnings also remain secret but if we were to guess, the FCA’s modular Small Wide platform which underpins the likes of Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X would be the right fit.
The powertrain lineup too is expected to be borrowed from the Renegade. If the Fastback SUV enters production, the Brazilian version will be powered by flex-fuel engines (petrol and ethanol).
Fiat’s global portfolio is getting long in the tooth and this youthful crossover looks like it could provide the much needed shot in the arm. While a crossover coupe only caters to a niche, a regular SUV body style based on the same design philosophy and platform would have a wider appeal.
Fiat hasn’t revealed any future plans regarding the Fastback concept but we wont be surprised if both coupe and regular versions of the SUV are in the works. If things proceed at a brisk pace within FCA, we could see a production model as early as 2019 Sao Paulo Motor Show. Once launched, the production spec SUV would be a decent rival to the likes of Hyundai Creta and upcoming Tata Harrier.
