Fiat is planning a new 7 seater SUV that will share some design elements from the Fiat Toro pick-up truck but will be based on underpins seen on the Jeep Compass. The new Fiat SUV is currently under development at the company’s R&D Center.
Before the production spec SUV is launched, a concept will make global debut next week at the Brazil Auto Show. It will first be launched in Brazil by 2019. Later, it will also be launched in many other markets across the globe. It is not clear if the SUV will come to India or not.
Set to receive the same engine as the Toro pick-up, the Fiat SUV will get two engine options of a 1.8 liter E-TorQ flex fuel engine and a 2.0 liter Multijet diesel engine. The E-TorQ engine gets mated to a 6 speed Aisin automatic transmission while the 2.0 liter Multijet engine gets a ZF 9 speed automatic gearbox. Fiat SUV will be offered in 4×2 and 4×4 options. The entry level variant will get 135 hp / 182 Nm engine while the top end variants will get 164 hp / 201 Nm.
The 7 seater SUV will be positioned on a 2.99 meter long wheelbase. It will sport features as seen on the Toro pickup like remote start, central multimedia UCONNECT touchscreen navigation, 5” display, LED instrument cluster and keyless entry. Watch the teaser video below.
In terms of safety features it gets, 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, hill descent control and pressure monitoring system. Chrome accents are seen throughout its exterior makeup with a wider tail gate, roof mounted spoiler and wraparound tail lamps.
Considering the ever increasing demand for SUVs in India, Fiat could also bring this new SUV to the country where it will compete against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe and the upcoming Tata Harrier 7 seater H7X SUV.