It has been a while since there have been any exciting products launched by Fiat in India. The last was the Avventura crossover, which was a essentially a beefed-up Punto Evo. However, Fiat Chrysler India, now seem to have gone on the offensive and enter the performance arena. The new Abarth 595 Competizione does exactly that and was launched today at the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi. We lay our hands on this pocket-rocket and take it for a spin on the race track.
Abarth is the high performance tuning wing of Fiat, which have been powering many a cars from Fiat stables.After a lukewarm response of the Fiat 500, way back in 2008, the iconic car failed to sell desired numbers post the first year of launch. The car was launched with a 1.3 Multijet Diesel engine. This time though this car is a completely different animal. It is fitted with a 1.4 litre T-jet petrol engine that produces 158 bhp and 230Nm of torque @ 2750-3000 rpm, tuned by Abarth. Fiat claims that it does 0-100kmph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 210 kmph.
Priced at Rs.32.83 lacs approx. (on road, Delhi), the Abarth 595 Competizione comes with an AMT transmission with a Sports mode and Torque Transfer control, that also offers paddle shift. A unique feature is the Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) system, that adapts automatically to the road surface condition. Additionally, it has an electric sunroof, Blue & Me bluetooth telephony with USB port, hand stitched leather seats , leather steering, xenon headlamps,17-inch alloy wheels, multifunction steering controls, rear parking sensors and Monza exhaust systems. The car will be available in four colours - Iridato White, Scorpione Black, Cordolo Red and Campovolo Grey and will be sold through select dealerships in five cities, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru.
Fiat also showcased the Punto Abarth which is slated to be launched during the festive season, this year. The Punto will have the same 1.4 litre T-jet engine with 145 bhp and a re-tuned suspension. While the Abarth 595 Competizione is a CBU (Completely Built Unit) that is manufactured in Poland, the Punto Abarth will be manufactured locally at the company's Ranjangaon plant, near Pune.
Source : MotorOctane
