Fiat has restarted work on the replacement model for the Freemont MPV sold internationally. The replacement for the Freemont will be based on the Jeep Compass according to sources. Plans for the SUV’s global debut nearly a year ago were put on hold as the brand was working on projects like the Argo hatchback and yet-to-be-revealed X6S sedan, to name a few.
The plan is back on table currently and the new Fiat SUV is likely to get similar styling as the Toro pickup, which already shares the platform and various exterior bits like doors with the Jeep Compass.
The new Fiat SUV is likely to be powered by the same 138hp, 1.8-litre ethanol/petrol engine and 170hp, 2.0-litre Multijet turbo diesel engine as the Toro pickup. The smaller engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, while the bigger diesel engine gets a six-speed manual or optional nine-speed automatic gearbox, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive layouts.
The SUV is also expected to come equipped with features such as FCA’s 5-inch Uconnect infotainment system and a 7-inch MID in the centre of the instrument cluster, reverse-parking sensors and camera, seven airbags and a panoramic glass roof.
This new SUV will first launch in the South American markets and is expected to see duty in various other international markets as well.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
