Exclusive : Fiat says no to Bravo’s launch plans for India
In an exclusive interview with Fiat India, the Italian automaker has confirmed that after evaluating the prospects for launching the Fiat Bravo in India, they have shelved plans for bringing in the Bravo hatchback to India. Initially planned to be placed between the Punto and Linea, the Fiat Bravo’s plans for an Indian launch might have been cancelled due to the recent announcement of the break up of the partnership between Fiat and Tata which has severely impacted sales figures of the Italian automaker in India.
Now coming to the car in question itself, the Fiat Bravo is available in both petrol and diesel engined version with the 1910 cc, four cylinder engine mated to a six speed manual transmission powering the gasoline version of the Bravo. This engine is capable of generating a maximum power of 150 bhp at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 305 Nm at 2000 rpm.
Features on board the Fiat Bravo include a climate controlled AC, power windows, central remote locking, remote fuel filler, rear wiper, rear defogger, folding rear seats. Further considering the safety of the passenger the car is made equipped with airbags, fog lamps, ABS and rear seat belts.
Fiat has also blessed the Bravo with a wholesome entertainment package and has accessories such as AM/FM/CD audio system, six speakers and a Rockford Fostgate eight subwoofer, besides MP3/WMA CD playback capability, auxiliary audio input jack, common interface system for iPod along with USB connectivity as standard features. Apart from that, the list of goodies is extended to a speed-sensitive volume control with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
All in all, the Fiat Bravo could have been a killer of a car with regard to sales, if positioned properly in the Indian market. But then again considering the state of conditions Fiat India is currently going through, a new addition to their list of cars in the Indian portfolio definitely does not top the list of priorities for Fiat India.
