Fiat Avventura : Is it more than a Punto?

After creating a lot of buzz with its concept model at the Delhi Auto Expo, Fiat's production-ready Avventura, is now set to hit the Indian streets by end of this year. The Avventura is more-or-less a beefed-up crossover version of the standard Punto, that will compete with the likes of Volkswagen Cross Polo and the recently introduced Toyota Etios Cross when it arrives in the market.

The production version of Avventura looks almost similar as its concept displayed few months back. Carrying forward the over-all rugged styling elements, the Avventura surely looks way aggressive and bolder than the Punto. The matte-black plastic cladding around the crossover's body is quite evident and adds to the all-round masculine stance. Racked back smoked projector headlights, dual-tone bumpers, roof rails and repatterned front grille are some of the other concept-retained changes.

While the production version might not come with the LED fog lamps and Day time Running Lights (DRLs) in favor of regular bulbs, for keeping it price effective. The design of ten-spoke large alloys also seems very close to that of the concept, and the large space between the tyres and the wheel arches, hints at an up-lifted suspension setup. Retaining the conventional hatchback boot opening of the Punto, the spare wheel is hinged on the rear bumper, though it appears to be mounted on the bootlid.

Though there is still a big suspense over the heart of the Avventura, but in case, Fiat follows the same tradition as the Cross Polo and the Etios Cross, then no mechanical change will be getting in place and the cross-hatch would arrive with the same engine options as the Punto. The diesel variants will be powered by the trusted 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel motor that might offer both 75 bhp and 90 bhp state of tune, unlike the Punto in which the only the lower state of tune is available. While the petrol trims will be powered by a 89bhp-1.4-litre T-Jet mill the economy-focused 67bhp-1.2-litre unit. The Avventura will be produced locally at the Italian car maker's Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra. The facility also manufactures the Punto and the Linea, plus some Tata products such as Vista and Manza.

Since the rugged hatchbacks or crossovers segment haven't really done all that well in the country, lets hope, Avventura proves out to be a game changer for Fiat as-well-as for the segment.

Source : CarDekho