Fiat SpA, the popular Italian carmaker, has finally released more details on its upcoming mid-size sedan that is set to replace the globally successful but fast ageing Linea. The upcoming Fiat Linea replacement, which has so far been known by its internal codename X6S, will be called as the Fiat Cronos. The production-spec Cronos will launch in Brazil by the end of this year. We have already seen a few spy images of this sedan and from the looks of it, the Linea is about to get a worthy replacement.
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In comparison to the Linea, the Cronos will look a lot more modern and will come with several new-age features. The interior will be also more spacious and the new car will, of course, offer higher crash safety. The Linea-replacement will share in plenty with the Argo hatchback. That said, there will be many new styling bits to make sure the two models enjoy their distinct identity. No, the Cronos won’t look like an Argo with a larger boot; one simply can’t expect the Italians to come up with a Swift-Dzire or Brio-Amaze kind of arrangement.
The new Fiat Argo hatchback will launch with three engine options – 1.0L Firefly, 1.3L Firefly and 1.8L EtorQ Evo. However, it doesn’t look like the Linea replacement will get the 1.0L engine. It will come only with the 1.3L Firefly and 1.8L EtorQ Evo engines. The 1.3L unit outputs a maximum power of 109 BHP and 139.25 Nm, the 1.8L unit pumps out a maximum power of 138 BHP and 189.27 Nm. The new car is likely to offer three transmission options – 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and AMT. There are very good chances that the Fiat Cronos sedan will replace the Linea in the Indian car market. It may be noted here that Fiat India has been pretty much struggling to find buyers. An all-new car can surely do a lot of good to the ailing carmaker.
Fiat Cronos India Launch Date
Well, it is a bit too early to put a finger on an India launch date of this model. However, the X6S is indeed very likely to launch here as a replacement for the Linea. That said, the new sedan is still quite a few years away from us. We don’t see it coming our way anytime before 2019. Upon its India launch, the Cronos will have to rival some really well-established competition (read: Maruti Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna).
Fiat Cronos Price In India
| Model | Ex-showroom Prices (expected) |
| Base | Rs 6.5 Lakh |
| Top | Rs 11 Lakh |
There are good chances that the new sedan will cost Rs 6.7 Lakh to Rs 11 Lakh in India. In this price segment, the new car will end up rivalling hot-sellers like the Maruti Ciaz, Honda City and Hyundai Verna. It will become a successor to the Linea, which, like every other Fiat model of present times, isn’t doing well in the Indian market.
Fiat Cronos Specifications
In Brazil, the new Fiat Cronos sedan will launch with two engines, both of which come from the Argo hatchback. These will include a 1.3-litre Firefly and a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder EtorQ Evo. Of the two, the smaller engine produces a maximum power of 109 BHP along with a peak torque of 139.25 Nm. On the other hand, the 1.8-litre unit outputs a maximum power of 139 BHP along with a peak torque of 189.27 Nm. The new sedan will offer three transmission options – 5-speed MT, 6-speed AT, and AMT.
The India-spec model, however, won’t get the above two engines. Instead, it is most likely to launch with the same 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol motor that powers the current car. The Diesel variant is likely to get a 1.5-litre MJD engine, which will be basically a derivative of the excellent 1.6-litre MJD that was available on the pre-facelift Maruti S-Cross. Transmission options should include a 6-speed manual for both the engines.
Fiat Cronos Mileage
In a market where fuel mileage plays a major role in the success of any mainstream car, the Cronos will have to deliver a really high efficiency to impress the buyers. Also, the fact that both the engine variants of the Maruti Ciaz manage to offer a really high fuel mileage will make it even more important for the new Fiat sedan to be highly frugal. We believe that the petrol model will deliver an ARAI-certified mileage of roughly 18 kmpl and the Diesel version will offer roughly 23 kmpl.
Fiat Cronos Exterior
The new Fiat Cronos is basically a sedan-derivative of the Argo hatchback. That said, the design and styling team Fiat SpA seems to have ensured that both the car enjoy their own unique identity. This has been done by giving the sedan a more premium front-end through a set of new headlamps and a new grille. Basically, the aesthetics of the car’s front-end will be based on the company’s latest ‘wraparound’ design language. The headlamps will feature a twin-barrel design and LED daytime running lamps. Top-end variants could even offer projector headlamps. Other bits will include blacked-out pillars, sporty bumpers, chrome garnish on door mouldings, styling alloys, and a set of attractive taillamps.
Fiat Cronos Interior
The interior of the Cronos will be as modern and attractive as the exterior. Of course, even the cabin will have many parts coming from the Argo but there will be definitely a more upmarket feel befitting of a premium sedan. Taking centre-stage on the dashboard will be a UConnect touchscreen infotainment system. Other features will include a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, auto aircon and keyless entry. The interior of the Cronos sedan will offer enough space to seat 5 in reasonable comfort.
So, what are your views on the upcoming Fiat Linea replacement? Do you think the new Fiat Cronos sedan can fair a lot better on the sales charts? Share your views with us by penning them down in the comments section below. Also, stay tuned to Car Blog India for latest news updates on cars and motorcycles relevant to Indian market.
Source – autossegredos
