Fiat likely to replace Punto, Linea in India with Tipo and the upcoming Argo

FCA India is currently gearing up for the launch of the Compass SUV under the Jeep brand. The Compass is expected to be a volume driver for FCA. Emerging reports indicate that FCA will also revamp the Fiat brand in India after the launch of the Compass.

Also read: India-bound Fiat Punto's successor gets the name Argo

Fiat has been selling Punto and Linea in India for a long time. The brand has launched a couple of facelifts and crossover models based on these models. The crossover models, such as Urban Cross and Avventura, are appealing to the eye but under the hood they remained the same old models with not much change. Now, the good news is that the company may finally pull the plug on the Punto and Linea. Fiat is expected to launch the Tipo sedan and the upcoming Argo hatchback instead, reports Oncars.

Fiat Argo hatchback was teased in Brazil recently ahead of the global debut expected to take place in the coming days. Fiat confirms that the Argo is a car designed from scratch in every detail. It will be a complete premium hatchback with focus on comfort and technology. Codenamed X6H, the Argo will be based on a stretched iteration of the Fiat 326 modular architecture. The Argo is expected to borrow some design cues from the Tipo sedan, which made its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and is on sale in several European markets.

The Tipo sedan is expected to replace the Linea. Compared to the ageing Linea, the Tipo sedan has a contemporary design on par with new-generation mid-size sedans. The new LED DRLs, V-shaped crease on the bonnets and unique grille add visual appeal in Tipo.

The Fiat Argo and Tipo will include both petrol and diesel powertrains. The 1.2-litre petrol mill will churn out 67bhp and 96Nm of peak torque while the 1.3-litre diesel unit will have an output of 90bhp and 208Nm of peak torque. A five-speed manual gearbox will come as standard while a five-speed automatic will be offered as option.