Fiat Shelves Project X6P (X6H-Based Pickup), Strada Facelift Likely

An yet another makeover for the Palio-based Strada Pick-up will hit the Brazilian market by 2019. 

Fiat‘s much-awaited 3-box car project codenamed X6H consisting of a hatchback, sedan (aka X6S) and a pick-up (aka X6P) for the developing markets has received a small setback, as the company has reportedly suspended its plan to develop the X6P pickup. Although it is not clear whether the plan is dropped once and for all, it seems apparent that the X6P deemed to replace the aging Strada pickup will not be launched next year.

Also Read: Fiat X6H Hatch (Next-Gen Punto) Production From March 2017

Instead, it is reported that Fiat will work on sprucing-up the existing car that uses the Economy 326 platform as the Palio and Punto. The restyled Strada is expected to feature comprehensive exterior styling and interior updates, also retaining the overall proportions and body schemes. The new car is expected to roll off the assembly line at FCA’s Betim plant by 2019. The new Strada is likely to be offered in single, extended, and double-cab body forms, along with the rugged ‘Adventure’ editions as well.

Nevertheless, there will be ‘new wine’ inside this freshened ‘old bottle’! Key mechanicals of the Strada will be reworked, including an electric-assisted steering, improved suspension, and addition of traction and stability control technologies. The pickup will be powered by new 1.3-litre FireFly petrol and 1.8-litre E.torQ EVO petrol engines with an option of 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Also Read: Fiat X6S Sedan Spied Testing With Grand Siena’s Shell

On sale since 1996 in select global markets, the Fiat Strada is a lifestyle pick-up vehicle born out of ‘World Car Project 178’ and is built on the same platform as the Palio and Siena models. Highly successful in South American markets, especially Brazil, the Strada is appreciated for its monocoque car-based built, also offering practicality as a large, body-on-frame pickup. Boasting a similar front fascia as the Siena sedan in early facelifts, the existing model was updated in 2013 with new new styling cues inspired from the Punto Evo hatchback.

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H/T Autos Segredos