Fiat´s Mid-Size SUV (Jeep Compass Rival) Rendered

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · Published October 20, 2017 · Updated August 4, 2022

The new C-segment SUV will sit on FCA’s small-wide 4×4 architecture.

With the gleeful news of Fiat working on a full-size 7 seater SUV broke last month, speculations are high on the possibility of a compact SUV based on the all-new Jeep Compass´s LWB Small Wide 4×4 platform. The company is expected to come up with this new car before the end of this decade, positioning it above the Fiat 500X and the Toro-based 7-seat SUV (replacing Fiat Freemont).

Italian Automotive Blog Carpassion.it has created a rather realistic imagery of the upcoming compact SUV with Fiat´s red logo. The latest rendering predicts styling influence from the Euro-spec Fiat Tipo and Brazilian Argo hatchbacks, thanks to the long, bulky hood and “wrap around” styling in all four corners. Yet, the high ride height and chunky wheels, along with black-finish wheel arches and running board all over, makes it a bigger SUV than the 500X. The C-SUV is likely to project itself an “urban-lifestyle SUV”, with high priorities of ride comfort, interior space, and tech features.

Also Read: Fiat X6S Argo Sedan (Linea Successor) Rendered

As we knew, the second-gen Jeep Compass is the first SUV built on the FCA’s LWB small-wide 4×4 architecture, and Fiat can use the same for its new mid-size SUV as well. It is flexible, with longer wheelbase than the regular `Small-Wide 4×4´ platform that underpins Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X in the B-segment.

Fiat may extend a similar engine option list akin to the Jeep Compass to this Europe-focussed model. This includes turbo-charged motors like 1.4-litre MultiAir 2 petrol, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre MultiJet 2 diesels. Gearbox choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic, while the 4×4 system will stay optional in the higher trims.

Also Read: Fiat MultiJet II Diesel (in Jeep Compass): Technology Explained

Apart from the European market, Fiat´s C-segment SUV presents a huge potential in other key markets including Brazil and India. In India, FCA has already invested so much to localise the small-wide 4×4 platform. Considering the immense response to the Jeep Compass and the burgeoning mid-size premium SUV segment in the domestic market, Fiat can have good fortunes for this C-SUV too.

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H/T Carpassion.it