2024 Fiat 600: Much-awaited, latest SUV coming as Electric and Hybrid
Likely to be called as Fiat 600, this new sub-compact B-segment SUV will be the ‘Italian’ iteration of the latest Jeep Avenger, and is expected to be the most-important car debut for the aging Fiat brand post the formation of Stellantis grouping in 2021.
The global product line of the Fiat brand is poised to undergo some significant changes later this year, with the infusion of a completely new car. And most importantly, it is going to be launched as a pure-electric car to begin with, thus signaling the nature of the much-awaited transformation of the iconic brand under the Stellantis administration.
The speculation is that one of the new car in question is the Fiat’s version of the Jeep Avenger that was revealed in 2022 and went on sale early this year in Europe. Expected to be named as ‘Fiat 600‘, the new SUV is likely to spawn battery-electric and petrol-hybrid versions, just as the Jeep Avenger.
It is reported that the new car will break covers by July 4 – the historic date when the legendary Fiat 500 was launched way back in 1957 – in its electric avatar, followed by the hybrid option later at the start of 2024. The SUV will be made at Stellantis’s facility in Tychy, Poland alongside its sister models, the reports add.
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Built on ‘Common Modular Platform’ (CMP) that was originally developed by the PSA group, the Jeep Avenger has been positioned below the Jeep Renegade as the smallest model in the Jeep lineup. Since the Avenger did not replace the Renegade, it is safe to assume that the new Fiat 600 may not be a complete replacement to the already aging Fiat 500X.
The EV version of the Jeep Avenger is underpins the ‘eCMP‘ platform, with a 54-kWh battery pack and single e-motor, delivering a power of 154 hp (115 kW) and 260 Nm of max torque. The manufacturer claims a 400 km driving range (combined WLTP cycle) for the Avenger. It is wise to assume that the new Fiat 600 will replicate the same specifications and performance as the Avenger.
Further, the reports also suggest that the ICE-version of Fiat 600 is likely to come with a 1.2-litre PureTech mild-hybrid petrol engine generating 101 hp of max power and 205 Nm of peak torque. A turbo-charged 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine may also add to the list of options. Fiat fans across the globe are also interested to see a sporty, Abarth-version of the 600 in either electric or petrol avatars.
The design and styling of the Fiat 600 is imagined in different ways as per the evolving design language of the brand, by taking cues from the new Fiat 500e and spy shots of the test mules. The mini-SUV may features softer and curvy lines, unlike the Jeep Avenger, with round headlamp and LED DRL design, reminiscent of the brand’s design language.
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However, the dimension of the SUV is most likely to mimic the Avenger, with an overall length just over 4-metres and a wheelbase of around 2.5 metres. The car will also be competitively priced in the European and US markets once launched.
Fiat may launch the electric and hybrid versions of the 600 in Brazil and Argentina, considering the brand’s high-flying image and demand from customers, unlike markets like India.
(With inputs from ilgiornaledigitale.it and Motor1.com)
