Fiat introduced its performance brand, Abarth, in India with the launch of the Abarth 595 Competizione on 4 August. The Punto Abarth is the next in the pipeline with the rumoured launch date on 10 October.
A report from AutocarIndia says Fiat is overwhelmed with the response to the Abarth brand and they are now in the process of bringing Linea Abarth for India. At the launch of Abarth 595 Competizione at Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, Fiat showcased the Punto Abarth to wide acclaim.
The Linea Abarth is expected to get a treatment similar to Punto's Abarth avatar. It will feature a 1.4-litre T-JET turbocharged petrol engine that can churn out 145bhp power at 6,000rpm and 200Nm torque at 1,750rpm mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Visually, Linea Abarth is expected to come with contrasting ORVM and 'T-Jet' badge on the bootlid. It will get sporty body decals on the bottom of both sides, a signature to Abarth models. Additionally, it will have the Scorpion logo exclusive for Abarth high performance models.
On the mechanical front, the Linea is expected to use disc brakes, stiffened suspension and ride height lowered by 20mm.
Fiat Linea was a slow seller in the mid-size sedan segment and also one of the oldest models despite being given a facelift. The Abarth version might not increase the sales dramatically but will give a much needed makeover.
