Fiat has launched its Punto EVO based crossover ‘Avventura’ last year which is not selling in numbers as expected. In India, Fiat is on revival mode in terms of its service network, vehicle line up and performance oriented cars. Fiat now takes a serious step towards the keen driver segment with the launch of Abarth brand in India. Fiat has made serious attempt in making a hot hatch for real when Palio 1.6 was launched in India followed by Linea T-jet. Now it’s time for diehard Fiat fans to rejoice as the Italian giant has finally taken the wraps of the Abarth Avventura and Punto Abarth in India. We have already discussed about Abarth Punto in our expert review section and here we took Avventura ‘Powered by Abarth’ for a short spin on tough Indian roads to extract its real power. Let’s find out?
Engine:
Fiat Avventura was initially launched with 1.4l litre petrol and 1.3l diesel engines but certainly not the right choice. With the launch of Abarth Avventura with T-jet turbocharged engine has given the true petrol headed something to cheer about. The 1.4l engine produces 140bhp of max power@5500rpm and 210Nm of high torque@2000-4000rpm, matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox. By claiming 0-100km/hr in just 9.9 seconds, Abarth Avventura is probably the fastest crossover in the country at present.
Performance:
Now comes to the real part, Crank up the engine and straight you’ll feel it’s no ordinary Fiat, despite of initial turbo lag below 2000rpm it feels planted. After passing the 2500rpm mark there is sudden burst of power which continues till the redline which makes street cred and driving and overtaking on the highways a glory. The 5-speed manual gearbox isn’t very slick and assuring. There is abundant amount of torque steer present in Abarth powered Avventura which make things even daunting.
Abarth Avventura comes with same suspension set up and ride height of standard car and as a consequence it makes the baby crossover not as exciting as Punto Abarth. The disappointing thing is that the meaty power goes in vain as the suspension doesn’t have the clench to full power into the expected performance.
Design and Interior:
Fiat is known for making eye grabbing models, Punto Evo and standard Avventura are great examples of it. The Abarth powered Avventura is pretty much the same as standard model with just a few changes like ‘Powered by Abarth’ badges on the rear door, 16 inch scorpion black alloy wheels and the Scorpion logo on the engine cover. It looks sporty and classy in hip hop black color shade. Apart from these changes, it possesses same sweptback smoked headlamps, bulbous bonnet, rectangular fog lamps flanked by dual port grille. Black cladding to the sides, aluminum roof rails and tailgate mounted spare wheel add sportiness and spice to the overall profile.
The interiors of Abarth Avventura too remain same with dual tone dashboard with soft touch material and leather touch on the doors. As far as features goes, it gets three circular gauges-rolls, compass and pitch etc. There is an integrated audio system with Aux-in, USB, and MP3 support and ‘Blue & Me’ interface, automatic climate control with rear AC vent. It misses out on touchscreen infotainment and navigation which is very disappointing thing for a Rs. 10 lakh vehicle.
Safety:
On Safety front, it gets dual front airbags with passenger side deactivation system and early crash sensors, auto door lock, ABS with EBD, central locking, engine immobilizer and Fire prevention system (FPS). Fiat should have provided rear parking camera or sensors as it has restricted rear visibility.
Verdict:
Fiat Avventura was a head turner that puts a smile on your face though not ticked all the right boxes. Fiat now diverted its attention towards the driver focused segment with the launch of Abarth Avventura that gives decent performance. Abarth Avventura is not a corner carver as compared to Punto Abarth and fuel efficiency is also a not a strong point either. You’re paying Rs 11.50 lakh (on-road) for what should be a performance oriented vehicle but unfortunately it isn’t as expected.
