Fiat India, which is doggedly targeting to embolden its presence in the market, launched its much awaited two-door lifestyle car Fiat 500 at Mumbai recently. An official from the Fiat India Company stated that the launch of Fiat 500 in India is basically an image building exercise and that it is not going to be positioned as a mass products here, unlike in Europe. The car is being imported to India as completely built unit (CBU). Those interested can choose from the two variants – Lounge and Sport - available in the Indian market.

In size the new Fiat 200 is more or less similar to the Swift with its 3.55-metre body. Priced at around Rs 15 lakh, the Fiat 500 expects celebrities, youth and auto enthusiasts are its target customers. The 500 sports a 4-cylinder, in line engine that delivers 75bhp@4000rpm. The 1248cc Multijet engine is capable of peak torque of 145Nm@1500rpm. Fiat India is hopeful that the introduction of Fiat 500 on the Indian road will serve as an effective brand advertising initiative before the launch of the mid-size sedan Linea in September.