Fiat India launches Palio Diesel and Adventure Diesel

Company press release, March 14, 2003

New Delhi

Fiat India today announced the much-awaited launch of the Palio Diesel and the Adventure Diesel in India. Driven by the powerful 1.9 litre D-Tech engine -- which is one of the most modern indirect injection, naturally aspirated diesel engines in the world -- the Palio Diesel and Adventure Diesel are all set to redefine the 'B' and 'C' segments of the diesel car market in India. These two exciting cars will be commercially available at Fiat dealerships across the country, starting from March 17, 2003 in Chandigarh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Goa, and Jammu & Kashmir. In Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka and Jharkand, the cars will be available from March 18, 2003 onwards and from March 20, 2003 in Rajasthan.

The Palio Diesel will be offered in three versions - The Palio Diesel EL, Palio Diesel ELX and the top of the line, fully loaded Palio Diesel ELX SP. The new range of diesel cars are competitively priced and continue Fiat's tradition of offering its customers true value-for-money.

Prices: (Ex-showroom New Delhi)

Palio Diesel EL - Rs. 4,19,500

Palio Diesel ELX - Rs. 4,49,500

Palio Diesel ELX SP - Rs. 4,75,000

Adventure Diesel - Rs. 6,99,000

"The Palio Diesel and Adventure Diesel launch is undoubtedly the next big success story from Fiat India. We reinforce our commitment to the customers in India by bringing to them Fiat's world-renowned diesel technology in two of the best-looking cars on the Indian roads today. Apart from design and style, these two cars offer performance and value-for money. We believe that the Palio Diesel and the Adventure Diesel will lead to the creation of new segments in the diesel category," said Mr. Alberto Montanari, Chairman and Managing Director, Fiat India.

Mr. A.M. Gupta, Director Commercial, Fiat India, added, "The new Palio diesel and Adventure diesel will be environment friendly and safe, like all Fiat cars, and will offer a host of new features to customers. Their power, styling, safety, breakthrough technology and pure driving pleasure will set benchmarks in the diesel market. Fiat has over 50 years of experience in diesel engine technology for cars and this expertise is reflected in our products."

Palio Diesel - Gear up for the future. The stylish and sleek Palio Diesel is aided by-an efficient engine management system that effortlessly allows the car to reach a top speed of 155 kmph. In the Palio Diesel, the powerful 1.9 litre D-Tech engine generates an impressive 63 bhp @ 4500 rpm, with a torque of 12.2 kgm @ 2500 rpm.

Power steering and a powerful air-conditioner are standard across all the variants of the Palio Diesel. The other features of Palio Diesel include specially padded bonnet insulation for noise reduction, power windows with child lock, height adjustable front seatbelts, fire prevention system, collapsible steering wheel, side-impact beams and an Amus crash-tested strong body shell. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and driver a side air-bag are options offered, making the Palio the only diesel car in its segment to offer these safety features.

A diesel adulteration device, which is a lamp on the indicator cluster that senses water contents in the fuel and indicates such adulteration, is yet another unique feature that is in the Palio Diesel. Clearly, it is a car crafted with pure Italian style and a great emphasis on safety, performance and comfort. The Palio Diesel comes in a range of seven colour options including favourites like Silver Frost, Flame Red, Hazel Grey, Glacier White, Royal Gold, and Fern Green plus a new colour, viz. Thunder Black.

Adventure Diesel - Untamed. An impressive ground clearance of 190mm, equips the Adventure Diesel to fearlessly face rough and tough off-road terrain in addition to regular city driving conditions. Under the hood of the Adventure diesel, the powerful 1.9 litre D-Tech engine, belts out 63 bhp at 4500 revs. Power steering, power windows, central locking and a powerful AC / heater are just the beginning of what the Adventure has to offer.

The all terrain Pirelli tubeless tyres, specially designed 14" alloy wheels with moulding on the wheel arch and a new 'double-railed' roof rack enhance the overall appearance of the vehicle. Clear glass 'wrap-around' headlights, an additional pair of protected oval fog lamps and a stylish, bull bar give the car a distinctively macho look. Engraved door handles, sleek and sturdy footboards on either side and tough black bumpers add to the appeal of the Adventure. Full door trims, with fabric insert, wooden embellishments on the dashboard, a tachometer and a Kenwood music system with 6 speakers gives the interiors of the Adventure Diesel, an attitude to match its external appeal.

Attention to detail is evident with features such as the rear wiper and washer, rear windshield defroster, remote boot & fuel lid opener, keyless entry, a child lock for the rear doors and windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The Adventure Diesel has one of the largest storage areas, with 1540 litres of boot space after folding the rear seats, making it the ideal vehicle for almost any occasion. The Adventure Diesel will be available in five exciting colours viz. Fern Green, Glacier White, Hazel Grey, Silver Frost and Thunder Black. The rugged Adventure Diesel is sure to make a mark with its contemporary styling and stunning looks that give the car a tremendous physical presence.

For further information, please contact :

Nikhil Dey/Marius D'lima

Fiat India Pvt. Ltd.

Tel : (022) 25097130 / 25097306 ; Fax : (022) 25097590

E-mail : nikhil.dey@fiat.com / marius.d'lima@fiat.com

Website : www.fiat-india.com