italiaspeed.com

Fiat India Pvt. Ltd announced the launch of its latest version, the Fiat Petra EL (1.6 Petrol) that would defy the laws of gravity at a price that defies logic.

With the introduction of Fiat Petra with a 1.6 engine, Fiat will be the first to offer the Indian customer a car priced below the Rs. 5 lakhs mark in the C-segment.

Modelled on the successful 178 platform, Fiat Petra is the most elegantly designed vehicle powered by the 1596 cc 16 valve DOHC engine, that belts out 100 bhp at 5500 revs.

Styled with sleek Italians curves, Fiat Petra is also endowed with cutting edge technology, all nestled inside a cocoon of luxury and is the latest thoroughbred, all set to change the future of Indian motoring.

Commercial deliveries of Fiat Petra commenced from 30th April 2004 and will be available at an unbeatable price of Rs. 4,75,250 (Ex-showroom, New Delhi).

The interiors of the Fiat Petra exude Italian sophistication and are designed for comfort, with fine upholstery, power windows, power steering, central locking and a built-in powerful air conditioner cum heater. Aided by 14” rims shod with wide tyres and anti-roll bars fitted in both the front and rear, the Italian chassis can efficiently maneuver the toughest Indian roads.

A sub-frame mounted front suspension results in superb ride quality, plus adequate ground clearance at 170 mm has been provided, keeping in mind Indian road conditions.

Adhering to stringent international standards, Fiat Petra has an Economic Council of Europe (ECE) standard crash-tested cabin that crumples in a controlled manner and a fire prevention system that cuts fuel supply to prevent fires during an accident. Fiat Petra wears a sleek bonnet that flows smoothly into a single chrome slat with slender headlamps wrapping themselves around the nose and a trendy side skirt showing off the stylish centered wheels.

The exquisite range of four colour options includes favourites like Silver Frost, Thunder Black, Glacier White and Hazel Grey.

The name 'Petra' is inspired from the prosperous and flourishing town of Petra; located in present-day Jordan, which grew rich from the spice trade. The Nabataean Arabs - an enterprising nomadic tribe, first established Petra in 6th century BC and laid the foundations of this commercial empire that extended into Syria. The unique, 2,000-year-old rock-carved, pink and salmon coloured city was also referred to as the jewel of South Jordan. Available now in India, Fiat Petra was first launched in Egypt.

Speaking on the launch of the Fiat Petra, Mr. Ananda Mohan Gupta, Director Commercial, Fiat India, said, “India has been an important market for Fiat and the Indian automobile industry has seen significant growth in recent times which we feel will be favourable in enhancing the global leadership of Fiat.

As part of the global restructuring process, Fiat India has adopted a branding strategy wherein all product offerings in the C-segment based on the 178 platform, will be introduced under a single global brand name.”

He further added, ”Fiat Petra offered at the said price will make a significant impact in the Indian market. The launch also re-iterates our commitment to India where our focus has been to offer complete mobility solutions with a strong emphasis on 'Technology' and 'Value for Money' to all our customers.

Fiat Petra will have all these attributes and for the first time, a 1.6 engine would be available at an attractive price of less than Rs. 5 lakhs, hereby reinforcing the 'proud to own' association with Fiat.

With the diesel and another petrol variant to be launched shortly under the Petra label, these luxury sedans will offer the Indian automobile owner, the best of Italian engineering, technology, styling, safety, performance, comfort and sheer driving pleasure.”

Fiat Petra will hit the nation with a direct marketing campaign having a central theme of 'Center of Gravity' that focuses on the unbeatable offer of price, power and efficiency, which Fiat brings to the Indian customer. A massive nationwide on-ground promotion in conjunction with IOCL has been kicked off simultaneously to introduce Fiat Petra. Every customer visiting select IOCL petrol pumps will be presented with an invitation to visit the nearest Fiat showroom to test-drive Fiat Petra.

With the introduction of Petra, Fiat is all set to script another success story with an unbeatable combination of price, power and efficiency to the Indian customer.