Features
- The diesel powered avatar will be spawn three trim levels- the base Active, the middle Dynamic and the top end Emotion. The petrol variant will get the same trims, but will miss out on the top end Emotion.
- All the trim levels would carry the aforementioned exterior embellishments- wheels, cladding, roof rails et al. The basic Active variant will skip out on the fog lamps and all the chrome trimming on the front.
- On the inside, the Active trim is equipped with front power-windows, power steering, remote central-locking and rear parcel tray. The Dynamic trims gain additional equipment like audio system with multi connectivity options, rear-power windows, fabric insert on door trim and door arm-rest, electrically adjustable ORVMs, height adjustable driver seat and anti-lock braking system with EBD.
- The top-of-the-line, diesel only Emotion variant boasts features like audio controls on steering wheel, dual stage front airbags, 3- Point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiters, rear wiper and defogger, height-adjustable rear head-rests, auto climate control with one rear AC vent and read out and voice recognition amongst other things.
- The Fiat Avventura will sport a new Zafferano Orange paintjob while other options include the ones already seen in Punto Evo like Exotica Red, Bronzo Tan, Vocal White, Minimal Grey and Hip-Hop Black.
Engines and Performance:
The Fiat Avventura will come with a couple of engine options, both plucked from the Punto Evo range and those are the 1.4 litre FIRE petrol motor, and the 1.3MJD with VGT. The 1.4 petrol engine produces 90PS@6000rpm and 115Nm@4500rpm. The 1.3 MJD with variable geometry turbo produces 90PS and 209Nm of torque.
Straightaway we took off in the diesel, putting our foot down and let that VGT induced swagger lull us into not believing that the Avventura has to lug around 65 Kgs of extra weight over the Punto Evo. That said, it does affect the performance a tad, especially in lower revs with a fully loaded car. Below 2,500rpm, it doesn’t move very enthusiastically, but post that, push comes to shove when the VGT kicks in. It’s not exactly a kick, but more of a linear surge that feeds the senses pretty well. There’s a fair bit of torque to play with and third and fourth gears are a joy to row on the highway as speeds build. Dial in the newfound NVH levels and the Avventuta gobbles up the miles effortlessly. Also, the engine note is quite pleasing for something which sips diesel and never felt intrusive at all. The clutch action is pretty sweet and is on the lighter side- which makes for a effortless city slicker as well, if you get used to the slightly sluggish power delivery in lower revs
The 1.4 liter petrol motor is a pretty smooth operator too. It’s fairly spirited when it comes into its own, but not that fast or high-revving- the limiter cuts in at 6500rpm. Spirited take-offs are marred by the unenthusiastic character of the engine which sounds pretty gruff and uncomfortable in lower gears. Mid-range is strong enough for relatively fast blasts on the expressway, but don’t be surprised if lesser endowed cars nudge past you. We recommend the diesel- in fact; as mentioned before, Fiat isn’t even offering a top-end variant for the petrol range, which ends with the middle Dynamic variant.
>>Next Page for Ride/Handling/Verdict>>